| dc.description.abstract | Summary
In this keynote address, Mark Zarling urges congregations to view Sunday School not through human limitations but through the eyes of the Lord. He traces its historical roots—from social reform and revivalism to its evolving role in Lutheran congregations—and examines current challenges such as declining enrollment, fractured family structures, and postmodern cultural influences. Zarling emphasizes that Sunday School remains vital when it centers on the Word of God. He highlights four divine perspectives: the powerful subject taught (God’s Word), the special students (immortal souls), the supernatural teaching (Spirit-led instruction), and the eternal goals (salvation through Christ). Teachers are reminded that their role is not to convert but to faithfully proclaim the Gospel, trusting the Spirit to work. Zarling concludes that even if one soul is saved through Sunday School, it is eternally worth the effort.
—Summary generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4) | |
