CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Sunday School is of the utmost importance to the church today, and it is

fundamentally concerned with affecting the life of its members and guests for Christ. The

ministry of Sunday School was transplanted from England to the early American colonies

in the mid-1600s, being “Americanized” as the country moved westward. Sunday School

became a response to the Great Commission’s command to make disciples, which

includes both evangelism and biblical instruction. Sunday School was vital over three

hundred years ago, and it is still vital today.1

Sunday School models and encourages the study of God’s Word, as studying the

Bible not only helps hearers understand the heart of God, but also how to deal with life. It

continues to be a strong foundational approach for making disciples, and is needed today

because it creates a place for several crucial things to happen that are important in the

process of making disciples.2

The impact of Sunday school on the spiritual, numerical, and financial growth of

churches in Nigeria has been a subject of considerable interest among scholars and

religious leaders. Sunday school programs, which typically involve religious education

for children and adults, play a crucial role in the spiritual development of congregants

The impact of Sunday school on the spiritual, numerical, and financial growth of

churches in Nigeria has been a subject of considerable interest among scholars and

1
Ken Braddy, The Role and Importance of Sunday School Today, Online article access at
[Link] accessed on
25/11/2024.
2
Ibid

1
religious leaders. Sunday school programs, which typically involve religious education

for children and adults, play a crucial role in the spiritual development of congregants.

Sunday school serves as a foundational platform for imparting biblical knowledge and

Christian values, which in turn fosters spiritual growth. This spiritual enrichment is not

limited to individual growth but extends to the collective spiritual health of the church

community. The consistent teaching and reinforcement of Christian doctrines help to

cultivate a more devout and engaged congregation, which is essential for the overall

spiritual vitality of the church.3

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The role of Sunday school in fostering a sense of community and belonging

cannot be overstated. In many Nigerian churches, Sunday school classes serve as small

groups where members can form close-knit relationships and support networks. This

sense of community is crucial for both spiritual and numerical growth, as it encourages

regular attendance and active participation in church life.

The communal aspect of Sunday school helps to create a supportive environment

where members feel valued and connected, which in turn fosters loyalty and commitment

to the church. Moreover, Sunday school programs often serve as a training ground for

future church leaders. Many pastors and church leaders in Nigeria attribute their spiritual

formation and leadership skills to their early involvement in Sunday school. This

leadership development aspect is critical for the sustainability and growth of the church.

3
AZ Research Consult, Impact Of Sunday School On The Spiritual, Numerical And Financial
Growth Of The Church In Olomi Section Of Oyo East Assemblies Of God, Online Project Document
accessed at [Link]
and-financial-growth-of-the-church-in-olomi-section-of-oyo-east-assemblies-of-god/ on 25/11/2024.

2
Unarguably, churches that prioritize Sunday school education often produce leaders who

are well-versed in biblical knowledge and equipped with the skills necessary to lead and

grow the church.4

The situation we experience today in the society is such that people no longer

attend church services and as a result miss out of attending Sunday school with all its

attendant benefits. The Sunday School is a vital part of a believer’s growth and

development in the faith, and as such, not attending a Sunday school consistently means

not being subjected to the needed means of growth. Sunday school classes though

poorly attended, used to be an expected time by serious minded

Christians. It was a class that usually closed with a memory verse that

was expected to be memorized and to be recited in the next class, and

the serious ones laboured during the week to recite the given memory

verses and portions of the last class.

Due to repackaging, Sunday School classes have been replaced

with several other activities, and it is little wonder that the alternatives

are producing lesser results than the initial Sunday School classes. What

took Sunday school away is already taking Bible Study away and

cumulatively, the Bible is going gradually away from the Church. What is

practiced more now are Prophetic services, deliverance services,

communion services, business classes, leadership tutorials, motivational

4
AZ Research Consult, Impact Of Sunday School On The Spiritual, Numerical And Financial
Growth Of The Church In Olomi Section Of Oyo East Assemblies Of God, Online Project Document
accessed at [Link]
and-financial-growth-of-the-church-in-olomi-section-of-oyo-east-assemblies-of-god/ on 25/11/2024.

3
packaging, lengthy praise and worship to while away the time till people

gather for the multi level marketing activities.5

The lack of appreciation for the Sunday School and its overall benefits to

Christian development is what gears this researcher to embark on this work so as to

eradicate the dearth currently experienced and to encourage return to the practice of

Sunday School for Christian Development in our time and age.

1.3 Significance of the Study

a) The study will benefit churches and leaders to enable them determine the various

challenges that confronts Sunday School and Christian Developent.

b) The populace of believers will find it beneficial to understand the benefits of the

Sunday school and its effect on Christian development.

c) It will help to adequately prepare church leaders as well as worshipers to maximize the

tool of Sunday School for their overall growth and Chrisitan development.

d) It will serve as a source for further research.

