Sunday school has been an important part of Christian education and discipleship for many churches over the years. But what does the Bible actually say about Sunday school? Here is an overview of relevant biblical principles and perspectives on this topic:
The Purpose of Christian Education
The Bible emphasizes the importance of teaching and training believers in the faith. Passages like Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Proverbs 22:6, Matthew 28:19-20, and 2 Timothy 3:14-17 highlight the need for ongoing spiritual education and discipleship. While the Bible does not specifically mention Sunday school, these principles support the concept of regularly studying God’s Word together.
Setting Apart the Sabbath
In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy (Exodus 20:8-11). This was a day set apart to rest, worship God, and refrain from normal work. Under the new covenant, Christians worship on Sunday as the Lord’s Day, commemorating Christ’s resurrection. Setting aside Sunday as a day focused on God aligns with the biblical precedent of Sabbath-keeping.
The Role of the Church
The New Testament emphasizes that local churches should teach sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:2), make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), equip believers for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16), and grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Sunday school helps fulfill these biblical directives for churches to nurture spiritual growth within their congregation.
Instructing Children
The Bible instructs parents to “bring children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Proverbs 22:6 says to “train up a child in the way he should go.” Sunday school provides an opportunity for churches to come alongside parents in this vital endeavor of discipling children. Lessons and methods may vary, but the goals align with scriptural teaching on child-rearing.
Teaching and Admonishing One Another
Believers are exhorted to teach and admonish one another with all wisdom (Colossians 3:16). Assembling together regularly for worship provides opportunities to build up others through psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, and sharing biblical truth. Sunday school facilitates believers encouraging and instructing one another as commanded in God’s Word.
Gifted Teachers and Leaders
The Bible teaches that God gives spiritual gifts to believers for the building up of the church, including gifts of teaching, leadership, and administration (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-13). Sunday school allows spiritually gifted teachers and leaders to exercise their gifts by planning lessons, leading classes, and ministering to children, youth, and adults.
The Early Church Example
The New Testament records that the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and prayer (Acts 2:42). They met regularly in homes for Lord’s Supper observances, prayer, and receive instruction (Acts 2:46, 5:42, 20:7). While no Sunday school program is specifically described, this pattern of believers meeting consistently for spiritual nurture provides a model.
Principles for Effective Teaching
The Bible gives wisdom for how to teach effectively. Sunday school teachers can apply principles like using understandable language (1 Corinthians 14:9), employing repetition (Philippians 3:1),
being patient (2 Timothy 4:2), adapting to the listeners’ needs (Hebrews 5:12), and supporting lessons with Scripture (Acts 17:11). Implementing biblical teaching strategies will bless students.
Cautions Regarding Sunday School
While affirming the value of Christian education ministries like Sunday school, some cautions from Scripture should be kept in mind. Teachers must be carefully selected based on spiritual maturity and gifting (James 3:1). Lessons should be Christ-centered and biblically faithful, not relying on secular resources or entertainment (Colossians 2:8). And participation in Sunday school should never replace faithful involvement in the full-church worship service (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Key Principles to Highlight
In summary, here are some key biblical principles to highlight regarding Sunday school:
- Christian education is vital for spiritual growth and discipleship.
- Setting apart the Lord’s Day for worship and biblical learning is wise.
- Churches play a key role in teaching sound doctrine to children and adults.
- Spiritual gifts should be used to teach and lead Sunday school effectively.
- Early church examples provide models for regular corporate study.
- Biblical teaching strategies and cautions should inform Sunday school methods.
The Bible does not lay out one specific model for Sunday school, but it provides foundational principles to guide churches in carrying out this important ministry with faithfulness and wisdom for God’s glory.
Old Testament Background and Models
Though the term “Sunday school” is never used, the Old Testament provides precedent and principles that have informed this practice throughout church history. Key examples include:
- Passing on faith at home – Deuteronomy 6 emphasizes parents teaching children daily about loving God and His commands.
- Sabbath rest and learning – The Sabbath was a day devoted to reflecting on God’s laws. (Exodus 20:8-11)
- Tabernacle instruction – The Levites taught the law to the people. (Leviticus 10:11)
- Educational reforms – Jehoshaphat sent leaders to teach God’s Law in Judah’s cities. (2 Chronicles 17:7-9)
So the Old Testament established that parents (especially fathers) bore primary responsibility for spiritual training of children in the home. The Sabbath provided a key day for such learning. Priests and leaders carried out organized teaching ministry as well. These principles help inform Sunday school aims.
