Thank God for the Educational Ministry at MJ

�And the Number One Reason is ...�

by David Shannon

The Barna Group did an intense study on Sunday School from 1995 to 2005. Some things stayed the same and other things shifted.

• 95% of all protestant churches still have Sunday school


• Fewer church leaders from �95 to �05 stated Bible class as the top priority


• Fewer churches in �05 offered Sunday school for children under six years old and junior high and high school children.


• Significant drops were also recorded in the number of churches who have midweek classes and a VBS

The Barna study released various reasons why the above were cut back, but one is noteworthy. The number one reason 38,000 churches are not having VBS presently, who did have it in �97, is because of the lack of teachers. The second most frequent reason is �no time.�

Let�s consider these simple truths. We make time for the things we value. I am thankful we have a church full of Christians who value God�s word, the learning of it, souls, the church, and the lost. What would next quarter be like if every teacher stopped teaching? How many children would cry? How many teens would long for their time of study together? How many adults would feel like the week just wasn�t the same? How many of us would appreciate our teachers a little more? How many of us would study more once they returned? We do become busy, but let�s never lose sight of the value of Bible study. Let�s keep this a high priority.

Let�s stop and count our blessing at MJ. We don't just have a VBS, but one of the largest daytime VBS� in the area. We don't just have Bible classes each week, but we add additional classes almost every quarter. We don't just have ministers, but we have one of the most intelligent and talented in ministry today whose primary focus is education! We don't just find a body to teach a class, but we challenge our teachers to never stop growing by offering them 6 teacher education afternoons and two Saturday workshops every year. We are really blessed that in a time many Sunday schools are declining�every aspect of our educational department seems to be on the rise! Will you help us Emphasize this March 4th? What a blessing every week! To God be the glory.

• Vacation Bible School -Feb 27, 2005
• Education Ministry -Jan 23, 2005
• Bible Class: Why teach children about the Lord? -Oct 26, 2003
• Christian Education - Academic Excellence -Oct 28, 2001