1.4 Delimitation of the Study

This study will be limited to the activities of four (4) selected Pentecostal

Churches namely, Foursquare Gospel Church, Olorunsogo; Redeemed Christian Church

of God, Tekobo, Idi-aba; Gospel Faith Mission, Isale-Abetu; and Mountain of Fire and

Miracles, Tekobo, Idi-aba, all situated in Abeokuta South Local Government Area,

Abeokuta, Ogun State, respectively and the findings on the impact of Sunday School on

5
Christian Daily Post, What Happened To Sunday School? What Is Happening To Bible Study?
Online Article accessed at [Link]
school-what-is-happening-to-bible-studysunday-school-cla/2265905403707291/?_rdc=1&_rdr# on
25/11/2024

4
Christian Development and the restrictions of the study to One hundred individuals in the

four churches in question.

1.5 Purpose of the Study

1. To enable churches to see the importance of Sunday school in the overall Christian

development of the churches;

2. To help churches on harnessing benefits of Sunday school for Christian Development

purposes;

3. To encourage the participation of churches in reaching more souls for the purpose of church

growth.

1.6 Research procedure

The Research will be a combination of library and field survey research. The

library work will be based on extraction of data from records based on studies relevant to

the field of Christian education, Christian development and spiritual formation of

individuals as well as biblical studies that address all round development of God’s people

in the area of Sunday school attendance.

The field survey research will comprise of the use of a questionnaire to capture

various individual’s attitude, knowledge, factors, etc. on effects of Sunday school on

Christian development.

The Research Population will comprise of One hundred individuals selected

randomly from four Churches under Abeokuta South Local Government Area, Abeokuta,

Ogun State.

1.7 Limitation of the Study

Limitations of this study include the lack of validated instrument to measure the

Effects of Sunday School on Christian Development and the restrictions of the study to

5
One hundred individuals from four churches under Abeokuta South Local Government

Area, Abeokuta, Ogun State. There were some other limitations in the process of carrying

out this research work namely:

i) Getting reliable respondents that will respond to the questionnaire and give accurate and

reliable responses;

ii) People were reluctant to give their details when it comes to the questionnaires;

iii) Logistics is another challenge. The issue of fuel pump price and cost of transportation

is a real challenge. It limited the success of the work.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Sunday School

Sunday School is understood widely as a Bible study activity that many people

enjoy in addition to worship services. It refers to any type of ongoing Bible study or

small group ministry used for the purpose of doing the Great Commission work on

Sunday.

Christian

A Christian is defined in the Bble as someone who is saved by receiving Jesus

Christ, exhibits changed life through the Holy Spirit and shares the Gospel and teaches

others to live like Christ.6

Christian Development

Christian development is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ,

inspired by the Holy Spirit and grounded in Scripture and a faith community. It involves

spiritual growth, renewal of the mind, and redirection of life toward glorifying God.

6
Scribd Online, How Does The Bible Define A Christian, Online artcicle accessed at
[Link]/document.365237316/How-Does-the-Bible-Define-a-Christian accessed on 25/11/2024

6
 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES

2.1 Concept of Sunday School

Sunday School is the church’s foundational discipleship strategy for people of all

ages where they learn to think and act like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit .

Sunday School must be accessible for spiritually lost persons while simultaneously

meeting the needs of growing believers. 7 The Sunday School is the church’s foundational

discipleship strategy for people of all ages where they learn to think and act like Jesus

through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sunday School must be accessible for spiritually

lost persons while simultaneously meeting the needs of growing believers.8

Sunday School is a place and time where God's children learn they are loved by

God and the people of God through the warm fellowship, and inviting and creative study

of the Bible. It is the place where Bible stories are taught to students in such memorable

and positive ways that they become life-long lessons unfolding their meaning as the

student grows, drawing them closer to God and the people of God. Furthermore, it is a

7
Ken Braddy, The Role and Importance of Sunday School Today, Online article access at
[Link] accessed on
25/11/2024.
8
Ibid

7
creative, inviting course of basic training for young Christians, learning about God's love,

God's plan, and God's expectations of his people.9

Sunday School is considered a vital part of Christian upbringing, providing

foundational knowledge about the faith and promoting spiritual growth. While

primarily focused on children and youth, some churches also offer Sunday School

classes for adults. The primary purpose of Sunday School is to teach individuals about

the Bible, often using age-appropriate lessons and activities to explain key stories,

concepts, and teachings. Most commonly associated with Christian churches, Sunday

School classes are usually held on Sundays before the main worship service, while

some hold theirs after the service.

