Sunday School and Day School

I had the opportunity, while engaging a CPH customer, to express my thoughts on the challenge faced in many congregations: how to encourage Sunday School participation among day school families.

Perhaps you face a similar difficulty. Here is what I said:

The Impact of a Day School
It is wonderful that your congregation has a parochial school. It is a blessing when all subjects can be taught from a biblical perspective. And it is likely true that the day school students are getting solid education in Bible and doctrine as well. You will not win over day school families to solid Sunday School participation by emphasizing responsibility or duty, such as “leading an example.” They are setting a good example by supporting day school education. Instead I would emphasize the Sunday School as:

• Another opportunity to feed on God’s Word. It is difficult to argue that anyone has “learned enough” of God’s Word. Each study opportunity, even studying the exact same passage of Scripture, will lead to new and deeper insight.



• A great opportunity for parents. Parent need to study God’s Word just as much as children. Do whatever you can to support and encourage strong adult Christian education on Sunday mornings. Ask your pastors to lead Bible study for adults and focus on topics of interest to parents. If the parents are attending Bible class, the children will be in Sunday School.



• A different style of education than day school with another positive adult role model as a lay teacher. It is different from the day school class and worthwhile in its own right.

How do day school families intereact with your Sunday School? Are they a blessing? A challenge?

How do you encourage them in Sunday School participation?