Teaching Ministry in the New Testament
Building on these Old Testament precedents, the New Testament provides examples of Jesus and the early church prioritizing Christian education and discipleship. Relevant passages include:
- Jesus’ example – He taught crowds, individuals, and His disciples, modeling effective instruction. (Matthew 5-7, Mark 6:34, Luke 6:40)
- Great Commission – Teaching disciples was central to Christ’s instructions to the church. (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Apostles’ teaching – New believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ doctrine. (Acts 2:42)
- Paul’s training – Paul discipled young leaders like Timothy and Titus. (2 Timothy 2:2)
So the New Testament shows that teaching doctrine and equipping believers are central to the church’s purpose. Sunday school programs aim to partner with parents and churches in accomplishing such discipleship goals.
Biblical Principles for Teaching
In addition to examples, the Bible also provides principles to guide teaching ministry. Key guidelines relevant to Sunday school include:
- Use understandable language (1 Corinthians 14:9)
- Employ repetition for emphasis (Philippians 3:1)
- Adapt to listeners’ maturity (Hebrews 5:12)
- Encourage two-way discussion (Acts 17:2-3)
- Use engaging stories and analogies (Matthew 13:34-35)
- Affirm life application of lessons (James 1:22)
- Support teachings from Scripture (Acts 17:11)
Wise Sunday school teachers prayerfully follow biblical principles like these to teach in ways that best nurture faith.
Cautions Regarding Sunday School
While affirming the value of Sunday school, the Bible also provides some important cautions for this ministry. Teachers and leaders should:
- Ensure Christ-centered focus (Colossians 1:28)
- Rely on Scripture rather than entertainment or activities (Colossians 3:16)
- Exercise spiritual discernment (1 John 4:1)
- Avoid false doctrine or speculations (1 Timothy 1:3-4)
- Use gifted, godly teachers (James 3:1)
- Support (not replace) gathered worship (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Implementing these cautions and principles will help Sunday school effectively nurture faith without compromising biblical priorities and boundaries.
Sunday School Nursery and Childcare
Many churches provide childcare during Sunday school for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Some key biblical perspectives on this include:
- Children are blessings from God. (Psalm 127:3-5)
- Young children can learn to praise God. (Psalm 8:2)
- Believers should model God’s love. (Mark 10:14-16)
- The church has responsibility for children’s care. (Acts 20:28)
- Leaders must be trustworthy. (1 Timothy 3:4-5)
So while nurseries and childcare aim to provide safe, loving environments, not formal Bible teaching, they still facilitate parents’ and churches’ biblical calling to nurture children. Caring for little ones enables parents to attend worship and Sunday school so families can be spiritually fed together.
Age-Appropriate Classes
Most Sunday school programs offer specialized classes and lessons designed for different age groups and learning capacities. This aligns with biblical wisdom, including:
- Teaching should fit listeners’ maturity and needs. (Hebrews 5:12-14)
- God relates differently with children and adults. (Hosea 11:1-4)
- Spiritual nurture requires personalized discipleship. (Acts 20:20)
- Each part of Christ’s body has different functions. (Romans 12:4-8)
The Bible highlights how believers mature through different stages. Offering lessons tailored to students’ ages allows Sunday school teachers to provide targeted biblical nourishment for spiritual growth.
Sunday School Curriculum
The Bible does not prescribe administrative details like Sunday school curriculum, but biblical principles shape wisdom for choosing curriculum. Curricula should aim to:
- Teach the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 20:27)
- Focus on Christ crucified and resurrected (1 Corinthians 2:2)
- Align with the church’s beliefs (1 Timothy 1:3)
- Apply to life and doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16)
- Avoid deceptive influences (Colossians 2:8)
Curricula grounded in sound doctrine equip students’ minds and hearts to apply God’s transformative truths. This strengthens the church’s spiritual vitality and witness.
Sunday School Outreach
Some key biblical perspectives relate to Sunday school’s role in outreach:
- All believers have a role in evangelism. (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Churches should receive new believers. (Romans 15:7)
- Loving others shows Christ’s love. (John 13:35)
- Hospitality welcomes strangers. (Hebrews 13:2)
- Sensitivity is needed toward unbelievers. (1 Corinthians 14:23-25)
So with care and discernment, Sunday school can function partly as a bridge to the unchurched, helping believers fulfill the Great Commission through relationship-building and sharing the gospel.
Conclusion
The Bible does not specifically mention Sunday school, but it provides many precedents, principles, and practices that inform this ministry. When grounded in Scripture, Sunday school serves as a valuable tool for churches to obey God’s commands to teach sound doctrine, make disciples, care for children, equip the saints, and reach the lost. With the Spirit’s guidance and biblical fidelity, Sunday school will continue advancing kingdom purposes for God’s glory.