A conversation is occurring in another forum about helping families with small children and teens make it to both church and Sunday School in the face of busy lives.
Here was my contribution to that exchange:
Thanks to all of you for your concern in this area. It strikes me that the issue is the same for families with teens and those with small children, for families without children, singles, seniors, and . . . you get the point. The issue is priorities.
Satan works to crowd God out of our lives or marginalize Him (The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is an interesting read on this point).
Duty used to be a relatively strong motivator for many families; not so much any more. Guilt can work for some and for a time, and preaching both Law and Gospel is what the Church is all about. But if you are going to preach the Law, it is essential that it be followed with honest Gospel, or the result will be resentment not joyful service.
I would suggest that we haven't done a very good job in the Church in the past twenty years of effectively communicating what Sunday School is all about. Why should parents and others make Sunday School a priority over sports, breakfast out, and yes even sleep? Each Sunday we have the opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament through Sunday School and the Divine Service. Such encounters prepare us, adults and children alike, to live as God's children in the world.
What are some ways to help marginal families understand this?
Bless us, Lord, as we teach God's children His Word.
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