Conversations

Wes Bartel, director of the national Sunday School Department of the Assemblies of God, recently talked with Sunday School Promotions Coordinator Sharon Ellard about Sunday school today.

PE: What can a person expect to find in Sunday school today?

BARTEL: You can expect to develop lasting friendships. In Sunday school, you will learn to live a better life — God’s way. Sunday school provides biblical answers to the tough questions of life. It should be a place where you discover a divine purpose for living. Obviously, you will explore God’s Word and discover truth. You should also find in Sunday school an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance. Above all, Sunday school should be a place where you encounter God.

PE: What difference does attending Sunday school make for adults?

BARTEL: An effective Sunday school class is geared not only for information but also for life change. The small-group setting of Sunday school provides accountability, systematic Bible study that helps us think like Christ, and opportunities for ministry.

PE: What can parents expect their children to learn in Sunday school?

BARTEL: The Bible instructs us: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). The age-level classes of Sunday school help parents begin their child’s spiritual growth from birth. A systematic study of the Bible prepares children to make biblical choices every day at home, at play and at school. Lessons also seek to lead every child to a personal relationship with Christ at an early age, followed by being baptized in the Holy Spirit.

PE: Is Sunday school still relevant for today’s youth?

BARTEL: Sunday school is probably more relevant for youth than it has ever been. Young people are confronted with diverse religions, decadent lifestyles and unbounded consumerism. In this setting, suicide has become one of the leading causes of death among teenagers. The unchanging truth of the Bible brings hope and stability. Knowing and believing the Bible provides unchanging principles to strengthen their relationships with Christ and request the power of the Holy Spirit.

PE: Describe a high-quality Sunday school.

BARTEL: Sunday school has the potential to change lives, but it’s not automatic. A high-quality Sunday school has been intentionally developed. It includes committed teachers who not only are well trained and have a passion for evangelism and discipleship but also depend on the power of the Holy Spirit. Its Bible learning is supported by curriculum that is both cutting edge and doctrinally sound, like Radiant Life. Its lesson plans are tailored for students’ learning styles and life stage. It promotes an atmosphere that makes learning enjoyable and life changing.

PE: How does Sunday school contribute to the spiritual health of a church?

BARTEL: It provides a place where teaching, discipleship, ministry, fellowship and evangelism can all take place. Research shows that Sunday school is the single most effective assimilation tool the church has.

PE: What do you see as the role of Sunday school in a post-9/11 world?

BARTEL: The role has not changed. Most of us will never forget the heroic act of Todd Beamer after he said, "Let’s roll!" Todd grew up in Sunday school, and he and his wife, Lisa, were Sunday school teachers. The kind of stability that allowed Todd to act with courage in a crisis and helped him to live a consistent Christian life was a direct result of effective discipleship. It’s encouraging to me that people in the United States have confidence in Sunday school. Sunday school attendance increased by 6 percent in 2001, according to George Barna. That means more than 2 million more people began to attend Sunday school last year.