| A recent survey gave an insight into the problems | | | | the majority of Sunday schools are experiencing |
| that face the local Sunday school. Here are some | | | | little or no growth in numbers. There is no easy |
| of those problems with possible solutions. | | | | answer to get new members into your Sunday |
| Lack of good Sunday school literature and | | | | school. It involves examining your program and |
| resources. Its hard to believe that some schools | | | | then working to invite others to come and be |
| have a problem with all the resources available | | | | part of it. The best way is simply to ask |
| today, from denominational and independent | | | | "everyone bring one." If our Sunday schools are |
| sources. If you are not happy with what is | | | | to grow, we must all play our part in the |
| provided for you don't be afraid to look around | | | | attendance building efforts and invite our friends |
| and try new materials. It's a good idea to look at | | | | and neighbours. |
| your own denominational beliefs - but if it does | | | | Lack of children and young people within the |
| not fill your needs, keep looking. | | | | Sunday school. Young people and children are the |
| Lack of money. If this is a problem in your | | | | future of our Sunday schools. If they are not |
| church, have a good look at your total church | | | | there the future looks very bleak. Most |
| budget. How does your Christian education budget | | | | communities have children, the problem is getting |
| compare to other expenses of your church? | | | | them to attend Sunday school. A good effective |
| Take a look at how your Sunday school is | | | | programme can keep the children, if parents will |
| spending its money. Is money being spent on | | | | bring them. A way forward for this is to have a |
| unnecessary or unused items? Are members of | | | | total "family oriented program" that can minister |
| the congregation aware that you need funds for | | | | not only to the children, but to each family |
| the Sunday school activities. | | | | member. |
| Lack of space. This is not a problem that is easily | | | | Shortage of teachers and workers. Recruitment |
| solved short of a major building programme, | | | | and training of new Sunday school teachers should |
| which space and money may prohibit. Have a | | | | be part on an on-going program. Setting terms of |
| good look at the area you currently use. Can this | | | | service for teachers is also a good way to |
| be better utilised? Are all rooms used, even a | | | | prevent "burn out" and make a rotating service |
| kitchen can be used for a small class. Are there | | | | system. |
| classes that can be combined? Can the room be | | | | Lack of spiritual growth. Growth in attendance and |
| divided? | | | | spiritual growth very often go side by side. If the |
| Lack of support by local leaders and congregation. | | | | members of the Sunday school are growing |
| In many churches only one-third or less of the | | | | spiritually they will be excited and happy to invite |
| persons who attend the worship service are a | | | | their friends. God and His word are central to |
| part of the Sunday school. Do these persons who | | | | Sunday school, if members are not "growing in |
| are not in Sunday school understand and | | | | the Lord," we need to examine what is happening. |
| appreciate Sunday school and its needs? Positive | | | | A review of the programme will be necessary. A |
| promotion and information about the Sunday | | | | renewed commitment by our teachers and our |
| school will do much to help others learn more. The | | | | members to Bible reading, study and prayer is a |
| best way to help others become more supportive | | | | good place to start. |
| is to get them involved. | | | | Lack of training of Sunday school teachers and |
| Lack of concern about Sunday school by leaders. | | | | workers. This is understandable the number one |
| Local churches are often concerned because their | | | | problem of Sunday school leaders. In some ways |
| pastor is not more involved with the Sunday | | | | this problem is linked with other problems within |
| school. This is not always possible for them due | | | | Sunday school. It affects our attendance, our |
| to work load etc. But, don't forget to involve | | | | spiritual growth and our ability to recruit new |
| them in the planning and programming stages. | | | | teachers etc. Encourage each of your teachers |
| Most pastors understand the importance of | | | | and potential teachers to read Christian books and |
| Sunday school and will help when they can. In | | | | magazines and to attend workshops and |
| recent times many denominational leaders have | | | | seminars. If training workshops are not available |
| also increased emphasis on Christian education and | | | | within your community why not plan one of your |
| Sunday school. | | | | own soon? |
| Lack of growth in all age groups. It's a fact that | | | | |