Old-School Wisdom for Modern Disciple-Making

Sabbath School, a keystone institution within the Adventist Church, is experienced in many ways. It can be a place of engagement, connection and belonging — or a space marked by distance, discomfort or uncertainty.

No matter your experience, there is insight to gain from old-school wisdom as we look ahead to modern disciple-making. 

At the 2025 General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, leaders highlighted disciple-making and the role Sabbath Schools play in forming faithful, engaged disciples. 

In the midst of the Church Manual updates, the GC Sabbath School and Personal Ministries department offered a week of disciple-making training during the session.

“I believe the greatest potential for the mission of the church lies in mobilizing members to make disciples,” said James Howard, then GC Sabbath School and Personal Ministries director. “Sabbath School is perfectly suited for that — it brings together Bible study and prayer, fellowship and mission.”

That emphasis reflects both a renewed calling and a historic reality. From its beginnings in the 1850s, Sabbath School was designed to foster spiritual growth through systematic Bible study and active participation. In North America, early Sabbath Schools were often so central to congregational life that attendance sometimes exceeded church membership.

Over time, Sabbath School developed a clear set of objectives — Bible study, fellowship, character development, evangelism, world mission and training for service — shaping generations of Adventists often described as “people of the book.” Each Sabbath morning, across continents and cultures, a shared curriculum continues to offer a powerful point of unity, with millions exploring the same passages at relatively the same time.

Yet for a program with such unifying and disciple-making potential, local experiences vary widely. During GC Session, a subtle but significant shift in the Church Manual signaled a renewed emphasis on disciple-making as an active calling, not a passive outcome.

That shift matters. As Howard noted, when Sabbath School loses its outward focus, it loses vitality. In North America, where Sabbath School and church attendance continue to wane, more leaders are beginning to ask a timely question: How can Sabbath School become more meaningful, engaging and life-giving today?

Reality Check: Participation Trends

Sabbath School is fertile ground for Disciple-Making 101: friends sharing scripture, prayers and everyday life. Yet for many, the pews are emptier than they once were.

Globally, about 6 in 10 Adventists attend Sabbath School at least weekly, whether in person or remotely, according to the 2023 Global Church Membership Survey.

In North America, fewer attend regularly or not at all, signaling a shift in how members engage with this long-standing program.

In the Northwest, Sabbath School isn’t tracked separately, but 2026 church attendance data — covering 86% of churches — shows roughly 3 in 10 members participating.

Numbers highlight the challenge but not the why. These trends need to be examined and reflected upon at the local church level, where leadership, culture and community dynamics shape participation. 

Shaping Disciples in the Northwest

In early December 2025, the Gleaner team asked readers to nominate the Pacific Northwest’s most inspiring Sabbath School teachers for adults and children. We wanted to hear directly from those in the trenches of disciple-making — teachers shaping faith, fellowship and mission each week.

From the nominations, five graciously agreed to share their experiences: three adult Sabbath School teachers and two children's teachers. You recommended some incredible disciple-making individuals, many with decades of perspective, insight and stories to tell!

What follows are not success stories in the traditional sense but lived expressions of Sabbath School as a disciple-making space. These are self-proclaimed old-school teachers, and their insights offer perspective for modern disciple-making.

1. Encourage Fresh Perspectives

Gene Starr spent a lifetime serving in a variety of professional roles — from chemical engineering to faith-based finances — yet he said the most important thing about him is simply that he is a sinner saved by grace.

That humility and his love of learning shine through his Sabbath School teaching at East Salem Church in Oregon, where he encourages 12–14 participants each week to think deeply, ask questions and explore scripture from new angles.

He favors an exegesis — or in-depth — approach and incorporates language, culture, history, geography and personal application.

“You don’t have to have an advanced degree to study scripture,” Starr said. “I like to make it as simple as possible to decode words in scripture and what they mean.”

Two participants are not Adventists, which adds to the liveliness of the conversation. Another class member joins remotely from Illinois using Owl Labs video technology.

“We are a diverse group of people seeking to understand more clearly what scripture is saying,” Starr said. “There is no wrong answer or thought. Dialogue allows people to really interact and hopefully grow spiritually.” 

“I see the role of Sabbath School as a place where people can have spiritual nourishment,” he added. “If we don’t eat spiritually, we’re spiritually going to die. This prepares people to deal with the issues and the lives we live.”