2.2 Concept of Christian Development

Christian development refers to the process of personal spiritual growth and

maturation within the Christian faith, focusing on actively applying biblical teachings to

one's life, leading to a deeper relationship with God and a transformation of character,

often encompassing not just individual growth but also actively working to improve the

social and community conditions around them, reflecting Christian values in

action; essentially, "becoming more like Christ" through continuous learning and

practice.10

Christian development can also be referred to as faith formation, religious

education, or Christian maturity. Religious education is a term used in some Christian

9
Neil MacQueen, Definition and Goal of Sunday School, Online article,
[Link] accessed on 11/3/2025
10
Google Search Engine, Christian Development Meaning, Online search, accessed on 4/3/2025
at [Link]
q=christian+development+meaning+pdf&oq=christian+development+meaning+pdf&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvb
WUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigAdIBCTQzNDc0ajBqNKgCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

8
denominations to describe religious instruction for children and adult converts, while

Christian maturity is a dynamic process that involves moral effort, discipline, and

perseverance. It also involves working out the principles of Scripture in daily

obedience. Other terms related to Christian development include: Sunday school, Bible

study, Christian education, Sunday discipleship, Youth ministry, Divine enrichment,

Catechesis, and Ecumenism.11

A scholarly literature material on The Four Stage of Christian Growth states that

as born-again children of God, Jesus Christ expects believers to grow, develop, and

mature. Believers are not called to remain on the same spiritual level year in and year out

of their entire life. Just as a human baby that never develops mentally or physically is

considered to have mental or physical retardation, so likewise a Christian that never

develops beyond their born-again experience can be considered to be spiritually retarded

in their growth.12 The Sunday school and the activities that surrounds it makes

worshippers to grow spiritually and is a down-to-earth follow-up on the preaching and

teachings received generally by congregants.

2.3 Brief History of Sunday School in Nigeria

Sunday schools were originally literally schools: they were places were poor

children could learn to read. The Sunday school movement began in Britain in the 1780s.

The Industrial Revolution had resulted in many children spending all week long working
11
Google Search Engine, Another name for Christian Development, Online Search
[Link]
q=Another+name+for+christian+development&oq=Another+name+for+christian+development&gs_lcrp=
EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigAdIBCTExMDE1ajBqNK
gCALACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Accessed on 5/3/2025
12
POD School, Four Stages of Christian Growth, POD School Online PDF Document,
[Link]
_2020May8.pdf#:~:text=The%20four%20stages%20of%20Christian%20growth%20are%3A%20babe
%20in%20Christ,or%20mother%20in%20the%20LORD. Accessed on 5/3/2025

9
in factories. Christian philanthropists wanted to free these children from a life of

illiteracy. Well into the 19th century, working hours were long. The first modest

legislative restrictions came in 1802. This resulted in limiting the number of hours a child

could work per day to 12. This limit was not lowered again until 1844. Moreover,

Saturday was part of the regular work week. Sunday, therefore, was the only available

time for these children to gain some education.

The English Anglican evangelical Robert Raikes (1725-1811) was the key

promoter of the movement. It soon spread to America as well. Denominations and non-

denominational organizations caught the vision and energetically began to create Sunday

schools. Within decades, the movement had become extremely popular. By the mid-19th

century, Sunday school attendance was a near universal aspect of childhood. Even

parents who did not regularly attend church themselves generally insisted that their

children go to Sunday school. Working-class families were grateful for this opportunity

to receive an education. They also looked forward to annual highlights such as prize days,

parades, and picnics, which came to mark the calendars of their lives as much as more

traditional seasonal holidays.

Religious education was, of course, always also a core component. The Bible was

the textbook used for learning to read. Likewise, many children learned to write by

copying out passages from the Scriptures. A basic catechism was also taught, as were

spiritual practices such as prayer and hymn-singing. Inculcating Christian morality and

virtues was another goal of the movement. Sunday school pupils often graduated to

become Sunday school teachers, thereby gaining an experience of leadership not to be

10
found elsewhere in their lives. Even some Marxist historians have credited 19th-century

Sunday schools with empowering the working classes.

In both Britain and America, universal, compulsory state education was

established by the 1870s. After that, reading and writing were learned on weekdays at

school and the Sunday school curriculum was limited to religious education.

Nevertheless, many parents continued to believe that regular Sunday school attendance

was an essential component of childhood. The trend for permissive parenting in the

1960s, however, meant that a widespread culture of insisting that children go to Sunday

school whether they want to or not (especially when the parents were not themselves

going to church) was abandoned.13

In Nigeria, the history of Sunday School, introduced by Western Christian

missionaries, traces back to the 1850s, with Mrs. Laurenna Bowen starting Sunday

School in Ijaye-Orile in 1854. Sunday Schools were brought to Africa by Western

Christian missionaries, who had established them in Europe and the United States as

part of church programs.

Mrs. Laurenna Bowen started Sunday School at Ijaye-Orile, Oyo State on

January 22, 1854, marking a significant beginning to Sunday School in Nigeria. The

primary purpose of Sunday School was to provide religious education, teaching the

principles of the Christian religion and the Bible, particularly to children and young

people. It served as a vehicle for evangelism and church growth, with Sunday School

becoming a primary outreach arm of the church.

