Sunday school has been a part of church culture for years. It is a forum for divine learning and spiritual interaction by students and teachers. It provides a comprehensive way of learning as a group to receive encouragement in order to live by God’s Word. Sunday school helps in one’s spiritual growth.
Christian education is an essential and permanent ministry in the Church. The strength of Christian education is demonstrated by the truth that a well informed Christian is a spiritually committed Christian within the whole Church.
Jesus makes it clear that He wants children to come to know Him, and He considers it a crucial offence for an adult to hinder this process or lead child astray: “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matt 18:6
The fundamental aim of Christian education in our Church is to evoke and nurture faith in Jesus Christ according to the Orthodox vision. The Church nurtures a living awareness of the risen Christ in our midst, who is the true Celebrant of Sacraments and to be sanctified by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
The focus of our efforts to educate our children in the Orthodox Christian Faith must remain in our Sunday school programme. Sunday school curriculum is well-planned and designed to meet the needs of specific age groups. Study materials help students and teachers in gaining knowledge and understanding of the scripture text.
Sunday school teachers are privileged to have the opportunity to teach the word of God and explain the direction and vision of the church.
When we bring our children regularly to Sunday school we provide them with a gift of knowledge that has lifelong value and significance.
Sunday school provides a greater opportunity to develop healthy relationships, friendships and trust, which would make children more committed to the church and its vision. The need of our children should arise as the disciples first appealed to Jesus: “Teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1