Teach Them Everything I Have Commanded You: Two Differences and Distinctions in Sunday School

Is Sunday School treated as unimportant in the life of the local church? Is it just another program to attend? Can Christ be found in the classroom? When compared to preaching and small groups, there are two ways we can see that Sunday School is unique.

1. How is Sunday School different than preaching? It allows for discussion.

A sermon is usually a one-way street. The pastor speaks, and there is no time for dialogue with the congregation. It is not meant to be interactive in the sense where there is a back-and-forth exchange of communication.

Sunday School allows for discussion. In a classroom setting, students have access to a teacher. You can ask questions, give feedback, and respond without barriers. Students can speak with other students and learn together.

2. How is Sunday School different than small groups? The primary interaction is with the Bible.

Small groups are used for interacting with others. While you can share a devotion, most of the time is spent sharing about our lives. Small groups usually meet over longer periods of time to share life together.

The primary interaction in Sunday School is with the Biblical text. The focus is on learning, equipping, and training. Classroom learning allows for a variety of topics to be addressed over a short period of time with many life applications.

Life Transformation

There is nothing like Sunday School. When done well, it can become a core component in the life of the church. Teaching and discussion around the Bible are two distinctions worth keeping.

The goal of Sunday School is life transformation. It is not meant to replace the sermon or small group. With salvation as a starting point, strengthen students to live their lives for Jesus. Find Christ in the classroom. He is a good teacher.