If your Sabbath School experience is feeling a little dull, Starr’s advice is to try a new style of Bible study:

“Start at the beginning of a book and go through in contextual order. Study it verse by verse; don’t just hop around. Discover the direction the author is going and have some fun with it. I encourage my class members to be able to walk in the sandals of the author of the book.”

2. Guide Growth Through Participation

Nearby in Molalla, Oregon, Ralph Piuser, a seed farmer and long-time Bible student, often teaches two weekly Sabbath School classes. He even had a stint as a youth leader many years ago and planned memorable afternoon hikes to continue the Sabbath School fellowship experience.

His early 8:30 a.m. class began in the 1980s as a prayer group and grew into studying various books of the Bible. Typically, the early class members continue with the more traditional lesson study at 9:30 a.m.

“I told ‘em, 'As long as you want to have class, I’ll teach, but I’m not here to lecture you,'” Piuser said. “I don’t want Sabbath School to become a boring place to come. If you can get people involved, there will always be interest.”

Piuser seeks to provide a safe place for spiritual growth, whether teaching youth or adults. 

“I don’t have a strict outline. I have certain ideas that I want to get across, but I give participants the lead,” he said. “I try to apply the lesson practically; application makes a big difference.” 

Piuser encourages class participants to bring friends, welcoming newcomers — including a young man in his 30s who recently walked in off the street seeking Bible study. 

He also mentors participants who want to try teaching themselves, offering support and reassurance.

“I don’t teach somebody else’s lesson very well, and so I have to make it mine somehow. Any new teacher has to do the same,” he said. “Classes are usually forgiving and willing to talk. I always try to be smart enough to listen and learn.” 

Piuser closed with this appeal: “Make the church your church. This is family. Be involved in it. You can be impersonal out there, but inside Sabbath School, this is your family. We’re here to pray, study and learn together.”

3. Slow Down to Connect

Educator and environmental scientist David Wienecke’s exposure to Sabbath School and the Adventist Church came when his girlfriend — who later became his wife — invited him to study the Bible. While he had grown up Catholic, this was the first time he had particularly read or studied the Bible.

“From the moment that I entered the church, I was asked to participate in church,” he recalled. 

That early invitation opened the door to more than 30 years of local church service, including teaching Sabbath School and serving as an elder in California, Oregon and Washington. 

Today, he is one of a rotation of adult Sabbath School teachers in Enumclaw, Washington, and has come to appreciate the two-way communication Sabbath School naturally invites.

“One of the things I’ve learned about creating a welcoming Sabbath School is not rushing past people,” he said. “Simple questions like, ‘How’s your week been?’ or making space for prayer and praise can really open the door.” 

“It’s a reminder that Sabbath School isn’t just about the Bible or the teacher,” he added. “It’s about everyone in the room.”

He admits slowing down hasn’t always been easy. “I have a tendency to want to jump straight into the lesson,” he said.

He recalled a moment when, as an Andrews University assistant professor, he had a student raise her hand: “She said, ‘Mr. Wienecke, you forgot to pray.’ That moment stayed with me. It showed me how important it is to slow down, be welcoming and bring everyone into the process.”

Over the years, Wienecke has noticed shifts in Sabbath School dynamics, particularly in the past decade. 

“Our political environment has really changed Sabbath School interactions,” he said. “Culture wars and conspiracy theories have entered our Sabbath Schools, and I see anger and insecurity. It’s alarming to me what has happened with our ability to get along.”

In response, he focuses on Christ. “I do my best to present the Christ who changed my life, without touching hot-button topics. The simple truth is that the Lord loves you and wants you to come back to Him.”

Ultimately, Wienecke sees Sabbath School as central to the life and mission of the church.

“We need each other,” he said. “One of the reasons I put so much of myself into Sabbath School is because I think that’s part of our relationship building. That’s what mission and disciple-making is: relationship building.”

4. Connect with Families to Model Disciple-Making

Kathleen "Kathy" Michell, a 40-year veteran kindergarten, first- and second-grade teacher in the Orting, Washington, public school system, joined the Adventist Church later in life. 

She found herself accompanying a young family to Puyallup Church and helping the two little girls when their mom had to work Sabbaths as a nurse. Gradually, she found herself reading stories, helping with setup, leading crafts and more.

When an opening came to officially lead the beginner’s class 12 years ago, she was comfortable enough in that environment to lead.