13
Timothy Larsen, When Did Sunday School Start, Christianity Today Online Article accessed on
11/3/2025, [Link]

11
 Over time, Sunday School organizations expanded to include all ages, becoming

a way for unbelievers to be introduced to and assimilated into the life of the church. By

the late 1800s, Sunday School was seen as the main hope for church growth. Today,

Sunday School classes often focus on age-appropriate Bible knowledge, preparing

youth for rites like First Communion or Confirmation. In some churches, Sunday

School is also used as a mechanism for conflict resolution and de-escalation. 14

2.4 Challenges and Prospects of Sunday School in Nigeria

The Goal of Sunday School include: raising up children in the knowledge of the

Bible and love of God, and become full participants in congregational life; surrounding

children with a faith family that knows them, cares for them, and continues to share with

them; and providing them with a basic understanding of most of the major stories of the

Bible, and in particular, the story of Jesus.

However, the Sunday school is not without its Challenges especially in its

practice. Changes in Sunday school are a direct result of changes in the church.

According to a scholarly article on The Sunday School Challenge, the author opined the

following as Challenges of the Sunday School Ministry:

1. Many denominations are struggling with attendance.

2. Publishing houses see a decline in unit sales (of student manuals) but the financial

bottom line is not necessarily declining because of inflation, sale of accessories and other

material.

14
Google Search Engine, Sunday School History in Nigeria, [Link]. Accessed on 13/3/2025
[Link]
q=Sunday+school+history+in+Nigeria+pdf&sca_esv=0cea375fb25910d8&sxsrf=AHTn8zrL8WOwiN6CFl
rN7fHcvHHfPXTicQ%3A1741686017090&ei=AQXQZ7qeBburhbIPmrKDiQ4&ved=0ahUKEwj6ou-

12
3. Regular attendance is declining among regular members. The most faithful attenders

are not as regular in attendance as in the past.

4. Some Sunday School leaders are ready to "give up" on Sunday School and are

searching for other methods or programs - turning to cells, home Bible study, etc.

It further highlighted five (5) major problems within the Sunday School to

include:

1. The attendance problems. People are losing interest in attending the Sunday school

for varying personal reasons.

2. The recruitment problem. It’s hard to get people to volunteer to teach in Sunday

School.

3. The facilities problem. Many Sunday School classes meet in rooms that are too big,

too little, too old or too depressing.

4. The money problem. Most Sunday School workers do not have the funds to do the

necessary things required of them.

5. The resource problem. Many Sunday School teachers do not have resources to

adequately teach, such as pupil manuals, Video Cassette Recorders (VCRs), chalkboards,

overheads, age-graded furniture, etc.15

These challenges are really opportunities, opportunities to make a significant

impact in the lives of kids and families. Seek God. Ask for His wisdom. Take a hard

look at what you are doing and how you are doing it. Be courageous enough to change

what needs to be changed, stop what needs to be stopped and start what needs to be

15
Jerry Falwell, The Sunday School Challenge, Sermon Central Online article
[Link]
45568 Accessed on 11/3/2025

13
started. Face these challenges head on. And watch God use your ministry to change the

lives of kids and families for eternity.

2.5 Benefits of Sunday School to Churches

Sunday School is a program in churches on Sundays where people, typically

children and adults, learn about the Bible and Christian beliefs through structured classes

led by teachers or volunteers. It aims to teach Bible stories, Christian principles, and

promote spiritual growth. Sunday School is a program typically held in churches on

Sundays, primarily aimed at teaching children and adults about the Bible and Christian

beliefs. It usually involves structured classes or lessons led by trained teachers or

volunteers, focusing on topics such as Bible stories, Christian principles, moral values,

and spiritual growth. Sunday School can serve as a supplement to regular church services

and is often organized into age-specific groups to cater to different developmental stages

and learning needs.16

The following are the benefits of Sunday School as identified in a scholarly

article:

1) Personal Spiritual Growth: Sunday School enhances your understanding of the

Bible, leading to increased obedience to God’s Word and proficiency in its use.

2) Spiritual Mentorship: Learn from teachers and fellow classmates who model the

Christian life, fostering spiritual growth within the supportive environment of small

group Bible study.

16
Folaranmi Ajayi, 7 Benefits of Sunday School, Online Article, accessed on 11/3/2025,
[Link]

14
3) Community and Belonging: Sunday School provides a sense of belonging, where

individuals are personally recognized, allowing for transparency, sharing of needs, and

active participation in group discussions.

4) Building Relationships: Connect with others, learn their stories, and form meaningful

relationships through fellowship times, shared experiences, and ministry opportunities

within the class.

5) Service and Outreach: Sunday School offers opportunities to serve and minister,

including reaching out to un-churched individuals, sharing your faith, and meeting the

needs of class members with love and compassion.

6) Family Engagement: Sunday School accommodates the entire family, allowing for

participation in Bible study, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism in one trip

to church, fostering holistic spiritual growth for every family member.

7) Continued Learning: Regular attendance at Sunday School ensures on going growth

in Bible knowledge and spiritual maturity for individuals and families alike.17

Sunday School continues to be a strong foundational approach for making

disciples, and it is needed today because it creates a place for several crucial things to

happen that are important in the process of making disciples. Sunday school can help

with Christian development in many ways, including:

a) Building a foundation: Sunday school provides a basis for understanding the Bible

and Christian teachings.

b) Teaching values: Sunday school can help children learn and practice values like

love, kindness, honesty, and respect.

