Become a Partner in Transforming Families

Written by John McClendon

Recently I heard about a church that felt that the Sunday School was no longer a place to teach families to study God's Word together. They felt that a unified approach to Bible study just wasn't working. It was actually stated, "Most families are studying together during the week anyway." The curriculum was blamed, but could it be that the adult classes had neglected to intentionally teach adults how to take the Bible study home?

In a day when all families are busier than ever, this may seem like an impossible task. But we can't quit and we can't assume that curriculum alone will somehow make this magically happen. It will take intentional efforts on the part of adult Sunday School teachers and leaders. Consider the following statistics provided by the American Family Association:

• Thirty-four percent of America's families eat one meal together each day.
• The average father spends only eight to 10 minutes a day with his children.
• Only 12 percent of America's families pray together.
• The average couple spends only four minutes of uninterrupted time together a day.

Use the following ideas to help adult classes to partner with the family for Bible study:

• Evaluate the curriculum currently used. Is it "family friendly" or does it only focus on the needs of the individual. If it only focuses on the needs of the individual then a concerted effort will have to be made to guide adults to use what they learn at home in the context of the family.
• Review LifeWay's Bible Studies for Life Sunday School curriculum and consider if this will enhance the adult class' ability to help parents use what they learn on Sunday in the home during the week. This series provides helps for families and explains how adults can continue Bible study in the home during the week. All age-groups (preschool, children, youth, and adults) are studying the same concepts on their level so the helps are easily adaptable. It makes it very easy for parents to use the lesson and Scriptures during the week in formal family Bible times as well as in every day life to help the family understand how the lesson applies to them. But adult teachers must help parents know how to use the study in this way.
• Ask the preschool, children, and youth Sunday School leaders how you can help encourage stronger family relationships as it relates to Bible study. Many times they know of devotional resources, activities, and other things that will help the adult class partner with the other age-group classes as they minister to the entire family together.
• Plan several adult Sunday School fellowships that include the entire family. Provide a time for adults to get to know the children in other families. Play games together and have fun together as a family.
• Ask for family prayer requests each week during Sunday School.
• Provide LifeWay's HomeLife family magazine for each family in the class.
• Affirm the children of adult Sunday School class members by getting to know them.
• Always remember that the individual being taught in an adult Sunday School class is going back to a home. Prayerfully and regularly help adults see how the Bible study can enhance their relationships at home.
• Make a poster of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and place it on one of the classroom walls. Call attention to the poster regularly and remind adults that all that takes place in adult Sunday School is to help them lead their family.

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