By Rodney L. Pry

Several months ago the Pennsylvania State Sunday School Association sent questionnaires to over 400 persons across the state who are involved with both a local Sunday school and county or district Sunday school Association work. Many of the questions asked were related to the local Sunday school. The results of the survey give an insight into the problems that local Sunday schools are facing today and information about where work is needed. The following is a "countdown" of the 10 biggest problems that Sunday schools face, according to the survey, and ideas on ways to begin solving these problems.

#10 – Lack of good Sunday school literature and resources. With such a variety of Sunday school literature and other resources available from a large number of denominational and independent sources today, it may be hard to believe that some schools have a problem with getting good literature and resources. If your Sunday school is not happy with your curriculum materials, don’t be afraid to look around and even try new materials. It’s a good idea to look at your own denominational materials first – after all, it will be closest to your denominational beliefs – but if it does not fill your needs, keep looking.

#9 – Lack of money. If lack of money is a problem in your Sunday school, take a good look at your total church budget. How does your Christian education budget compare to other expenses of your church? You might also want to examine how your Sunday school is spending its money. Are you wasting money on unnecessary or unused materials? Are the members of your congregation aware that you need more money to pay for a better Sunday school program?

#8 – Lack of space and/or Christian educational facilities. This is a problem that is not easily solved. It’s not a simple matter to add Sunday school classrooms to a church. But, short of a major building project, is there anything you can do? First, make a survey of your Sunday school. Are all rooms being used? Are there areas that could be better utilized? Even a kitchen area can be used for a small class. Are there classes that could be combined? Are there rooms that could be divided?

#7 – Lack of support for Sunday school by local congregation and local leaders. In many churches only one-third or less of the persons who attend the worship services are a part of the Sunday school. Do those persons who are not in Sunday school understand and appreciate Sunday school and its needs? Positive promotion and information about the Sunday school will do much to help others learn more about your Sunday school, but the best way to help others become supportive of the Sunday school is to get them involved, too.

#6 – Lack of concern about Sunday school by clergy and denominational leaders. Local churches are often concerned because their pastor is not more involved with their Sunday school. Because of their schedules, some ministers cannot be in Sunday school. But, even if your minister cannot be as involved in your Sunday school as much as you like, don’t forget to get him or her involved in planning and programming. Most ministers realize the importance of Sunday schools and will help where they can. In recent years, many denominational leaders have also put increased emphasis on Christian education and the Sunday school.

#5 – Lack of growth in all age groups. It’s a fact that the majority of Sunday schools are experiencing little or no growth in numbers. There is no easy answer to get new members into your Sunday school. It involves examining your program and then working to invite others to come and be a part of your school. The best way is to increase attendance is tell "everyone bring one." If our Sunday school is to grow, we must all be a part of the attendance building effort and invite our friends and neighbors to join us in Sunday school.

#4 – Lack of children and youth within the Sunday school. Children and youth represent the future of our Sunday school. If the children and youth aren’t there, there should be a real concern about what future our Sunday school has. Most communities have children, the problem is getting them into Sunday school. A good, effective Children’s Department within a Sunday school can keep the kids, if their parents will bring them. That often means that you must have a total "family oriented program" that ministers not only to the children, but to each member of the family.

#3 – Shortage of teachers and workers. Recruitment and training of new Sunday school teachers should be an on-going part of your Sunday school. Vacation Bible School can be a good training ground for new teachers. Setting terms of service for teachers is also a good way to prevent "burn out" and make it possible to get teachers into a rotating service system.

#2 – Lack of spiritual growth. Growth in attendance and spiritual growth are often very closely related. If the members of a Sunday school are growing spiritually, they will be excited about Sunday school and will invite their friends, so the Sunday school will grow. But, on the other hand, if the school is not growing spiritually, it probably won’t grow in number either. God and His Word, the Bible, are central to the Sunday school. If our members are not "growing in the Lord," we need to take a close look at what we can do to revive and renew our program. A renewed commitment by our teachers and our members to Bible reading and study and prayer is a good place to start.

#1 – Lack of training of Sunday school teachers and workers. It’s understandable that Sunday school leaders see this as their number one problem. In many ways, lack of training for our teachers and workers is tied to other problems within the Sunday school. It affects our attendance, our spiritual growth, our ability to recruit new teachers, etc. Encourage each of your teachers and potential teachers to read Christian books and magazines and to attend workshops and seminars. If training workshops are not available within your community, why not plan one for your teachers soon.

(This article appeared in the "Winter, 1991-92" issue of "The Herald.")