17
Folaranmi Ajayi, 7 Benefits of Sunday School, Online Article, accessed on 11/3/2025,
[Link]

15
c) Developing a community: Sunday school can help children develop relationships

with other Christian adults and kids. It can also help people develop a trustworthy

theology by studying and discussing with other believers.

d) Learning from others: Sunday school can help children learn from others' creativity

and perspective.

e) Learning to live in community: Sunday school can help young believers to

understand their baptismal vows and learn to live in community.

f) Making moral and ethical decisions: The lessons learned in Sunday school can help

attendees make moral and ethical decisions in their daily lives.

2.6 Impact of Sunday School on Christian Development

Sunday School provides a structured environment for learning about the Bible,

fostering a deeper understanding of God's word and its application to daily life. The

Sunday School positively impacts church members by fostering spiritual growth,

strengthening biblical knowledge, building community, and encouraging discipleship,

ultimately contributing to a more engaged and vibrant church. Furthermore, the quality

and organizational development of the Church which involves good and well-structured

Sunday School and which is seen as a divinely mandated program, will aid the fulfillment

of the great commission and discovery of more workers for kingdom service.

A scholarly research on The Impact of Sunday School as an Education Ministry

for Growth opined that Sunday School contributes to Church growth both numerically

and spiritually. The impact of Sunday school on Christian development as identified

includes that it uplifts the spiritual status of church members, sharpens the pastor’s

method of administration, throws light to some areas of Sunday school program needing

16
adjustments, helps to reach, teach, win and develop more souls for Jesus Christ, helps to

reach the unsaved souls within a local church’s area of witness. and gives room for

further follow-up of church members and non-members alike.18 Attending Sunday school

helps the individual to gain encouragement, strengthen relationships, and be equipped for

life.

18
Lawrence Oladimeji Ogundele, The Impact of Sunday School As An Education Ministry For
Growth In Christ Heritage Baptist Church Ogbomoso, Nigerian Baptist Seminary Publication, Ogbomoso,
Oyo State, Nigeria, (2008), 63

17
 CHAPTER THREE
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES ON EFFECT OF SUNDAY SCHOOL ON
CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT
3.1 In the Old Testament

The Old Testament emphasizes the importance of teaching children and families

about God's Word, ensuring that knowledge and values are passed down through

generations. While the concept of "Sunday school" as we know it today is a modern

invention, the Old Testament contains elements that can be seen as precursors to religious

education and community learning, such as the practice of reading the Law, the role of

prophets and teachers, and the importance of family and community in transmitting

religious knowledge and values.

The Old Testament, furthermore, emphasized the reading and teaching of the

Law, the role of prophets and teachers, and the importance of community and family in

transmitting religious knowledge and values.

While "Sunday School" as we know it didn't exist in the Old or New Testament,

the concept of religious education and community instruction is evident in both, with

parents and religious leaders playing key roles in teaching God's word and laws. The Old

Testament emphasizes the responsibility of parents to teach their children about God's

laws and history, with verses like Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and 11:19 highlighting this duty.

i) Temple and Synagogue: The temple and synagogues served as places for religious

instruction and worship, where people could learn about God and His commandments.

ii) Prophets and Priests: Prophets and priests played a role in teaching and interpreting

God's word to the people. The Old Testament focuses on the history, laws, and prophets

18
 of the Israelites, emphasizing religious observance and the covenant with God. While

there were practices of religious instruction and teaching, they were not structured as a

weekly, age-segregated system like modern Sunday schools. 19 Also, Old Testament

scriptures offer valuable insights into Christian development, emphasizing themes of

faith, growth, and reliance on God.

Sunday schools evolved, with some focusing on discipleship and others on

teaching basic literacy and religious knowledge. They became a vital part of many

Protestant churches, providing a structured way to teach the Bible and Christian

principles.

3.1.1 In The Pentateuch (Torah)

The Old Testament includes instructions for the priests and Levites, who were

responsible for teaching the law and instructing the people in religious matters.

Exodus 28:1-43: Instructions for the high priest's garments and duties.

Leviticus [Link] Instructions for the priests to teach the people the difference between

the holy and the profane.

Deuteronomy [Link] This verse emphasizes the importance of teaching the law

to children: "You are to teach your children and your grandchildren to fear the Lord your

God by keeping all the words of my law and all my commands that I have given you."

Deuteronomy 6:4-9: This passage, known as the Shema, instructs Israelites to

"hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all

your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. And these commandments

19
Google Search Engine, Was Sunday School Practised in the Old Testament? Google Online,
[Link]
q=was+sunday+school+practised+in+the+old+testament&sca_esv=3465636a2f8911dd&sxsrf=AHTn8zoV
3y8dEoRXFMz9- Accessed on 21/03/2025

19
 that I am giving you today are to be on your hearts. Repeat them to your children. Talk

about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the roads, when you lie

down and when you get up." The call to hear implies that the following words are very

important and must be obeyed. What we are to hear is, “Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is

one.” It can also be translated, “Yahweh is our God; Yahweh alone.” It means that

Yahweh and only Yahweh is the true and living God, and He alone is to be the object of

our worship.

