"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts 20:28
BRIEF HISTORY:
The observance of Sunday School dates back as early as the 1500's. The initial intent of Sunday School was to aid children of poor communities by teaching them reading, writing and the principles of religion. It is an old tradition, more so than a biblical ordinance. Since there is a strong biblical principle to teach the saints of God, we at Progressive Church use the Sunday School to do just that, TEACH!
AIM:
Sunday School is a ministry of evangelism. The primary aim and objective is to reach people and change their lives! It is a teaching arm of the church to enhance spiritual growth, win new converts, and develop spiritual leaders for the work of the ministry.
FUNCTION OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL:
The pressures of our times make Sunday School a vital classroom of moral and spiritual teaching. At Progressive Church its function and purpose is based on sound doctrine from the Word of God.
"Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord and your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God ..."
( Deuteronomy 31:12-13 )Sunday School is an immeasurable asset to the local church. Sunday School is an extension of the church "teaching and reaching" ministry, and provides a format and atmosphere to capture an audience and invite participation that no other church ministry provides. It is different from the Morning Worship Service and Bible Class, but it does not replace either. It is a positive reinforcement to the pastor's message, and conversely it often set the stage or serves as an introduction to the Sunday morning message. Christ can rightly be seen as God.
A personal experience with Him is vital to eternal life and forgiveness of sin. As we teach the principles of holiness and sound Apostolic Doctrine, people will be led into the service of sharing the Word of God throughout the community under the direction of the Spirit of God.