Her Sabbath School classroom is cheerful and welcoming, with children’s work displayed and music playing from a CD player even before the lesson starts. Michell starts class on time, even if few children are present, to model consistency.

"I always greet every parent and every child,” she said. “If it’s a new child, I make sure to learn their name and let them know they’re welcome in Sabbath School."

Even with a welcoming environment, attendance can be a challenge because of early start times, family schedules or seasonal factors.

To encourage attendance, Michell offers a toddler-friendly incentive: For every 10 Sabbaths a child attends, they earn a sticker toward special toy prizes and nature books. Birthdays are abundantly celebrated.

One of her goals is to talk with her pastor and church board about finding ways to connect more with their school community to invite children of all ages to participate in Sabbath School.

Whether using GraceLink materials or the new Alive in Jesus curriculum, Michell finds herself adapting the curriculum to the needs of babies, toddlers and young children — whoever shows up on a particular Sabbath.

"The quarterlies are wonderful, but I only use a fraction of them because it’s too much for 3-year-olds and under,” she said. “I adapt the crafts so the children can actually do them, not just the parents."

Michell sees Sabbath School as part of the church’s mission to involve children early and emphasizes that Sabbath School is about community building, teaching children about God's love and connecting with families. 

“I ask parents to help with crafts, offerings and cleanup; the kids help too,” she said. “It gives everyone a sense of purpose and builds a real sense of community.”

From decades in public school teaching to her commitment to Sabbath School teaching, her heart for children and families shines through.

As Sabbath School concludes each week, Michell has a special message she shares: “I always thank the parents for bringing their children and tell them, 'Please invite your neighbors.'”

5. Provide Space for Curious Minds

Many years ago, Saundra Brewer sent away for a free Bible. When a woman arrived with the Bible and study lessons, Brewer — raised a Baptist alongside nine siblings — planned to give it to one of her brothers. But God had other plans.

The woman befriended Brewer and — knowing her love of children — invited her children to Sabbath School. 

“She started me off in the lower division,” Brewer remembered. “I had two children of my own [at the time], and I wanted to see what was going on in there. So, I just stayed.”

That decision, made more than five decades ago, still shapes Brewer’s life today. She remains deeply involved in children’s Sabbath School at Sharon Church in Portland, Oregon. 

One of her four children, Dywanna, a Head Start teacher, now leads Sabbath School alongside her. Together, the mother-daughter duo has taught beginner, kindergarten and primary classes — sometimes simultaneously, depending on attendance.

“Bible stories can be told to any age,” Brewer said.

A typical Sabbath School under Brewer’s care begins with movement and creativity: kinetic sand, Play-Doh, coloring or hands-on activity stations that meet children where they are. 

She adapts constantly, responding to the energy and needs of the day. Bible games, acting out stories or interactive lessons often precede the quieter moments of the weekly Bible lesson.

To encourage punctuality, Brewer offers a prize for the first child through the door. Once, two siblings devised a plan to hold hands and step over the threshold at the same time to both qualify for a prize. Brewer still chuckles at that memory!

“I want children and parents to feel comfortable and connected at Sabbath School,” Brewer said. “When they have a good time, they will want to come back.”

For Brewer, Sabbath School is more than routine — it’s a sacred space for curiosity.

“Children need Sabbath School; They need a place to ask questions,” she said. “They pretty much know the Bible as well as you do. They are open and seeking answers.”

Teaching methods have changed over the years, she noted. “You used to lecture more. Now, it needs to be hands-on. We have to bring in more things that engage little ones.”

Her advice to fellow leaders is simple and heartfelt: “Be excited about what you’re sharing. Keep helping little people grow in their faith. If you are not enthused about it, they won’t be either.”

To parents, Brewer offers an invitation: “Bring your children to Sabbath School so they can experience the whole program.”

Disciple-making rarely happens through polished programs alone. It happens through consistency, curiosity, hospitality and Christian love — week after week.

An Invitation to Learn Together

This feature is meant to start a conversation. As churches continue adapting to their local contexts, learning from one another has never been more valuable. 

Join us Tuesday, April 7, from 6–7:30 p.m. for a Zoom conversation where Sabbath School leaders and members share what’s working, what’s challenging and how they’re shaping Sabbath School to become more meaningful, relational and mission-focused.

Together, we can encourage one another and continue growing faith-filled and faithful disciples — one Sabbath School at a time.