Exploring the Future of Sunday School

What will Sunday school look like in the future for MC USA and MC Canada congregations? What are the trends affecting Sunday School today? Why should we have Sunday School at all? Where are all the teachers? How do we adapt to new racial and multi-cultural realities? Those are some of the questions on our minds at Mennonite Publishing Network as we try to envision the future of Sunday school curriculum.

Your input is welcome! Click on the links on this page to read articles about aspects of Christian education and faith formation, then add your voice to the conversation by leaving a comment. If you prefer, you can also send comments directly to Managing Curriculum Editor Mary Ann Weber.

What do you think—does Sunday school have a future? What should it look like? What kind of curriculum is needed? Join the conversation!

"Sunday school is an excellent way to teach the biblical story and Anabaptist distinctives, and to help children and youth develop a relationship with God, build relationships with caring adults, develop a moral framework, develop spiritual habits and practices and allow God to shape every aspect of their lives . . . Sunday school in the Mennonite Church still has a future, but what it will look like remains to be seen."
—Mary Ann Weber, MPN Managing Curriculum Editor

"If we want to make the Bible come alive for youth, we have to make it a priority as adults. If we are on fire about learning our faith, it will help youth to be more excited."
—Michele Hershberger, Bible and Ministry department, Hesston College

"The Bible provides both a window and a mirror for us. Through the window of scripture, we see God's will and purpose, both for the world and for God's people. In the mirror, we see reflections of who we are. The Bible stories do not shrink back from reflecting the reality and shortcomings of our human state, but they also hold up hope for what we could become in Christ. Without continually being exposed to God's revelation in scripture, we will lose a biblical worldview. Unless we gain biblical literacy, we will eventually lose our way as a people of God . .. . I pray that God will show us new ways to teach the biblical story and to let it guide our lives."
—Ervin Stutzman, Executive Director, Mennonite Church USA