The 19^th-century concept of the Church is an age-graded experience that divides the Church into small groups with group leaders who, in most of these Churches, go in many different directions. They may or may not follow or integrate with the messages from the pulpit. They focus instead on the age or life stage of the group. In the most recent years, they have often promoted the small group above the Church. It encourages division.

Sunday school, as it's known today, originated in England around 1780, with Robert Raikes, a newspaper publisher in Gloucester, as a key figure. Raikes was concerned about the poor and uneducated children, many of whom worked long hours during the week and had no access to education. He established schools on Sundays, the only day these children were free, to teach them to read and provide religious instruction. The movement quickly gained popularity and spread to America, where it became a widespread practice for religious education and moral development. The initial focus was on teaching children basic literacy skills, including reading and writing, alongside religious principles and moral values. 

The Bible does not mention Sunday school. The idea of teaching, however, is present in the New Testament Greek word paideia and is translated “nurture” in Ephesians 6:4. This word is also translated “instruct” and “chastise” and has the idea of correction and instruction. This is also the purpose of the Word of God. We read in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that the word of God is profitable for teaching (which is the meaning of the word doctrine), for reproof, for correction, and instruction so that the believer is equipped to obey God.

Israel was instructed to teach their children the statutes of the Lord, and the essence of that teaching is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-7: “Hear O Israel: The LORD our God is One LORD.” This is known as the Shema, which is the first word of verse four. Instructions to teach children are also found in Deuteronomy 4:10 and Deuteronomy 11:19. Throughout their history the Jews have conducted, and still conduct, the Yeshiva which is a school for teaching the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. It usually began when the child was three to five years old and it was taught only to the boys. That is no longer true. It could be that the Sunday school, which evolved in the evangelical movement, is based upon the premise of the Yeshiva.

We need to remember that in the early years of the church, believers met in homes or caves or areas where they would not be discovered due to persecution. Teaching God’s truth to children was the job of the parents and was done in the home. Sadly, this practice is no longer a priority in the homes of many believers, and many leave the instruction in God’s Word to the church and what we now call the Sunday school. But what is taught in Sunday school should only be a supplement to what is taught at home. The ideal situation is when the church and family work together to educate children in the faith.

From “Got Questions”

Keeping the children in Church with the adults:

- Children have a chance to watch their parents engage with the church as they worship Christ.
- Children can and do learn from singing and preaching that is “over their heads.” All learning takes place when children are pushed beyond their current capabilities.
- Children need to see themselves as part of the larger church community.
- The Church should not give the impression that children are an inconvenience or a distraction to worship.

Family Church emphasizes multi-generational worship and discipleship that is Christ-centered, Hope-sharing, Unity-pursuing, Relationship-building, Care-giving, and the Hands and feet of Jesus.

This type of Church emphasizes keeping families together during worship services, rather than separating children and adults into different programs. Family Church promotes a positive model of multi-generational worship and the unity of the body of Christ. The senior Saints need the fellowship of the youth as much and often more than the children. The children need the modeling provided by the adults to truly learn worship.  Some churches incorporate family worship by having children present throughout the service, sometimes with age-appropriate activities or adjustments to the service format. The single drawback that is often voiced in the context of Family Church is distractions during the service. It is a fact that God has blessed children to wiggle and talk. Patience is the answer. They must be gently guided through modeling and loving coaching to learn the art of sitting and listening (many adults and Seniors also struggle with this). Jesus rebuked the disciples for discouraging the presence of children, saying, “Suffer the little children to come unto me.” Senior Saints and parents with well-grounded children need to offer encouragement to those newer parents who may be struggling or embarrassed by the conduct of their children. Some parents with multiple children may need a loving grandparent to come alongside and offer to guide one of the children by allowing that child to sit with them during services. Children in the worship services often absorb more than we give credit for, even when they seem to be inattentive or disengaged.

TO THE PARENTS OF OUR YOUNG CHILDREN, MAY WE SUGGEST... 

Relax! God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome! 

Sit anywhere, but remember, children will be more attentive if they can see what is happening. They tire of seeing the backs of others’ heads. 

Quietly explain the parts of the service.

Sing the hymns, pray, and voice the responses. Children learn good behavior by copying you. A gentle touch does much.

If you have to leave the service with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” 

Remember that the way we welcome children in Church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God, and to one another. Let them know that they are welcome in this house of worship. 

Please let your child use the reverse side of this card to draw and doodle. 

TO THE MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH 

The presence of children is a gift to the Church and they remind us that our Church is growing. 

Please welcome our children and give a smile of encouragement to their parents.