By Rodney L. Pry

As a Sunday School Association, we are often asked to recommend Sunday school curriculum materials. It has been our policy not to recommend specific materials. But, there are a few suggestions we can give you to help you evaluate the materials you are using or a prospective curriculum. Here are 10 questions to ask:

1. Is the curriculum "Bible based?" The Scriptures tell us, "The examination of your teachings gives light and brings wisdom to the ignorant" (Psalm 119:130). The Bible is the Christian’s handbook and guide. Sunday school materials that try to teach without using the Bible just won’t work.

2. Does the curriculum address the meaningful topics and issues that class members are facing? Christians face the same problems and temptations as everyone else. Having your students prepared to face those problems and temptations should be a primary concern in your Sunday school.

3. Does the curriculum help the students apply the Biblical message of the lesson to their day-to-day life? The Bible is of primary importance, but how do you apply those truths to the situations that you face each day? Good materials will help you apply the Bible to your life situations.

4. Is the material true to the denominational teachings of your church? Why are you a Lutheran, United Methodist, Baptist or whatever? Each denomination has their own traditions and special ways of interpreting the Bible and Christ’s teachings. Although most lay persons don’t want to be concerned with the many theological differences that separate the denominations, we still should be careful that the things we are teaching in our Sunday school class are compatible with the teachings of our church.

5. Does the material stimulate class discussion? Good discussion is one of the keys to a good class session. Does the material include illustrations and thought provoking questions that trigger meaningful discussion? If not, the teacher will have to do extra work to make the lessons truly effective and interesting.

6. Is the material easy for the teacher to prepare? Ideally, teachers should spend quite a few hours preparing each week’s lesson. In reality, most teachers have no more than an hour or two to put it all together. Does the teacher’s guide present the lesson in such a way that there is a happy medium between having complete background information and ease of preparation?

7. Does the leader’s guide provide teaching alternatives to help the teacher fit the material to the class and the students’ needs? No two classes, just like no two people, are the same. Teachers come to know what works and what doesn’t work in their classes. That’s why it’s important that teacher’s guides present several options to accomplish the same learning process.

8. Does the curriculum allow students to participate in the lesson with little or no preparation? Statistics tell us that less than 5% of all persons who come to Sunday school have prepared for the study to come. Using materials that require that the students have read the lesson booklet or background scripture before coming to the class can greatly diminish the interest and participation of those who have not.

9. Is the material for each week a separate, complete lesson that allows all students to be fully involved in each lesson? Not all students are going to be in class every week. What happens when a student comes back to class after missing several lessons? Will they be able to get back into the flow of the lessons? Good Sunday school materials will make this possible.

10. Does the material stimulate students to additional thought and study? True, most students don’t rush home after Sunday school to re-read the lesson scripture and search the Bible and other books for additional information related to the week’s study. But, good lessons will raise questions that get the students thinking and that might just encourage them to dig a little deeper.

If your Sunday school class is considering new study materials, asking these important questions can help you find the curriculum that is right for you.

(This article appeared in the "Summer, 1991" issue of "The Herald.")