by Julie Roberts, Editor 26 Jun 2002

COMMENTARY

Whether you call it Sunday school, fellowship class or Bible study, it can produce the same powerful results. New Christians who attend Sunday school are five times more likely to still be involved in church five years later than those who only attend worship services, according to research from church consultant Dr. Thom Rainer.

Can one hour a week make a difference in America’s churches? You bet. And Sunday school is the place to do it.

I base that on personal experience. My theory is backed up, though, by Rainer's research. In his most recent book, "Surprising Insights from the Unchurched," Rainer makes it clear that America’s most effective churches are emphasizing Sunday school.

Some churches fit the negative stereotype, and hold Sunday school classes that are outdated and boring. A more progressive Sunday school program feeds new Christians hungry for explanation, teaching and relationships. The challenge, however, is often getting them there.

Sunday school must dispel its image. I understand the challenge. When I joined church nearly a decade ago, I didn’t want to be involved in any small groups, especially Sunday school. Sunday mornings already were rough enough without facing a little old lady spouting Bible facts at me.

It wasn’t long before the church somehow lured me into the classroom. Sunday school held some nice surprises: I was learning just how practical the Bible was, meeting new friends, and feeling more a part of ministry.

Those benefits are exactly what new Christians are looking for, according to Rainer’s research.

If Sunday school is going to escape its dinosaur image, church leaders must be creative in their approach. Teaching resources these days are making it easier, with Bible studies that range from takeoffs of "The Andy Griffith Show" to Willow Creek’s series "An Ordinary Day with Jesus."

The titles might sound generic and even a bit hokey, but they’re pulling new believers in with promises that Bible studies can be fun and practical. And if churches aren’t making Christianity fun, may God help us all.

Churches should encourage Sunday school classes to go beyond the church walls, with small gatherings in members’ homes, cookouts and other activities. Remember, ministry isn’t limited to the church building.

Congregations serious about reaching people for Christ will be willing to admit they've done a pitiful job in the past. Now’s their chance to change Sunday school, change the church and change people’s lives.

First, though, they have to assess the situation. The Barna Research Group in a 2000 study found that:

• Only 19 percent of church members attended Sunday school in 2000. That figure is relatively unchanged since 1991.
• Thirty-three percent of born again Christians and 60 percent of evangelicals attend Sunday school in a typical week.
• Married individuals are more likely than single adults to attend a Sunday school class in a typical week.
• Sunday school remains a draw primarily in the South, where nearly three out of 10 adults attend weekly.
• Contrary to popular opinion, there is virtually no drop off in Sunday school attendance during the summer.
• Nearly one out of 10 adults is currently involved in teaching a Sunday school class, a catechism class or other type of Christian education class.

A look at Americans’ goals and priorities can help churches better understand those they're trying to reach. Barna’s 2000 research indicates that:

• Ninety-one percent of adults list having good physical health as their top priority in life, making this the highest-rated priority of all.
• Other priorities listed by at least three out of four adults include living with a high degree of integrity, having one marriage partner for life, having close friends, and having a clear purpose for living.
• Seven out of 10 adults said having a close, personal relationship with God is a top priority.
• Only half of all adults (53 percent) identified being deeply committed to the Christian faith as a top priority.
• Fewer than half of all adults (42 percent) said being active in a local church is one of their life’s top goals.
• Only seven out of 10 born again Christians (71 percent) listed being active in a church as a top priority for their future.
• Among born again Christians, top priorities for their future included a close relationship with God (93 percent), good health (92 percent), living with high integrity (86 percent), having one marriage partner for life (85 percent) and having a clear purpose for living (85 percent).

The challenge is great, but the reward greater. It’s time for churches to stop sitting around wondering how to reach people and get busy doing it. Sunday school is the best place to start.