Many high schools and universities have discovered the value of integrating community service and teaching. Service-learning is an educational strategy that combines community service and instruction to give a deeper learning experience. The process revolves around reflection as participants record and ponder on the significance of their experiences and how those experiences relate to beliefs, values, and formal instruction. Participating in the service work functions as both motivation to learn and a lab for testing formal instruction received.
We can learn a great deal from this model. Think a moment about how most projects are done by Sunday School groups. A need is discovered and brought to the attention of the group. Once the group decides to respond to the need, a plan is created and carried out to meet the discovered need. Photos may be taken and shared once the project is finished. The group then moves on to another need, leaving the former project in their rear-view mirror.
If anyone should be interested in aligning a study with service to others, it ought to be Sunday School groups! Otherwise, we may be missing out on deep learning experiences.
Dwayne McCrary
What if the service project became a means for teaching the Bible study? Suppose you looked ahead in your curriculum for a service project that relates to one of the upcoming studies? What might that look like? For example, you look for a service project that puts the group in direct contact with lots of people...maybe volunteering to help staff a local marathon rest stop or another community event. You then encourage the group members to record notes about the interactions they have throughout the day. The study then gives insight into the interactions recorded while the notes serve as illustrations of what is being studied. The study and the project then work hand-in-hand to give greater meaning to both.
If anyone should be interested in aligning a study with service to others, it ought to be Sunday School groups! We may be missing out on deep learning experiences by failing to tie our group studies to our group’s involvement in service opportunities.
What events and projects could your group take on this year? How can the experiences gained from that event or project be a tool for teaching a specific Bible study?