Christian Ed (CEF)
Campaign aims to re-energize, promote Sunday school
By Kathy Gilbert, UM News Service

Sunday school is for everyone, not just children.

That is the message of "Sunday School: It's for Life," a joint campaign between the United Methodist Publishing House and the United Methodist Board of Discipleship to encourage congregations to see Sunday school as a tool to educate people for faithful living and nurture them on their spiritual journey.

"We have been listening to pastors say in various ways they are not sure their congregation is accomplishing its purpose of helping members come to a truly transforming understanding of who God is in their lives," said Harriett Olson, vice president of publishing with the Publishing House.

She hopes "Sunday School: It's for Life" will re-energize Sunday school and promote it as "a vibrant teaching and learning setting."

The Publishing House has launched a new website, www.sundayschool.cokesbury.com, with information on resources, events and training sessions, and articles about people involved in various Sunday school settings. It also invites congregations to share their concerns and their success stories with the larger church. A free video, produced by UM Communications, is also available to UM congregations.

"One of the things we have heard is that nothing is happening in Sunday school and that is just not right," Olson said. "There are some great stories. One of the things we hope to do with the website is share those stories."

Olson said the plan is "to join hands with leaders in annual conferences, districts and congregations to raise the profile of this important setting in the church." The North Texas Annual (regional) Conference, for example, has already launched a campaign to increase the number of Sunday school classes in its churches.