What comes to mind when I say the word, Sunday School? Perhaps it’s visions of your 8-year-old self dressed in your Sunday best, complete with shiny patent leather shoes and hair bow (or clip-on tie) perched uncomfortably on one of those little wooden chairs in front of a sweet gray-haired lady reading from her big black Bible. That’s the image many of us have, because the majority of us haven’t gone back to Sunday School since we were kids!

I remember as a youth, riding in our church’s faded, maroon colored bus (a re-purposed school bus) as it lurched around town picking up children, one after the other, until we had a bus full to deliver to Sunday School. Those of us in youth group took turns riding along as youth helpers/kid-wranglers. A sweet little lady at our church named Mrs Galloway rode the bus with us each week and played songs on her accordion (of all things!) as the children sang along happily to  “Jesus Loves Me” and “I’ve Got That Joy, Joy, Joy”. I’ll never forget those days. (What ever happened to bus ministry as an evangelistic method? I’ll have to look into that.)

But Sunday School is much more than a fun place for kids to sing songs about Jesus. It is a great place to learn and grow and belong, and believe it or not, it’s for adults, too!

At most churches adult Sunday School is organized by age groups so that those in the same class will be in the same phase of life thus, experiencing similar issues and challenges. You can find classes for couples, as well as those made up of only men and only women. Some churches offer classes specifically for singles or for those who are single-again due to divorce or the death of a spouse. The point is: There is a place for you in Sunday School regardless of your age, stage, or status in life.

At Sunday school you and I can:

• learn more about the Bible through in-depth expository and topical teaching.
• build relationships with others who are also interested in deepening their faith.
• have opportunities for fun Christian fellowship outside of church.
• find accountability and support for areas of struggle in our lives.
• gain an instant network of people who will pray for us when we need help or when we experience disappointment or loss, and rejoice with us over our triumphs and successes!

Whether it’s called Sunday School, Lifegroup, or Coffee and Chat (that last one most likely at a place called Awesomeness Fellowship), small group Bible study time is something you don’t want to miss. It will enrich your life in ways you can only imagine. Call your local church and find out what time it starts, then show up ready to experience God through the teaching of His Word and the joy of Christian community. You’ll be glad you did!