The Importance of Organization in Bible School

How many of you who have children would appreciate it if your children went to a school that was not organized? You didn’t know who would be teaching; you couldn’t find out what would be studied; you were not sure who was in charge. How would that make you feel?

Isn’t it sad that many congregations have that problem when it comes to Bible school? I know that a Sunday school program should not be run exactly like a public school setting, but some things need to be incorporated.

For example, it is a good idea to have a set curriculum. While methods, handouts and activities may change, parents should be able to know what their children will be learning each year or, even, each quarter. By doing this, some instruction can go on in the home that bolsters the learning done in the classroom. It also creates some accountability between the teacher and the parents. While many congregations use certain publishing houses’ materials, “setting” a curriculum for a congregation is a great project for a congregation to undertake. Only you know the young people in your home congregation. Only you know their specific needs.

Another important lesson we can learn from public schools is the need for teachers to take breaks. For some reason, many Bible class teachers feel like they need to be in their room for life! Some feel that way because no one will ever give them a break, but others feel that way because they are scared that they’ll never be put back in the classroom. Begin a teacher rotation. By doing this all teachers will know when they will be teaching (and that they will be teaching) and they will know when they can take a break to attend an adult Bible class.

For the most part, congregations also fail miserably to give teachers an opportunity to have training. Part of every congregation’s Bible school budget should be used to help pay for workshops, seminars and lectureships. These do not need to be long or deeply involved, but they do need to help your teachers see new materials and presentation methods. Many Bible books stores, Christian schools and Christian publishing companies will provide a workshop or seminar for very little money. These can be done on a Saturday or, if time allows, over two or three nights in the Summer.

Finally, we can learn from public schools that someone needs to be “in charge.” The elders of each local congregation need to know what is going on in each classroom. Some congregations hire an education minister and others have an elder whose job it is to oversee the Bible school program specifically. No matter what, people need accountability to have a great program.

I am a firm believer in the Bible school. But, just as with anything else, if it is going to be done, it needs to be done correctly. Let’s learn these lessons from our public schools and use them to improve our Bible schools. Our children will greatly benefit.