Deuteronomy [Link] This verse further reinforces the importance of teaching

the laws: "And you must impress them on your children, talking about them when you sit at

home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

The most important requirement for raising godly generations is for one to

have personal relationship with God. One cannot pass on to one’s children what one does

not possess. This requires two things:

a) To love God fervently, one must know Him through His Word.

b) To love God fervently, one must walk with Him with reality on the heart level.

Deuteronomy 31:12-13: This passage instructs Moses to gather the tribes of

Israel and read the Law to them, emphasizing the importance of teaching the people

God's commandments.

3.1.2 In The Writings (Ketuvim)

1 Samuel [Link]

"And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and

with people." This verse illustrates the importance of both physical and spiritual growth,

encouraging Christians to strive for maturity in all areas of their lives.

2 Chronicles [Link]
20
 King Jehoshaphat sent teachers throughout Judah to instruct the people in the

Law of the Lord.

Nehemiah 8:1-8:

Ezra reads the Law to the assembled people, and they listen attentively,

demonstrating a desire for learning and understanding. Nehemiah 8:1-12 portray all the

elements of the Sunday-school as follows:

1) Worship—"And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered .

Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands: and they bowed their heads, and

worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground."

2) The teachers—Ezra and his associates

3) The learners—"And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the

broad place that was before the water gate." " ... both men and women , and all that could

hear with understanding."20

4) 'The lesson—" .... the book of the law of Moses, which the Ix>rd had commanded to

Israel."

5) The teaching—"And they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they

gave the sense, so that they understood the reading."

Psalm 19:7-11: This psalm celebrates the value of God's Word, emphasizing its

role in guiding and transforming believers. It encourages Christians to seek wisdom and

understanding through scripture, which is essential for spiritual growth.

Psalm [Link]

This verse speaks to God's role as a teacher, promising to guide and instruct

20
Bernard Washington Spilman, The Story of The Sunday School, The Biblical Recorder
Newsletter, Southern Baptist Convention of North Carolina, Standard Oil Company Inc., USA, (1908), 1

21
 Psalm [Link]

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This

verse emphasizes the importance of finding joy and satisfaction in God, which is a

foundation for a fulfilling Christian life.

Psalm 78:5-8:

This psalm emphasizes the importance of passing down God's teachings and

miracles to future generations, ensuring they remember the Lord's faithfulness.

Psalm 119:99-100: This psalm highlights the importance of teachers and the

value of wisdom and knowledge.

Psalm 139:13-16: This passage speaks to God's intimate knowledge and care for

individuals, even before they are born. It can be a source of comfort and assurance for

Christians, reminding them of God's unwavering love and purpose for their lives.

Proverbs [Link]

This verse, often used in the context of Christian education, highlights the

importance of instilling godly principles in children, emphasizing that early training can

lead to a life of faith and obedience.

3.1.3 In The Prophets (Navi’im)

Prophets were also tasked with teaching and instructing the people, calling them

to repentance and reminding them of God's covenant. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah

and Ezekiel often served as teachers, conveying God's message and guiding the people

towards righteousness.

22
 Jeremiah [Link] "And I will give you a shepherd after my heart, who will feed

you with knowledge and understanding."

Jeremiah [Link] "You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and

bear fruit." This verse speaks to the role of God in the growth and development of

believers, reminding us that we are His work and that He will nurture us.

Ezekiel 34:1-34: God's lament over the shepherds of Israel who did not teach

the people.

3.2 In the New Testament

Turning to the New Testament we find abundant examples as well as commands

to teach the Word of God. Jesus is spoken of over and over again as teaching. He

commanded His followers to teach as well as to make disciples. This the apostles did as

they went from house to house and also in the synagogues and other public places. The

churches In New Testament times had teachers as well as evangelists and pastors.21

Jesus' teachings and parables were a form of religious education, conveyed to

his disciples and the crowds who followed him.

i) Apostles and Evangelists: The apostles and evangelists, like Paul, were tasked with

spreading the gospel and teaching the new believers about Jesus and his teachings.

ii) Early Church Gatherings: Early church gatherings involved teaching, prayer, and

fellowship, where believers would learn about the new covenant and grow in their faith.

21
Bernard Washington Spilman, The Story of The Sunday School, The Biblical Recorder
Newsletter, Southern Baptist Convention of North Carolina, Standard Oil Company Inc., USA, (1908), 1

23
 iii) Home Churches: In the early church, homes were used for worship and teaching,

with families and small groups gathering to study the scriptures and learn about the

Christian faith.

