• Skip Navigation
• Home
• About Us
• Leading
• Reaching
• Resources
• Training
• Contact Us

SundaySchoolDirector.com

Reaching

Robert Raikes formed what became known as the first Sunday school ministry in Gloucester, England in 1780. It was a ministry to the poor children of the mill town who were working in factories and had no opportunity to learn to read or write.  Raikes, a wealthy printer, paid to have ladies educate these children using the Bible as the reading textbook.

The original purpose of Sunday school changed later and it became more of an organization to teach the Bible to babies, children, youth and adults.  An emphasis on reaching out to others and evangelizing was a part of the ministry almost from the beginning. 

Think of the Sunday school as a "reaching and teaching" organization.  We reach out to believers and unbelievers with an invitation to "come and see," to experience the fellowship of the class, the study of the Scriptures and the ministry actions of the community of the class members.  Lost people are encouraged to investigate the class, enroll and perhaps be saved.  Believers are encouraged to attend, study the Word of God and grow in their faith and becoming leaders in the class and in the church. 

Here are some suggestions you might use as you encourage outreach and evangelism in the Sunday school ministry in your church.