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The Importance of Sabbath School

It is common knowledge among Adventist church-goers that next to the Sabbath afternoon programs, the Sabbath School is one of the least attended service of the whole-day worship experience during Saturdays.

There are many reasons to be had when it comes to a dwindling Sabbath School attendance. A lot of churches try to solve this problem by making special programs, changing the times of the worship service, inviting special guests, giving gifts and incentives, taking strict attendance, etc. 

I’ve seen where some ideas work (for a while), and then a few months later, the Sabbath School coordinators are back to the drawing board trying to come up with another cool idea to rake in more attendance.

Before I go any further, it is not my intention in this article to give you more razzle dazzle ideas on how to boost Sabbath School attendance. You see, often times, the focus has been so much on the ‘how many’ and the ‘what’ rather than on the ‘why’. 

Children like to ask such point-blank questions about going to Sabbath School. “Why do I have to go?” And I crinch when many parents give weak-kneed answers such as, “Because I said so…” or “Because your friends are there…” or the more cryptic, “Because you love Jesus, that’s why.” 

But really, why? Why should we bother attending Sabbath School at all?


The Sabbath school should be one of the greatest instrumentalities, and the most effectual, in bringing souls to Christ.

Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 20


History of the Sabbath School

Adventist Sabbath school work began in 1852 when James White wrote the first Sabbath school lessons, a series of 19 for children and youth published in the Youth’s Instructor.

The first regular Sabbath school was probably the one organized in 1853 by James White in Rochester, New York; another was organized by John Byington in Buck’s Bridge, New York in 1854; and the third was organized in 1855 by M. G. Kellogg in Battle Greek, Michigan.

Early Sabbath schools had only two divisions, one for children and one for adults (the latter called the Bible Class). Teachers placed much emphasis on the memorization of Scripture. Adelia Patten wrote a series of Sabbath school lessons adapted for children in 1863. The same year the first adult Sabbath school lessons appeared in the Review and Herald and were written by Uriah Smith.

There was little organization until G. H. Bell, pioneer teacher in Battle Creek, became editor of the Youth’s Instructor in 1869. He introduced two series of lessons, one for children and the other for youth. He also published a plan of organization providing for a staff of officers and regular reports of attendance. He later introduced articles for teachers and officers. After demonstrating success in Battle Creek, Bell traveled to other places organizing Sabbath schools and counseling officers.

The first Seventh-day Adventist Sabbath School songbook.

In 1878, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the first division for smaller children was formed, called “the Bird’s Nest.” In 1886 this became the kindergarten division. Also in 1878 the first Sabbath school songbook, The Song Anchor, was published and demonstration Sabbath schools were held at all camp meetings.

In 1901, nearly 50 years after the first Sabbath school lessons were printed. The five objectives of the Sabbath school during this time were:

  1. every Seventh-day Adventist attending Sabbath school every week,
  2. every member studying the Sabbath school lesson daily,
  3. every member present and on time,
  4. teachers doing personal work for every pupil, and
  5. every member giving liberal gifts for missions.

The decade of 1911 to 1921 saw the beginning of primary and junior quarterlies, Picture Rolls, sand table cutouts, the introduction of the Thirteenth Sabbath Special Projects Offering, the beginning of the mission quarterly, and the introduction of awards for perfect attendance and daily lesson study. (This practice was stopped in 1945. That year 180,000 honor cards and 13,000 bookmark awards were earned.)

In 1952, the centennial of James White’s first Sabbath school lessons, there were 17,993 Sabbath schools, with 1,120,998 members who gave approximately $5 million to missions.


The Sabbath School today

Adventist Sabbath School is a function that is somehow a loose equivalent of the Sunday Schools of other denominations.

The Sabbath school today is divided by age groups:

  • adults (35 years old & above)
  • young adults (18-35 years old)
  • youth (15-18 years old)
  • earliteen (13-14 years old)
  • junior (10-12 years old)
  • primary (6-9 years old)
  • kindergarten (3-5 years old)
  • cradle roll (0-2 years old)

There is also an extension division including members who cannot attend.

In a nutshell, the Sabbath School:

  • Begins at 8:15 am, 9:30 am or 10:00 am (depending on your geographical location) on Saturday mornings before the divine worship service starts
  • Includes a first portion which begins with a song service, followed by a mission emphasis, a short talk or a health nugget with prayers and special music interspersed throughout
  • Second, and larger portion, is the lesson study in which a particular theme is studied every quarter. The whole congregation may gather together as a class or a panel may be invited to address questions. The most common practice however are small groups wherein certain groups in the church are organized, led by a teacher and using a booklet called “quarterly.” At this time, the congregation separates in classes and goes to their assigned rooms or sections of the church building

There are many variety of ways that churches conduct Sabbath School, and what I’ve mentioned is just a basic template. Some churches opt for a simpler program and would delve right into the lesson study. Some have an extensive program, beginning with a “family time” or “prayer time” before the actual Sabbath school begins. 

Some changes to the program are especially made if the church is emphasizing a particular theme or what is generally called a “13th Sabbath Program.” However most of the times, it almost always include the parts I outlined above.


