By Eugene J. Nicodemus

Recently an article in the magazine Christianity Today raised the question, "Do you look forward to church?" This caused me to reflect on the question as it relates to our Sunday schools. What makes our Sunday school appealing, attractive and a place that we want to be each Sunday? Is our Sunday school a place of learning, caring and sharing? A place where quality Christian education is taking place, or like the boy who when asked what he learned in Sunday school responded, "Sit down, shut up and be quiet!"

To assist you with your thoughts I share "sixteen Hunches about ‘Quality Christian Education’" from Exploring Faith Maturity by E. C. Roehikepartain & D. L. Williams (Search Institute, 1990).

Quality Christian Education…

Takes the cultural environment/context seriously.

Is supported by a healthy congregational climate.

Occurs in a network of trustworthy relationships.

Emphasizes both individual growth and corporate growth.

Considers family context, health, and history.

Utilizes multiple tracks or modes.

Seeks to overcome resistance to faith maturation.

Addresses the issue of religious and Biblical illiteracy.

Provides opportunities for both lively and meaningful intergenerational interaction as well as growth-producing age group experience.

Evidences awareness of, openness to, and compassion for the pain of the world.

Takes seriously the faith levels and types.

Encourages persons to verbalize their faith.

Supports families in their faith nurturing journeys.

Takes technology seriously.

Recognizes periods of transition and crisis as triggers for faith development.

Interprets itself clearly, frequently and accurately.

Quality Christian Education also combats these five "myths that muddle…"

"Christian education is just for children."

"Good Christian education is big."

"Good teaching means transferring information."

"Quality teaching occurs without training."

"Christian education is separate from other aspects of church life."

(This article appeared in the "Winter, 1997-98" issue of "The Herald.")