2. Adventist Sabbath School, the general equivalent
of Sunday Schools of other denominations, began in
1852 when James White wrote the first Sabbath
School lessons.
Early Sabbath Schools had only two divisions,
one for children and one for adults, called the Bible
Class. In 1863, the first series of Sabbath School
lessons adapted for children appeared. That same
year the first adult Sabbath School lessons, written
by Uriah Smith, an early Adventist pioneer, appeared
in the Review and Herald.
3. There was little organization until G. H. Bell, a pioneer
teacher in Battle Creek, became editor of the Youth’s
Instructor in 1869. He introduced two series of lessons, one
for children and the other for youth. He also published a plan
of organization providing for a staff of officers and regular
reports of attendance.
Organization of Sabbath Schools began in California in
1877 with the formation of the first state Sabbath School
Association. In March 1878 the General Sabbath School
Association was organized. In 1878, in Battle Creek,
Michigan, the first division for smaller children was formed
called “the Bird’s nest.” In 1886 this became the kindergarten
division. In 1879, the first Branch Sabbath Schools were
4. A major reorganization of the Sabbath School
Department took place at the 1985 General Conference
session when it became a part of the newly created
Church Ministries Department. At the 1995 General
Conference session, the Church Ministries Department
was dissolved and the Sabbath School department was
reestablished in combination with Personal Ministries.
Today it is know as the Sabbath School/Personal
Ministries Department of the General Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists.
5. A Branch of Missionary Work
A Place where Member can Share
Experiences
Solution to Many of the
Challenges we Face as a Church
6. “The Sabbath school is an important branch of
the missionary work, not only because it gives
to young and old a knowledge of God’s word,
but because it awakens in them a love for its
sacred truths, and a desire to study them for
themselves; above all, it teaches them to
regulate their lives by its holy teachings”
(EGW, Counsel on Sabbath School, p. 10).
7. While Bible study is certainly a key element of Sabbath
School, mission also plays a vital role—both locally and
globally. The Sabbath School provides a place where
members can share experiences they are having in reaching
out and ministering to others in their community, and
inspiring others to do the same. It also provides time to see
what is happening in mission around the world. One of the
best ways to do this is by watching the short Mission
Spotlight programs provided free of charge each week by
Adventist Mission. (Ted N.C. Wilson, Adventist Review,
September 26, 2020)
8. I believe that Sabbath School, done right, would be
the solution to many of the challenges we face as a
church. I believe that, done right, it will lead to
stronger, more dedicated members. Done right, it
would lead to church growth and mission. Done right,
it would give us guidance on how to make an impact
in our lives, homes, and communities. But it’s
the done right part that seems so vexing. (Curtis
Hall, Sabbath School Net, January 12, 2017)
10. “If Christians would earnestly search the
scriptures more hearts would burn with the vivid
truths therein revealed. Their hopes would brighten
with the precious promises strewn like pearls all
along through the sacred writings. In contemplating
the history of patriarchs and prophets, the men who
loved and feared God and walked with Him, hearts will
glow with the spirit that animated these worthies. As
the mind dwells on the virtue and piety of holy men of
old, the spirit which inspired them will kindle a flame
of love and holy fervor in the hearts of those who
would be like them in character, and as they gather
the golden truth from the word, the heavenly
Instructor is close by their side.” - Ellen White, WM
Herald October 26, 1904
