Don’t Underestimate Sunday School—It Still Works

My Sunday School Rant (for those who care)

Let me just say it—I applaud the 56% of churches in America that still offer Sunday School. Not just in name—but in practice. You’re doing more than preserving a tradition. You’re preserving discipleship.

Because here’s the truth: Sunday School still works. In fact, for many churches, it’s the very reason they grew in the first place.

But somewhere along the way, a shift happened.

Churches grew—great.

More people came—awesome.

But then came the squeeze… not enough space, not enough time between services, not enough volunteers.

So what got cut?

Sunday School.

It’s a classic Catch-22. The thing that helped fuel spiritual growth and church growth became the thing that got sidelined. And in its place?

• Life Groups for adults (which rarely match the consistency or biblical depth of Sunday School)
• Children’s church (which often clumps all kids together, removing age-specific teaching)
• Youth church (great energy, but not a substitute for intentional, age-focused discipleship)

Let me restate the percentage and the source:

56% of U.S. Protestant churches still offer Sunday School or Bible study classes for adults (Lifeway Research).

Or to say it differently: 44% do not.

And most importantly, Sunday School remains the number one discipleship tool for children and youth.

Why?

Because it’s age-specific, intentional, and relational. It’s built around the developmental stages of learning and spiritual growth. It’s not just about keeping kids busy—it’s about teaching them God’s Word in a way they’ll understand and remember.

Replacing that with a single “children’s church” or a general youth service isn’t the same.

It’s easier, yes.

But not better.

Looking over my lifetime of attending church—from being a child in Sunday School myself to serving and leading over the past 40+ years—I’ve come to this conclusion: the church has gotten it wrong. And that includes me. We meant well. We adapted to meet the moment. But in doing so, we lost something vital—intentional discipleship, especially for the next generation.

And I’ll go one step further:

I believe children belong in the main worship service with their parents.

Not every Sunday. Not for every service. But more than we’ve allowed.

I’ve seen the value—the modeling, the questions that follow, the shared experience.

I’m all for nursery care up to about age 2—babies are babies—but after that? We’re missing something powerful when we separate kids from worship.

And don’t get me wrong—Life Groups, small groups, and creative discipleship formats are great.

But let’s be honest: they often lack the reach, the consistency, and the generational impact Sunday School provided—especially for entire families.

Here’s another truth we can’t ignore:

Adult Sunday School has been the most consistently attended discipleship method the church has ever had.

I love Life Groups, but in my experience, their attendance and spiritual depth don’t compare.

And Sunday morning preaching?

It will never provide the discipleship that Sunday School does.

Preaching is powerful. It’s essential. But it’s not designed for discussion, application, or deep personal growth.

Some will say that Sunday School is not well attended or we don’t have the space. If so, then ramp up the curriculum, train your teachers, and make it a priority from the pulpit or if space is an issue get creative, figure it out. Maybe you need a building program for just Sunday School space. 

Let’s face the facts:

• 40–48% of churchgoers say their church either probably doesn’t or definitely doesn’t provide proper discipleship
• 99% of pastors say churches are not doing “very well” at discipling new or young believers
• And maybe the most telling: only 20% of Christian adults are involved in any form of discipleship at all.

That tells the story.

We’ve sacrificed Sunday School on the cross of convenience and crowded calendars.

And the result?

Shallow Christians with less knowledge of the Bible.

So if your church still offers Sunday School before service—keep going.

You’re not just offering a class.

You’re building believers.

You’re raising future leaders.

You’re putting the Great Commission into action every single Sunday morning.

And if your church has moved away from it?

Maybe it’s time to take another look.

Not for nostalgia’s sake.

But for the sake of intentional, biblical discipleship.