SUNDAY SCHOOL DIVISION

Rev T.M Adams

sundayschool@nigerianbaptist.org

The Name of the Division is the SUNDAY SCHOOL DIVISION OF THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF THE NIGERIAN BAPTIST CONVENTION.

The work of Sunday School in Nigeria began at IJAIYE-ORILE on JANUARY 22, 1854 by MRS. LAURENNA D. BOWEN (the wife of Rev. T.J. Bowen, the first Southern Baptist Missionary to Nigeria ).

The VISION of the Division is: "Teaching Biblical doctrines and skills for kingdom empowerment and usefulness."

The MISSION STATEMENT of the Division is: "to seek, reach, win and develop or disciple through Scriptures the entire membership of the Nigerian Baptist churches which comprises people of different ages, status, experience and spiritual maturity."

Evangelism is the chief work of the Sunday School. God's mission, His purpose and plan for the world, is that He desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4); teaching what is in accord with sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). Therefore, preparing Sunday School members to be effective in reaching, winning and being qualified to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2) as they serve as coworkers (1 Corinthians 2:9) is a major concern.

A well-organized Sunday School Department of the local Baptist Church composes of the age groups namely:

(a) Preschool Division, ages 2, 3 - 5 years

(b) Children's Division, ages 6 - 8, 9 - 11 years

(c) Youth Division, ages 12 - 14, 15 - 17 years

(d) Young People/Adult Division, ages 18 - 24, 25 - 29, 30 - 59, 60+ years

(e) Extension Division, for those who cannot attend because of their circumstances, e.g. the sick/hospitalized, medical personnel, the prisoners, traffic and prison wardens, the aged, etc.

Bible Study Leaders' Training is organized by the Sunday School Department for the Bible Study leaders/potential leaders to provoke Christian service and sacrifice spirit in their lives. Its focus is specialized skill acquisition (administrative, instructive, communicative and interactive) for teachers and superintendents.

The Sunday School Division promotes the Cooperative Programme of the Nigerian Baptist Convention by:

•  Enlisting and orientating each new Superintendent/teacher in the Sunday School Department of the Baptist Church for responsible Bible Study leadership;

•  Encouraging active laity participation in order to enforce the principle of "multiplication by duplication" that enhances effective and efficient Christian ministry;

•  Training potential teachers in didactic skills for both effective and efficient ministry and Christian service at Church, Association and Conference levels;

•  Teaching the Baptist Church members Biblical doctrines and skills through Conferences, Workshops, Seminars, and clinics;

•  Providing information and interpretation that enhances the work of the Churches and the Denomination.

The Division , for administrative efficiency/effectiveness, teamwork and accountability is operating from three basic units 1 namely:

 1. Topical Bible Study and other Scripture Resources Development [Spiritual Empowerment] Unit

This unit is responsible for the production of learners' friendly, small group topical Bible study materials that use proven Scriptural principles and apply them to everyday life so that the members find their relationship with God and others strengthened. These materials offer a sensitive, practical approach designed to help them discover and enhance significantly improved personal, family, work and other kinds of relationships.

Among others, the unit will handle the following responsibilities:

•  Planning of relevant curricula.

•  Writing of publishable materials.

•  Enlistment of prospective writers.

•  Monitoring of writing assignments.

•  Collation of write-ups.

•  Editing of manuscripts.

•  Submission of manuscripts for publication.

* The Unit is steered by Rev. Jerry Akintunde

 2. Sunday School Literature [Educational Empowerment] Unit 2

In order to relive the original Sunday School small group experience, this unit is responsible for the production of Teachers' Commentary on Sunday School Lessons and the accompanying Learners' Workbook as well as other related literature. These Sunday School curriculum-based, biblically sound and spiritually enriching studies are designed to encourage church-wide participation, meet the unique needs of the churches we serve and support every member in their Christian walk.

Among others, the unit carries out its responsibilities by:

•  Distributing Uniform Series based curricula to prospective writers of

Teachers' Commentary and Learners' Workbook.

•  Planning curricula for the other related literature.

•  Consulting with the prospective writers.

•  Monitoring writing assignments.

•  Collating write-ups.

•  Editing manuscripts.

•  Submitting manuscripts for publication.

3. Planning, Research and Statistics [Statistical Empowerment] Unit

This unit is responsible for the compilation of Sunday School reports which are the means by which the churches inform the Division of their work. Records and statistics are tools of administration (management) and achievement information upon which reports are based. The Division uses records and reports in planning and evaluating the work of the Sunday School in the Nigerian Baptist Convention churches. The unit keeps accurate records and updated information on every existing and new Sunday School Department. The unit also researches on strategies, tactics and tools needed for growth in the Sunday School.

The unit accomplishes the set goals by embarking on:

•  Collection/Collation of relevant data through reports.

•  Analysis/interpretation of data.

•  Application of findings for growth driven purposes.

•  Storage of information and data for immediate and future use.

•  Consultation/liaison with the Sunday School Department at church, Association and Conference levels.

•  Submission of reports and statistics for appropriate application.

The Unit is steered by Pastor Mrs E.E.Babalola

1 Reference to page 3 of the Christian Education Department Regulatory Frame

Work , "The Head of Unit*" with its footnote.

2 The Coordinator is serving as the interim Head for this Unit.

The various publications produced annually by the Division include:

1. Sunday School Lessons (English, Yoruba & Hausa)
2. Daily Encounter With God (English, Yoruba & Hausa)
3. Sunday School Annual Bible Study (English, Yoruba & Hausa)
4. Teachers' Commentary on Sunday School Lessons (wef 2007)
5. Topical Bible Study Series for House Fellowships & Small Groups (wef 2006)

The Team members working in the Division are:

* The ministerial team members are available to lead intensive training workshops and clinics for Sunday school Teachers and Superintendents at Church, Association and Conference levels. For further inquiries please contact the Coordinator.