Why we don’t we have a Middle School Sunday School during worship service?

There are 4 Main Reasons:

To establish a habit of listening to sermons 

  • Sermons are written so that a 6th grader is able to listen and learn from them. By sitting in church and listening to a sermon, students learn how to listen and respond to sermons.
  • Beginning in grade 9 (and especially when they begin to drive), students have more of an opinion and ability to leave the church.  If they are not used to listening to a sermon and value the teaching before being more independent, they may choose to drift away from the church and not attend at all.
  • Proverbs 19:27- Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Talking points for home or car ride back

  • By having a middle schooler listen to the sermon, it allows for teaching and discussion opportunities between parents and children.  If a student did not understand something in the sermon, it allows for students to ask questions and for parents to dig into that topic with the student.
  • When a student hears a sermon, it allows parents to open up dialogue on how to apply sermon topics to life situations.
  • Ephesians 6:4 – Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

To foster church community engagement

  • Transferal of values do not only come by dictation but by osmosis as well. 
  • Students can become a part of the church community and begin to serve and take on leadership roles and feel a part of the church.

Intergenerational Ministry

  • Every area of culture has been segmented by age: movies, music, education. The first time intergenerational relationships form is the home, second is typically after 18 which is the work place. The church is a place where intergenerational relationships can form. 
  • The benefits of intergenerational relationships include: a greater pool of wisdom for the student to draw from, greater network and support from mentors, appreciation of history and the past, growing empathy and understanding between each generation.
  • 2 Timothy 1:5-6 – I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands