Old School Sunday School
It’s no secret that the face of the post-modern church is changing. One of the trends I’ve read more and more about is the restructuring of Sunday morning bible study or the removing of it altogether in favor of small groups that meet at alternate times. Now, on this I have no word from the Lord, but I’ve got to give a shout out today to traditional church. To perfectly calculated roll books and offering envelopes. To SBC Literature and a basket of pencils in the center of the table. Call me irrelevant, but I love me some Old School Sunday School. Were it not for our age-graded classes, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do life with a group of people whose paths would typically not cross mine.
A couple of years ago, Luke and I encouraged some friends, Clay and Tammy, to consider teaching the College/Career class with the offer of my joining them as moral support until they were comfortable. They got comfortable quickly and apparently so did I since I never left. There’s just something that speaks to me about experiencing life with 18-year olds to 20-somethings who are always on the brink of some huge Number Next. They are choosing careers, getting married, praying their way through term papers and state boards, and serving the military just to name a few. I’m pretty convinced there may even be some future ministers among us. Each one is making plans, but whether they realize it or not, God is taking the steps. (Prov. 16:1)
Perhaps what I love the most is being in a class where I’m the old one and have been in most of the places these are just now going. Of being able to laugh hysterically over spats of young marriage and relating 150%. Of being able to promise that if Luke McKay and I can make it twenty years, then anyone can. Of admiring fresh tattoos and gently (or sometimes not so gently, right B?:) reminding the one who continues to get them how distorted they’ll appear when he is a senior citizen. Of celebrating when the mile is swam in the combat boots, the test is passed, the semester is over, the degree is finally in hand, and the job is landed. Of witnessing when the Lord has already or is in the process of answering the prayer. Of watching two people I love so much grow in ministry by seizing an opportunity that scared them to death and bonding with a hard-to-reach, transient age group.
I don’t know why I waxed all sentimental today, but I just want you guys to know how much I love starting every Lord’s Day with you – even if I do drag in a few minutes late and make you endure the fizzy, crunchy sacrifice of my drink (Diet Dr. P) and grain offering (Granola Bar). I won’t try to make a list because I’ll inevitably leave someone out, but you know who you are….
See you next Sunday. Or I’d better anyway. :)
Those folks are blessed to have you as their Preacher’s Wife!!
Amen to some old school. Love the new picture- it is awesome!
I just noticed your new picture! It’s beautiful!
I attend a mega church that doesn’t act like one…we have both: Sundays school (BLT…Bible learning time) and small groups. I grew up in Sunday school, have taught it and pray it never goes away.
I’m the blessed one, Linda!
And thank y’all for the kind words about the photos. Need pictures? Go to nspiredbyfaith.com. Deedra did them and she is fabulous. :))
I also love your new pic! :-) And I am all for old school…seems like I was just college age myself, but I think I might be getting old…I’m not a fan of changing something wonderful. I say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
I am here for the first time, just read the last few posts down to May 12. I am laughing so hard I almost can’t see to type. God has really gifted you in many ways! As for your possible love recanting of a certain program, I too have had to give up a favorite show because of the direct opposition to what God says is the truth. What a shame that entertainment has gone so far down the proverbial toilet. I am so glad to know there are others that are willing to give up something they love when it clearly is over the line!
Lisa thank you for loving and leading Christina and Adam. I am so exicted over the growth I have seen in the two of them.
Yeah —I’m here to comment on that great photo too. LOVE IT!
Hope to see you the next time I’m at home!!!!
I love Sunday School, too…..although I do have HUGE hangups about children’s church and bible school……don’t like sunday school revisited. I bet that was more than you wanted to know. =)
The line about tattoos as a senior citizen completely cracked me up! So true, so true.
What a treasure you must be to them! I’m a postmodern gal at heart, but do love the tradition of metal folding chairs and a good Bible story too!
Congratulations, you are the recipient of the One Lovely Blog Award. Please check out my post at http://fatherisaking.blogspot.com/2009/05/im-very-pleased-and-thankful-to-my-dear.html
God bless,
Jennifer
For some reason I feel as if some of this was about me & Adam! lol. I love having you in Sunday School with us. You always brighten my day when your around. Love Ya!
I love old fashioned Sunday School, too! So glad that God’s plan for you include leading these kids/young adults closer to Him. I would love to be a fly on the wall in your room!! I’m sure y’all have a ton of fun!! Precious new picture, chickadee!! Have a wonderful day!
Hugs,
Susan
Hi there… you have a lovely blog! I’ll be back to visit for sure!
I’m not a PW, but I was a Preacher’s Kid… not really close, but sorta counts right? (grin)
Blessings,
Sasha
I am sure it is a mutual blessing, sweet Lisa. I would have loved to have been in that class with you as my teacher! Love you!
And, this is one reason out of 471 as to why I love ya.
Hugs…
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, but if it IS broke, then throw it away!
It’s not whether we do sunday school or small groups, post-modern vs. old school, etc., it’s whether those things actually are encouraging/hindering us to live a life of true fellowship and discipleship with one another all week long. I think we often make more barriers than break them when we try someone else’s tried and true method.
Thankfully you broke the age segregation by staying with the college group. We need more integration between the older and the younger. Instead, our culture primarily relies on people going through things together rather than seeking the wisdom of those who have been there and done that and can spare us from making some of the same mistakes. I’m not that much younger than you but even though it’s been about 9 years since I saw you last, I STILL miss hanging out with ya!
Love ya lots and I also noticed the beautiful picture!
Came by again to say Hi. I’ve been on blog hiatus for awhile and spent this last week catching up and reading my favorites, yours included although I don’t comment much. I wanted to share in along with the well wishers of your upcoming new book! How exciting is that! Wow, and we can all say we knew you, bloggy-style, before you hit the arenas! ha ha Hope your enjoying your holiday weekend!