Sunday School is all about sharing the Gospel, teaching God's children the truths of God's Word, that He loves them with an everlasting, unchanging, unconditional love and promises salvation to all who believe in His Son, Jesus, who died to redeem all people from sin, death, and the devil.
Sunday School is not about entertainment. That doesn't mean it can't be entertaining, but if it is only entertaining but does not share the Gospel, what's the point? Others can and will do a better job of entertaining children than we can. We have something a bit more substantial to share.
Sunday School is not about character development. Teaching children respect, honesty, and love for neighbor are not unimportant tasks, and these themes may arise in the course of many Sunday School lessons, but they are not core to Sunday School. Spare me dancing vegetables and dinosaurs, please.
Sunday School is not about moralism. Yes, Sunday School children are sinful human creatures, as you and I are, but once they have experienced the Law it is imperative that we share with them the one message that bring new life, joy, and salvation. Jesus loves and forgive them.
Will you be teaching God's children His Word this Sunday? Locate the Gospel message that is at the heart of the Bible text you will teach. Find out how it is shared with the students through the material you teach. If you can't find it, or feel it deserves to be strengthened, re-write the lesson until it does the job. Along the way, make sure the lesson will be enjoyable for you and for those you teach.
And if you find ways to improve the lessons I have edited (middle and upper grades for Growing in Christ from CPH), don't hesitate to let me know. I really do wish to practice what I preach.
Did you find clear Gospel in the material you will teach this week? How could that lesson be improved?
God's richest blessings as you teach God's children His Word!
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