Very much can be done for the education and moral and religious training of our youth by well-organized, properly conducted Sabbath schools. Time and attention should be given to this branch of the work; for its importance in its influence upon our youth cannot be estimated.

Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 14, 15.


The Importance and Purpose of Sabbath School

Because of the varied work done during the Sabbath School, many churches are found with a few scattered members in the congregation during this time. Some choose to come only for the second portion of the program. While others choose to skip it altogether and come just in time for the Divine worship service.

Regardless of its ‘unpopularity’ among many Adventists, the Sabbath School is a vital part of the Sabbath worship as a whole. I was reading the book “Counsels on Sabbath School Work,” by Ellen White and the first chapter alone was pregnant with ideas that I never thought about before. 

The main ideas she talked about in this book is that Sabbath School is:

A TIME TO UNITE WITH FAMILY IN BIBLE STUDY

She talked extensively how the father would talk about his work and business to his colleagues, while the wife is engaged about the latest fashion trends, talking to other wives in church — while the child is generally left unsupervised.

She advised that instead of engaging in trifling conversations, parent are to spend the time teaching the children to understand important concepts in the Bible.

A MISSION FIELD 

One of the many things that really stood out for me is the idea that Sabbath School is a mission field.

Many people think of missionary work to be done in distant lands. But in this book she proposed that one does not need to go far and abroad because the Sabbath School itself is a mission field.

The idea is extended further, in that, the young can be trained to be missionaries. Sabbath School should give them the early experience in looking outside of themselves and helping others.

It should also give them responsibilities wherein they can plan and execute their plans for the good of their associates. This way, they do not have the opportunity to engage in foolish conversation.

A TIME WHERE CERTAIN VALUES CAN BE DEVELOPED, SUCH AS:

  • Punctuality
  • Modesty
  • Respect for others
  • Discipline and order
  • Self-control

This book has six very enlightening chapters where the author talks about the importance and purpose of the Sabbath School, the role Bible study plays in Sabbath School, the role of teachers and Sabbath school administrators, the importance of offerings, and ultimately, using Sabbath school as an evangelistic tool.

Here are some of my personal highlights:

“The object of Sabbath school work should be the ingathering of souls. The order of working may be faultless, the facilities all that could be desired; but if the children and youth are not brought to Christ, the school is a failure…”

“What evidence can we give to the world that the Sabbath school work is not a mere pretense? It will be judged by its fruits. It will be estimated by the character and work of the pupils.”

“When all those who profess to be Christians are Christians in deed and in truth, the Sabbath school will be no longer a dry round of service.”

It has been proved in the missionary field, that, whatever may be the preaching talent, if the laboring part is neglected, if the people are not taught how to work, how to conduct meetings, how to act their part in missionary labor, how to reach people successfully, the work will be nearly a failure. There is much to be done in the Sabbath school work also, in bringing the people to realize their obligation and to act their part. God calls them to work for Him, and the ministers should guide their efforts.”


How to Truly Enjoy the Sabbath School

Now that we’ve talked about the history and why it’s important and relevant to us today, here are a few practical suggestions for making Sabbath School a part of your whole day worship experience.

Plan

Sabbath School does not have to be limited to going to church. Once a month, plan a Sabbath School with your family and/or with another family and spend it outside the confines of the four walls of the church building. 

Spend the time by having a Bible study easy enough for the young children to understand. This can be done while out in nature — by the side of a peaceful lake, on a nearby hillside area, a farm, etc. Talk about the importance of missions, prophecy, or whatever topic that may be relevant. Discuss how these concepts can be applied practically in your Christianity.

Have the young people share and also give them the opportunity to help in planning out the family Sabbath School.

Prepare 

Build anticipation for the Sabbath. Spend a few minutes each day studying the lesson quarterly. Make home worship succint, cheerful and always forward-looking towards the Sabbath. Talk about the upcoming Sabbath all week, with real excitement, just like how we get excited for an upcoming trip.

Make necessary changes in schedules to accomodate being early for Sabbath School. Sleep early the night before, lay out all the clothes for next day, have meals prepared ahead of time.

Have an atmosphere of worship even while at home or in the car, so that being in church is a continuation rather than a pretense of being reverent.

Be Present

Put away phones and be present. During the song service, sing with meaning and understanding. Meditate on God’s word while listening to the special music. Count God’s blessings during the week, and aim to share a simple testimony about it. Take notes on what is being featured in front. Contribute your thoughts and insights during lesson discussion.

These are simple acts, but can truly give us happiness and fulfillment. When the worship experience is real and joyful, others will want to join in on the experience, too, even children. 

It is not in the elaborateness or the entertainment of the worship that matters. It is whether you personally benefit in your time with God.

What you choose to do for Sabbath School is ultimately up to you. Remember, it’s not about rules and mandates of what you can and can’t do; it’s about reconnecting with God and renewing that relationship. Find your rest in Him.

Do you like attending Sabbath School? How do you anticipate Sabbath School during the week?

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