3.2.1 In The Gospels

Matthew 28:19-20: The New Testament does not explicitly mention "Sunday

School" as a specific practice, but it emphasizes the importance of teaching and discipleship,

which are the core principles behind Sunday School. The New Testament equally highlights

the importance of teaching and discipleship, with Jesus instructing his followers to "go and

make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of

the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew

28:19-20). The Great Commission is also a foundational text for Christian missions and

discipleship, which includes the command to "teach". 22 Jesus instructs his followers to "go

and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

The Bible contains various passages that speak to the concept of growth, both in a

spiritual and personal sense. The parable of the mustard seed, shared by Jesus in Matthew

22
Google Search Engine, The Practice Of Sunday School In The New Testament, Google Online,
[Link]
q=the+practice+of+Sunday+School+in+the+new+testament&sca_esv=3d6848995d8cd9b4&sxsrf=AHTn8
zo9wiaFr3CtnbQthOmfd1zAQVNEUw
%3A1742562138754&ei=WmPdZ4jRLaifhbIPlLk8&ved=0ahUKEwiI5p3qnZuMAxWoT0EAHZQcDwA
Q4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=the+practice+of+Sunday+School+in+the+new+testament&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l
6LXNlcnAiMnRoZSBwcmFjdGljZSBvZiBTdW5kYXkgU2Nob29sIGluIHRoZSBuZXcgdGVzdGFtZW50
MgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigAUieRVDIBVioPHABeAGQAQOYAeIGoAHbPqo
BDDItMTAuMi4xLjYuMbgBA8gBAPgBAZgCDKACuR7CAgoQABiwAxjWBBhHwgIEECMYJ8ICCB
AAGIAEGKIEwgIFEAAY7wXCAggQABiiBBiJBcICBBAhGBXCAgUQIRifBcICBxAhGKABGAqYA
wCIBgGQBgiSBwkxLjAuNi4xLjSgB99jsgcHMi02LjEuNLgHlx4&sclient=gws-wiz-serp, Accessed on
21/03/2025.

24
13:31-32, conveys the notion of exponential growth in the Kingdom of God: "The kingdom

of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the

smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree ."

This metaphor highlights the transformative power of even the smallest beginnings and the

potential for significant growth in the spiritual life. 23 The Gospels also offers guidance for

Christian development through Jesus' teachings and actions, emphasizing love, compassion,

humility, and following his example to grow in faith and serve others. The specific teachings

and instructions include:

i. The Sermon on the Mount: This collection of teachings in Matthew 5-7 outlines

key principles of Christian living, including blessings for those who are poor in

spirit, meek, and merciful.

ii. The Parables: Jesus used parables to teach complex spiritual truths in a relatable

way, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the parable

of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32).

iii. The Great Commission: In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus instructs his followers to

"go and make disciples of all nations," demonstrating the importance of sharing

the Gospel message.

iv. Prayer: Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer, teaching his followers how to

pray in Matthew 6:9-13.

v. Deny Self, Take up Christ like Suffering: Luke 9:23

23
Bible Study Tools, Bible Verses About Growth, Bible Study Tools Online Article,
[Link] Accessed on 21/03/2025

25
 vi. Following Jesus is more important even than family: Luke 9:57-62, 14:26,

21:16-1724

3.2.2 In The Acts of Apostles

Acts [Link] This verse describes the early church as "devoting themselves to the

apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer," emphasizing

the importance of on-going instruction and learning within the church community. The text

provides a model for how a church community should function, emphasizing the importance

of teaching, fellowship, worship, and prayer, all of which are relevant to Sunday school

teachings and practices. It also reminds us that a thriving Christian community is built on a

foundation of shared faith, teaching, fellowship, and prayer.

3.2.3 In The Epistles

Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV): the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of growth

within the Christian community: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become

in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From Him, the whole

body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in

love, as each part does its work." This passage illustrates the interconnectedness of believers

in their collective growth, functioning as a unified body with Christ as the head.25

Ephesians [Link] This verse instructs fathers to "bring them up in the training and

instruction of the Lord," highlighting the importance of teaching and raising children in a

way that reflects biblical values.

24
Google Search Engine, Teaching instructions on Christian development in the Gospels, Google
Online,[Link]
q=Teaching+instructions+on+Christian+development+in+the+Gospels&sca_esv=3d6848995d8cd9b4&sxs
rf=AHTn8zqgtDXBoaO2lpjOH- Accessed on 21/03/2025.
25
Bible Study Tools, Bible Verses About Growth, Bible Study Tools Online Article,
[Link] Accessed on 21/03/2025

26
 2 Timothy [Link] This verse encourages diligence in studying and correctly

handling the word of truth, emphasizing the importance of understanding and applying

biblical teachings.

2 Timothy 3:16-17: This passage highlights that "All Scripture is God-breathed

and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the

servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Hebrews 10:24-25: This passage encourages believers to "not giving up meeting

together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more

as you see the Day approaching," implying the importance of gathering for instruction and

fellowship.

2 Peter [Link] The apostle Peter encourages believers, "But grow in the grace and

knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!

