Have you ever wondered why Sunday School might be a valuable part of your church experience? For many, like my family and me, Sunday School isn’t just about learning biblical stories; it’s about finding a community.
Several years ago, my wife Laura and I began visiting Bethlehem Baptist Church. Initially, we attended only the Worship Service, as we were in search of a new church home. We had visited a few other churches in the area, and while we knew our kids needed to be involved in Sunday School, we felt awkward and out of place ourselves. Often, we would drop our children off for Sunday School and retreat to our car until the worship service began.
This changed one morning when Sue Moore, a member of the church, reached out to us in the hallway. She invited us to join their Sunday School class, and in that moment, we felt genuinely welcomed and seen. This small gesture was the beginning of our journey to feeling like part of the Bethlehem Baptist Church family. It was this experience that ultimately led us to join the congregation.
Sunday School provides a space where individuals can feel acknowledged and valued. Without Sunday School, churchgoers might easily come and go without forming meaningful connections. Attending classes during Sunday mornings fosters these connections, nurturing a familial environment that encourages consistent attendance and growth.
According to research conducted by LifeWay, “Having a higher percentage of your attendees attending small groups each week… predicts higher worship attendance five years down the road.” Sunday School is not just about education; it’s about building a community that supports, encourages, and grows together.
So, if you find yourself on the fence about attending Sunday School, consider the potential for personal connections and community it offers. It might just be the key to feeling at home in your church.