Reponse #9

1. What kind of Sunday school should be facilitated and what kind of Sunday school should be preached to?

I’m not sure I totally understand the question, but I will try to answer it anyway. If you are asking if the format of a Sunday school should be lecture driven or discussion driven, then I can answer that one. I believe that a Sunday school class needs to be two parts: Lecture and Discussion. I have found myself desiring that not only in academic class, but also in Sunday school. For me personally, that is how I learn. I hear material then I “cuss and discuss” the material. It helps to firmly plant it in my brain so that I don’t forget it. And it also helps me work out what I believe through questioning and hearing things deeper. This two part format would be beneficial in a Sunday school class. Of course, this all depends on the age group. The earliest you would want to experiment with this concept would be Jr. High. Anything before that and any extra discussion or teaching probably wouldn’t have that great of an effect. Instead, for that age, use tangible teaching options (crafts, movies, games).

2. Is there a specific order that the class material should be given in? Should we keep to a calendar?

As I think I mentioned in a previous response, it is important to have a calendar or plan as to who is teaching what and when. My personal experience this semester has been one of disorganization. It has been horrible for everyone involved. Either no one shows up to teach or the people who show up have nothing to teach. It is a shame and something that can be easily reversed through planning and schedules. I also think it is smart to have a theme or semester objective. Many Sunday school classes will go through a book or course packet. This helps keep everyone accountable. It makes the students stay up to date with the subject each week and it keeps the teacher on task and alert to what he or she needs to teach the coming weekend. Having a set plan or calendar benefits everyone.