Functions of Sunday School

Memory verse: “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10,  NIV

Monday: Function #1 Discipleship
By definition, a disciple is a follower, one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. A Christian disciple is a person who accepts and assists in the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is working as a disciple. 

Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

So how can we apply this to Sunday school?

Tuesday: Function #2 Evangelism
The spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness. The goal of evangelism is to win souls for Christ, ultimately fulfilling our calling as laid out by the Great Commission. 

Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

So how can we apply this to Sunday school?

Wednesday: Function #3 Fellowship
Friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests. Often times we think of fellowship as gathering over coffee and donuts before worship service. Biblical evangelism goes much deeper. As we are taught by the beginning church in the book of Acts, believers had to be close due to their uniqueness as believers in Christ. They continue together in one accord, they exhorted others to believe; they practiced ordinances; such as baptism and the Lord's Supper and they prayed together.

I Thessalonians 5:9-11 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

So how can we apply this to Sunday school?

Thursday: Function #4 Service
The action of helping or doing work for someone. Why is service so central to Christian belief? Because we follow a God who serves. Because we follow a Christ who loves others. And because we have a nice day Holy Spirit who gives us gifts expressly for the purpose of building up other people. 

I Peter 4:10-11 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

So how can we apply this to Sunday school?

Friday: Function #5 Worship
The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity. It is evident from a study of the scriptures that the early Christians participated in public worship. Public worship on the Lord's Day was very important to the early Christians and was presented as a requisite in Hebrews chapter 10. They came together to celebrate the Lord's Supper, to pray, sing praise to God, give of their means, and to hear the word proclaimed. Worship looks different to different people. Some prefer praise and thanksgiving others prefer joyful songs and dancing. Some may worship by giving cheerfully to help others and using their spiritual gifts. In John, chapter 4, Jesus told the woman at the well something profound about worship. He stated that those who wish to worship God must do so in spirit and in truth. God desires that our worship come from a pure heart. 

Colossians 3:14-17 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

So how can we apply this to Sunday school?