How effective can one hour of Sunday School teaching be?

The short answer: it's better than nothing—and no one can deny that. But the real question is, “Can it be improved?”

Here’s what Phil Van Auken of Baylor University has to say:

Most deacons think of Sunday School effectiveness in terms of growth: how many new members are enrolled and how many new classes are started. Growth is an important dimension of Sunday School effectiveness, but there is more than one kind of growth. Sunday School effectiveness must also be measured by the spiritual growth of its members.

Sunday School effectiveness often is gauged by regularity of member attendance; but what about regularity of member prayer, Bible study, and family devotions?

Fellowship and rapport among class members are additional ways deacons measure Sunday School success. But what about fellowship with nonbelievers? How often are Sunday School leaders and members held accountable for their commitment to evangelistic fellowship with friends, neighbors, and relatives?

A key responsibility for many deacons is following up with church visitors and new members—especially regarding their need for personal discipleship or counseling. Yet these aspects are easily overlooked.

The Spiritual Health of Sunday School

Effective Sunday Schools produce spiritually healthy Christians who help build up the body of the local church. Classes can be big, active, and well-attended; but unless they boost the spiritual vitality of the church, they are not effective. The "bottom line" for deacons is: What spiritual fruit is produced in Sunday School? Are members more spiritually mature and alive as the result of attending Sunday School? The bottom line for deacons is this: What spiritual fruit is being produced in Sunday School? Are members growing more spiritually mature and alive as a result of attending?

Take a moment to revisit those questions. They deserve serious reflection.

The question to be pondered is “How can children pastors accomplish spiritual growth, family prayer, and Bible study, all while achieving the business needs of the church administration?”

"Certainly, nobody denies that Sunday School effectiveness, in terms of growth and the number of new members enrolled, is important. A larger Sunday School typically equates to greater adult church attendance, which in turn often leads to increased tithing."

So how does a Sunday School facilitate personal spiritual growth through a communal learning experience—and provide a space where individuals can explore the gospel of Jesus Christ?

It starts with thinking outside the box.

I recently had lunch with Laine Meek, Fearless Church Dayton, OH. He shared with me his thoughts on how they are approaching children’s ministry. A typical week of hands-on work with children is at best 60 minutes. What if they could turn that into an additional 120 minutes per week. By getting two additional hours of help with parents at home!

Note: That’s just 30 minutes a day, four days a week—an achievable goal.

Each week, that would be like adding two more Sunday School classes!

Sunday School: Is It Enough?

Why leave the teaching of the gospel to children’s pastors alone?

Why not provide parents with four lessons they can work on with their children? Think of the value the child gets with two additional hours of learning scripture with their parents. There is additional value to the family as well.

What a wonderful way to get the family to bond over Jesus and increase the value of your Sunday School teachings.

As Phil Van Auken wrote:

Sunday School exists to facilitate personal spiritual growth through a communal learning experience. It provides an environment where individuals—at all stages of their faith journey—come together to reexamine their belief systems and explore the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Think outside the box. Find ways to have your teachings maximized. Reexamine what you can do differently. Are there other ways to maximize your work efforts like Fearless Church does?

Phil Parks is a pastoral counselor, author, former adjunct faculty member at Cuyahoga Community College, and guest speaker at both Wright State University and the University of Dayton. He recently founded Parenting For Adulthood. His passion is helping people grow in business, life, and spirituality. You can find articles by Phil at www.parentingforadulthood.org.