I've mentioned that I tend to be behind the times (I don't know how to work an iPod, I record shows with my VCR, I say "nifty", etc.) and apparently this also applies to commenting on blogs.
I recently read an interesting article on why guys dislike church, which spawned a rash of comments. One commenter suggested eliminating kids' Sunday school, which spawned even more comments. Not surprisingly, this children's director was riled up and I decided to compose an airtight defense of the institution. I mulled over my arguments for days and was eventually ready to post my brilliant and life changing rebuttal. Unfortunately, there were at least five new articles on the site and no one was commenting about Sunday school anymore. My brilliance would have to go to waste.
It was at this point that I thought to myself, "Wouldn't it be great if you had some sort of personal web based forum where you could post your thoughts and ideas whenever you wanted?" And then I thought, "Wait a minute. Didn't you used to have one of these personal web based forums? And didn't you post somewhat faithfully until you bought a condo and devoted your life to painting and choosing light fixtures?"
And so I dusted off my laptop, logged into Blogger and prepared to write "The Case For Sunday School" (this title would undoubtedly be replaced by something cuter, probably referencing a song title.) But as my confident little fingers hit the keys, a new thought suddenly entered my mind. I thoroughly believe that my church should provide programs for kids on Sunday mornings. But maybe some other churches shouldn't. Given the make-up and culture of the congregation, it might be more effective for some churches to keep kids in the main service. Maybe (gasp!) both options can be right (and this comes from a girl who believes that ones choice of ice cream flavor is an issue of right or wrong.)
This got me thinking about form. It seems we place a strong emphasis on right and wrong ways of "doing church." (Incidentally, I love how the word "doing" adds gravitas to anything. I'm going to start throwing around phrases like, "doing shopping for shoes" or "doing eating my cheeseburger.") For instance: Purchasing a permanent building vs. meeting in a public space. Megachurches vs. home churches. Age specific classes vs. integrated worship. 30 minute sermons vs. 90 minute sermons. Pews vs. chairs. This all seems to suggest that if you can just embrace the right form, you'll do church the right way.
I disagree. While the New Testament has many commands concerning the mission and behavior of the church, it has far less to say about the specific form of the church. We need to cover the essentials, but there appears to be a lot of freedom in how local churches choose to implement these essentials. A program that effectively disciples children at one church may be a complete flop at another. Meeting in a coffee shop or bar might draw lots of new people in one city and might alienate people in another.
I think that the way each individual church applies God's commands needs to be informed by its specific community and culture. And perhaps less informed by books and conferences. Maybe there is more than one right way to run a church.
Let me know what you think. Perhaps I'm wrong and you're right. Or maybe you're wrong and I'm right. Or maybe we're both right.
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1 comment:
You should definitely post your rebuttal/Case for Sunday School.
Most of the arguments against Sunday School seem to hang on the "lack of Scripture" about Children's Ministry, the current failure of parents to responsibly train their children spiritually, and the high numbers of adolescents who drop out of church as they transition into adulthood.
The first argument is false. The contexts of any of the scriptural commands to raise up godly children are not limited to the nuclear family. It was the responsibility of the community, even the nation. It also seems to go against the historical context of the Bible. I always learned that there was some degree of formalized religious education, of at least the boys, attached to the synagogue or temple. In Luke 2:46 12-year-old Jesus was found listening and asking questions of the temple teachers. Sunday School is one of the few places children in church have opportunity to interact with teachers in this way.
Second argument is true, the parents should be primary in their children's spiritual upbringing, but that does not exclude Sunday School or other teaching environments. This is probably where the forms vary most. Why not have someone who is trained, equipped, gifted, and mature influencing children for the Lord? Children's Ministry is a great way for the church to add to what the parents do. Unfortunately too often parents, as they do with secular education, leave their children's Christian education to the church. But then again many limit their own spiritual education to their short time at church each week. Breaking that sinful habit is hard and a challenge for the whole church and children/youth/adult programs.
Another plug for Sunday School is its place in outreach. What if parents are not Christian? Sunday School can be a more welcoming place for these little seekers. Most Christians seem to come to faith before they are adults. We should not miss out on any opportunity to share Christ. Children's ministry attracts kids, regardless of their family background, and sometimes kids bring parents. Come for the kids, stay for a lifelong relationship with God.
The third argument needs more consideration than a comment box allows (actually they all do). Teenage/early adult church exodus is complex. Rebellion, independence seeking, the new importance of outside influence, anti-christian teachers, insecurities, questions, increased exploration and exposure to the good and bad of the world, and many other things influence the spiritual lives of youth and their decision to go to church. The world and its ruler is pretty aggressive in targeting the weak in faith. They will pull us away regardless of where you sit on Sunday morning. Youth have a far better chance of survival if they have a good background in the Word of God.
Keeping kids in church may help them stay in church longer, but it doesn't help them learn to listen. They can just learn to tolerate church. And they won't be equipped to stand up against the pressures of the world. I have known many people who have gone to church all their lives, yet never believe and never change. That is tragedy.
Parents and Sunday School provide a unique opportunity for learning that just involvement in the worship service does not.
I think our kids and youth need both. I certainly believe that corporate family worship is important and we segregate ourselves too much. But children & youth ministries have an important place in providing the best we have as a body to our young.
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