What happens when generations come together — when wisdom earned over decades meets fresh energy and new ideas?
For this Sabbath School–themed issue, I was grateful for the opportunity to listen and learn from several Northwest teachers recommended by Gleaner readers.
Just after the cover feature deadline, I spoke with Joan Smith from North Cascade Church in Burlington, Washington. After 51 years of teaching little ones that Jesus loves them, she recognizes it's time to make room for the next generation of leaders — a group she has been mentoring and equipping through various volunteer roles.
Where some churches wrestle with the question — Where is the next generation? — Smith’s experience offers a hopeful answer. They are already among us, growing through invitation, mentorship and trust.
Take, for example, Darla Morgan, a product of southwest Washington and a pediatric occupational therapist, who was invited nearly four years ago to blend developmental knowledge, childhood routines and disciple-making at Whipple Creek Church in Ridgefield, Washington.
Each week, Morgan creatively invites little ones to engage through simple classroom “task cards,” independently or with parental help, as a way of reinforcing participation, shared worship and belonging. Whether in prayer, activities, songs, Bible stories or even small classroom responsibilities, each child is reminded that they are a valued part of the church community.
“We try to meet everyone where they are and show that they have value in God’s church, no matter their age,” Morgan said. “We are training our future leaders.”
Across these conversations, I was struck by the intentionality Sabbath School teachers bring to disciple-making.
Each one interprets shared resources through the lens of their calling, community and season of life. Faithfulness, it turns out, doesn’t always look the same from one generation to the next.
Perhaps the invitation before us is one of grace — to honor what has come before and to allow room for what is still taking shape.
Seasoned leaders carry wisdom that cannot be replaced; emerging leaders bring curiosity, creativity and a willingness to try something new. Both are gifts to the church.
Each generation, in their own way, is making an eternal investment.
When we make space for one another — to grow, experiment, discover and sometimes let go — we reflect a church that trusts God not only with its past, but also with its future.
Whether methods feel familiar or freshly imagined, the heart of Sabbath School remains the same — meeting people where they are, helping them understand their value in God’s church and preparing them, at every stage, for lives of faith, discipleship and leadership.
Table Talk Prompt
What has shaped your view of Sabbath School — whether through positive experiences or challenges — and what insights or hopes do you carry forward?
