Over the years, I've operated from the conviction that things benefit from inspection. The simple act of looking at something is the beginning of opportunity, while ignoring things guarantees the continuation of the status quo. Okay, there are exceptions, surprises ("silent growth while we are sleeping," in the words of Fred Pratt Green, Hope Publishing 1970), but even those we see only when we get around to looking.
So, what can we look at in Sunday School that will bring blessings for our task of teaching God's children His Word?
Volunteers will generally fear evaluation by others. Most are insecure enough in their role to suspect that in any evaluation they will be judged inferior, not really sufficient for the task. (In fact, most volunteers are proably duing a commendable job, else they would not remain in their positions.) They are likely open though to self-evaluation.
Other aspects of Sunday School will also defy evaluation. Faith is a perrsonal and internal matter that is not subject to our human examination or measurement. Numbers (students registered or attending, and the like) may not be helpful for evaluation; the root causes for changes in numbers may be difficult to discern.
- So what's left to look at?
Environment (are we providing attractive space, places where children will want to be and where parents will want to bring them?) - Curriculum (are we provide theologically and educationally sound material that above all else shares Christ are Savior?)
- Administration (are effective systems in place to provide volunteers, training, resources, and visibility for the Sunday School?)
What needs to be included in a Sunday School evaluation?
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