The Sociology of Sunday school

Associated Baptist Press: The sociology of Sunday school

(ABP) — These days, clergy and laity, professors and students alike generally agree that basic knowledge of the Bible is fast disappearing among Americans conservative, moderate and liberal. Indeed, in recent years I have occasionally received notes from undergraduate and graduate students reminding me that they “did not grow up studying the Bible,” and are not always clear as to the meaning or context of such phrases as “prodigal son,” “woman at the well” or “rich young ruler.” Such comments take me back to Sunday school, past and present. …

… Across the years, Sunday school:

— Taught biblical content to generations of Protestants.

— Instructed persons in what the Bible said, if not always in what it meant.

— Offered a small group, multigenerational experience on a weekly basis.

— Created a phalanx of lay teachers, many of whom invested great time and energy in preparing lessons and ministering to their class members.

— Received mixed reviews from participants, some of whom celebrated its learning and sense of community; others of whom testified to having been “bored silly” by the ordeal.

While Sunday school continues to be an important element in the life of a majority of Protestant churches in America, its overall numerical and curricular influence is clearly waning. The symptoms are evident in congregations large and small, including:

— Declines in overall attendance by children and adults.

— Intermittent participation by some of the most regular participants.

— Multiple worship services that may impact traditional Sunday school schedules.

— Difficulty in finding teachers whose calendars support consistent involvement.

— Decisions by some congregations to close Sunday school programs for certain age groups.

— Complex family calendars that require weekend travel, employment, caregiving or recreational responsibilities.

— Concerns about an increasing biblical illiteracy evident among a growing number of Protestant practitioners.

— The deterioration of fellowship and pastoral care offered through the community life of the class. …

… When it began, Sunday school was a creative response to a particular societal need and setting, confronting the massive illiteracy present among British and American youth. Later, enhanced by denominational networks and the sociology of the Protestant Sunday it offered opportunity for extended biblical instruction and Christian community.

As the sociology of Sunday changes can Sunday school remain an effective vehicle for addressing the escalating biblical illiteracy evident among American Protestants? If not, then we’d better do something fast. Otherwise we’re nothing but a bunch of prodigals!