Amen." This verse underscores the idea that spiritual growth is an ongoing process that

involves deepening one's understanding of God's grace and developing a closer relationship

with Jesus Christ.26

Overall, the Bible encourages believers to pursue spiritual growth, continually

deepening their understanding of God's grace, participating in the expansion of His Kingdom,

and actively contributing to the growth and maturity of the Christian community.

26
Bible Study Tools, Bible Verses About Growth, Bible Study Tools Online Article,
[Link] Accessed on 21/03/2025

27
 CHAPTER FOUR
EFFECT OF SUDAY SCHOOL ON CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT: A CASE
STUDY OF FOUR PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN ABEOKUTA SOUTH
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
4.1 Brief History of Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State

4.2 Brief History of the Selected Pentecostal Churches

4.3 Practice of Sunday School In Selected Churches

4.4 Impact of Sunday School on Christian Development of Selected Pentecostal

Churches.

4.5 Challenges of Sunday School In Selected Churches

4.6 Prospects of Sunday School and the Christian Development of Selected

Churches

4.7 Data Presentation, Analysis and Discussion

28
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary

5.2 Conclusions

5.3 Recommendations

29
 APPENDIXES

APPENDIX A

LETTER TO RESPODENTS

LIFE Theological Seminary,

Ikorodu, Lagos.

Dear Respondent,
Attached herewith is the copy of the questionnaire designed to collect data on the
research topic: EFFECT OF SUNDAY SCHOOL ON CHRISTIAN DEVELPMENT:
A CASE STUDY OF FOUR SELECTED PEMTECOSTAL CHURCHES IN
ABEOKUTA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE. You
are please required to complete it sincerely. You are also assured that your response
which will be used mainly for this research work will be treated with utmost
confidentiality.

Kindly tick (√) any appropriate option of your choice and complete space
provided below the questionnaire. I shall be grateful if you could assist to complete the
questionnaire on time.

Thanks for your anticipated response.

Yours truly,

30
ADEYEMO FELICIA FOLASADE
Researcher

APPENDIX B

QUESTIONNAIRE
SECTION A
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
Age: 18-30 ( ); 31-40 ( ); 41-50 ( ); 51- above ( )
Sex: Male ( ); Female ( )
Employment Status: Student ( ); Employed ( ); Unemployed ( ); Pensioner ( )
Marital status: Single ( ); Married ( ); Widowed ( ); Divorced ( ); Separated ( )
Years Saved: 1-10 yrs ( ) 11 -20 yrs ( ) 21-30yrs ( ) 31 – 40 yrs ( ) 41 – 50yrs ( )
Years been a member: 0-5 ( ); 6-10 ( ); 11-15 ( ); 16-20 ( ); 21- and above ( )
Position in Church: Church Pastor ( ); Assisting Minister ( ); Council Member ( );
Elder/Deacon/Deaconess ( ); Youth Leader/Worker ( ); Youth/Teen Church Member ( );
Church Member ( ); Visitor ( )
Sunday School Involvement: Senior Pastor ( ); Assisting Minister ( ); Christian
Education Minister/Sunday School Superintendent ( ); Sunday School Teacher ( );
Sunday School Student ( ); Visitor ( )
SECTION B
KEY: SA – Strongly Agree, A – Agree, SD – Strongly Disagree, D – Disagree
S/N QUESTION SA A SD D
1. Sunday School is an integral part of Sunday worship service.

31
2. The church is intentional in the spiritual development of
members through its Sunday School.
3. The procurement and use of Sunday school materials by
members helps to generate interest in knowing God more.
4. Attendance in Sunday is a must for any believer to have
Christian development.
5. Interest in Sunday School has increased and enabled believers
to have Christian development.
6. Interest in Sunday School is necessary for a believer’s
development
7. There is a growing decline in interest and attendance of
members in Sunday School.
8. Taking notes, coming with Bible, class participation and
memorizing verses are still practiced in Sunday School
9. There is no relationship between attending Sunday school and
Christian development hence I can choose not to attend.
10. Relationship with God requires that one should attend Sunday
School so as to develop more in faith.

11. The importance of Sunday School has reduced and so it is not

considered as vital to Christian Development.
12. Christians of today owe their maturity and stature in faith to
submitting to Sunday School instructions and teachings.
13. Most topics treated in Sunday School are in consonance with
present day Christian Development challenges
14. Most Sunday school topics are repetitive, obsolete and
irrelevant to present day challenges to Christian faith
15. Attendance and participation in Sunday School class boosts
relationship with God and fellow believers
16. The Sunday School department of the church helps to monitor
the discipleship level of each member
17. All those who go through Sunday School reflect the impact in
their Christian life
18. One feels out of place and uneasy if one does not attend or
submit to the Sunday School teachings
19. The curriculum developed for the Sunday school reflects
desire for Christian Development of members
20. Issues necessary for Christian development are mostly
addressed in Sunday school hence my attending it.

32
BIBLIOGRAPHY

33