“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). This Bible verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual education at a young age. Receiving religious education as a child gave me an opportunity to learn, grow, and serve in Christian ministry. Years ago, attending Sunday School exposed me to Christian education and deepened my knowledge of Bible stories.
Today, Sunday School continues to play a vital role in the Presbyterian Christian Fellowship in Canada (PCFC) by giving children the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with God while meeting their spiritual needs. In conversations with Sunday School children at PCFC in 2025, many shared that they attend church to learn the Word of God and build relationships.
Parents, on the other hand, say that studying God's Word at an early age helps build a strong spiritual foundation for their children. Beyond classroom teaching, Sunday School also serves as an outreach ministry to the church community. It creates a warm and welcoming environment for new worshippers, especially newcomers to Canada. In conversations with some newcomers, they expressed that they are building meaningful relationships and enjoying fellowship with other Christians.
Sunday School also promotes fellowship within the church by creating opportunities for children, teachers, and families to interact, pray together, and support one another in their spiritual journey. This fosters a genuine sense of belonging within the church family.
Throughout the year, PCFC Sunday School children participate in various events, including the PCFC Summer Carnival, PCFC Thanksgiving celebrations, PCFC anniversary celebrations, Christmas carols, and Children and Youth Week. PCFC moved its Children and Youth Week celebration from February to August to join the broader celebrations of children and youth across Canada. During these events, children demonstrate what they have learned through singing, Bible recitation, quizzes, and drama. These activities not only nurture growth in the Christian faith but also provide opportunities to learn about Canadian history and civic education.
For many years, Sunday School has helped shape children's character through Bible lessons, discussions, songs, sports, and games, instilling Christian virtues such as love, honesty, kindness, forgiveness, and humility. Many church leaders, including pastors, teachers, and elders, are products of Sunday School, making it an important entry point for the next generation of PCFC leaders.
Given the important role Sunday School plays in the church, it is clear that it is far more than a weekly Sunday program. It is a place where children learn God's Word, grow in faith, discover their gifts, build connections, improve their civic knowledge, and form lasting relationships within the community of God's people.
