Over the past years, church leaders have given various names to their Sunday morning Bible study ministry. Sunday School has been the universal name churches have used for decades. That name originated from a school for children that used the Bible as its textbook. That school met on Sunday; thus the name.
Many leaders have decided a name change has been needed. Some of the rational includes:
- the ministry is not focused only on children
- the ministry can meet on days other than Sunday
- a new name might provide a renewed emphasis on the ministry.
So other names have appeared. Connection groups, LIFE groups, small groups, fulfillment hour, Bible fellowship groups, and more.
The name of the Bible study ministry is important. It can shape the purpose and direction for the future. Use the following three considerations when deciding the name of the Sunday morning Bible study ministry:
1. The name impacts those inside more than those outside.
The unchurched of today are second and third generation unchurched. They have little knowledge of church and church ministry. Other than weddings and funerals, many unchurched have little direct contact with the church. Therefore, to choose a certain name for your Bible study ministry and expect that name to impact those outside the church is probably wishful thinking.
The reality is the name impacts those already inside the church by addressing the function or purpose. “Connection groups” indicate the purpose of connecting people to one another and to the Word. “LIFE” is an acrostic many churches use to describe the function of the groups (example: Learn, Involve, Fellowship, Evangelize). Small groups indicate the necessity of the groups being intentionally small so relationships can develop.
2. A name change can be confusing.
Some church leaders feel a new name will bring new enthusiasm and life within the ministry. That is entirely possible. “New” can be the leader’s best friend. Without a doubt, there is power in “new.” At the same time, if a church has a long history with a certain name, changing that name can bring about confusion and questioning. Some may think leaders are doing away with a ministry, when in reality, a change of name is all that is desired.
3. The name must be branded.
Simply giving a name to a ministry means very little unless that name is branded. In other words, people must know and understand the ministry when they hear the name. Most church members know Sunday School is a ministry of groups studying the Bible on Sunday mornings. Regardless of the title, church leaders must develop a diligent plan to insure people know the function and purpose when they hear the name.
Bruce Raley has served as Director of Church Education Ministry with Lifeway Christian Resources since May 2006. A native of Arkansas, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and traveling with Donna.
I just changed ours to Fellowship Groups. I felt strongly to change, but now 1 month into it I am struggling to not call it Sunday School. Groups that grow through fellowship is the main thought behind the change. It will also give us an opportunity to incorporate groups that meet on days other than Sunday.
It just still feels weird and it was my (Holy Spirit driven) idea.
There is no “magic name” for Bible study group ministry. Much depends on the culture of the church and community. Fellowship Groups will imply relationships are a priority for the groups.
I attend a large church. My age group is over 60 so using the title Sunday School is deeply ingrained. We have small groups which we lead some and enjoy but I am longing for the hour of deeper fellowship connections that develop over the weekly Sunday meeting before or after church. Multi generational would be fine. So much fruit comes from being part of a group like this as trust increases and prayer support flourishes. We become known to each other so we can pray for each other about current needs and concerns. We have asked for a type of Sunday school hour be offered on a weekly basis but our requests seem to be ignored or put off for. I don’t care if it is called Sunday School as long as the time is allotted and we can grow together. Our church has lots of leadership talent. The major focus on the young seems to be the right thing to do but to not respond to the older church members needs a little seems like the caring is out of balance. Many of the members I talk to express the same need. I might call it congregational caring.
The same holds true for the name Sunday School.
I belong to a medium size church. I have gone to Sunday School all my life. Our pastor told us that u churched people would not be happy coming into our church if they thought they had to go to “school”.
What a sad excuse for change. I have never heard anyone complain about coming to a Sunday School Class.
If it is not broke, why fix it?
The same goes with the historical monuments! Poor ole Robert E. Lee has been standing there for many years, never spoke a word and now all of a sudden because some people have no idea about History decided he needed to go.
The new Gm vehicles decided to remove the CD. Players from the vehicles that the younger generation prefer to down load on phones and no need for CD players. I was told “old folks” get over it. Times are changing.
The going thing now is loud music with NO spiritual meaning, generic sermons to please, come as you are, yes, now you can come in PJ’s and drink your coffee in the service, young ladies can wear short, short, shorts.
Why should a person come into the service wanting to be filled and leave empty?
Just because some churches change, is there not one that will stand for the true preaching of God’s word.
Sometimes I feel that God is left standing on the door steps of the church.