Editors’ Note: Gleaner reader Heather Chandler shared the following stories and experiences with our editorial team after reading about the importance of Sabbath School connections. Her words, originally featured in a self-produced brochure, are lightly edited with her permission and structured for a broader audience.
Sabbath School is special to me. Each week, small groups gather to study the Bible, share life and pray together. Children sing and learn through hands-on activities. Adults discuss scripture and apply it to daily life. Anyone can join the hour-long Bible study time. All are welcome.
There is great potential for Sabbath School to introduce people to the love of Jesus when it is both Christ-centered and people-centered — providing connection, friendship, encouragement and spiritual growth.
I am very enthusiastic about Sabbath School as a means for evangelistic mission, as I have been part of kind, inclusive and supportive groups. Let me share four Sabbath School vignettes with you and some personal reflections.
Story 1: The Gift of Early Leadership
I remember my teen class teacher on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts was a devoted young man, about age 17, who would often preach at our small church. On the Sabbaths he preached, he would ask me to lead the class discussion.
Why This Matters
- I liked that I was able to lead the class. Teaching came naturally to me, so it felt comfortable. I was careful to treat my classmates with kindness and allow everyone to share their thoughts on the topic.
- As a class, we tried to apply the weekly topics to the personal lives of each youth present. I liked how the youth engaged with the topics, giving everyone a voice, as they rightly should. I hope that somehow, some little word from our class was able to encourage one of our youth — even today.
- The commitment of the young leader was a great model for me, and I later went on to be quite involved in our little church. When young people are allowed to take leadership roles in church, this can heighten engagement and retention.
Story 2: Investing in Young Hearts
I remember teaching a class of elementary, primary-aged children in the early 2000s at Andrews University’s Pioneer Memorial Church, and particularly the last day of teaching that class.
I had written a poem for them, wishing them all the best for the future and reminding them that they can always count on Jesus as their friend on their journey. I recall writing in the poem that I would love to meet them in heaven if we never met again on this earth. That was around 2003, so my little students are now all grown up.
One student was a bit shy and would sometimes cry because she didn’t want to leave her precious Mommy and sit with us for class. But with time, it was a bit easier for her, and I remember she felt comfortable enough to share with me that she had been on vacation to the Dominican Republic with her family. Well, I recently learned that our shy little princess, Macy, is now a church pastor. She leads a large congregation in a vibrant city, doing amazing things for the Lord in urban ministry!
Another of our little princesses from our Sabbath School class at the time was just beginning to experience life with severe dyslexia. Despite the challenges, she was able to pursue her studies and achieve brilliant results — including a master’s degree. Today, she works in design and tech and is also very passionate about mentoring young people. With Jesus on her journey, she has experienced many miracles. I know her story well, because she is my daughter, Maeva.
Iago is another name I remember from our class. He was such an innovative, intelligent person; I am sure he is lighting up his corner of the world.
Lessons Learned
- Every child has the potential to fulfill their dreams and aspirations, take their rightful place in society and lead a successful, productive life. Those who take the sacred responsibility of working with children are tasked with their safety, security and well-being. These individuals should exercise this role with the highest integrity.
- Working with children and young people can be a highly rewarding role. I remember how the children were always eager to do the activities I had planned for them and to participate in the discussion. When we work with precious young people at church, we are making deposits for their future, here on earth and more so for heaven.
Story 3: A Circle of Support
When one of my daughters was in college at Southern Adventist University, I fondly remember a special interest support group that I joined on her university campus.
A university church campus provides many opportunities for expanded types of special interest Sabbath School groups. I recall there was a men’s group, a women’s group, a parenting principles group and more. There was a class for everyone’s interests and tastes.
In the class I joined, members came, sat in a circle and just talked about anything they had on their hearts and minds. The group was facilitated by a social worker. Anyone could pitch in and provide encouragement or suggestions as each attendee shared their stories. At the end, the facilitator read a devotional, we had prayer and the class ended.
Reflections
- There was a certain sense of nonjudgmental openness and acceptance. People brought their friends and acquaintances, and we all were accepting. I hope they felt loved and at home, as I did.
- I still remember the support role that group played as I was facing some very tough times. I was so excited on a Saturday morning, bounding out of bed and rushing to get there for 10:15 a.m. Now, almost seven years later, I still have so many positive memories of this group.
Story 4: When Strangers Became Family
This Sabbath School story came at a huge crossroads in my life. I had gotten a new job and moved to the Pacific Northwest for the first time. My daughter, Shaz, lived about two and a half hours away from where I was, but I knew no one in my immediate town of Eugene, Oregon.
The pastor and his wife from one of the local churches came to pick me up that first Saturday after I had arrived in town. I was invited to join one of the Sabbath School classes, and so I just went along that day.
The second time I attended, after the discussion ended, I chatted a bit with the class teacher’s wife, Kathy. She warmly welcomed me and told me that I would be a wonderful addition to the class. She is one of the sweetest Christian ladies I have ever met, and she opened her heart and her home to me.
From that day, my weekly ride to church has been guaranteed. Kathy and I are from two completely different backgrounds and origins, but we became close friends and have shared some very deep, personal, supportive conversations. We lift each other and our families up in prayer and have pledged to make it to heaven, by God’s grace.
It all started in Sabbath School. I love my group of people, wherever I am, and have made great friends. Sabbath School is special to me.
What This Taught Me
- The atmosphere and the focus in this Sabbath School class are supposed to be encouraging, supportive and Christ-centered. Our discussions are lively and there is often lots of laughter and good humor. We often remind each other of two things: allowing the Holy Spirit to work in each of our lives and sharing hope in Jesus with other people. We have had at least one person, in the two years I have been there, who has accepted or recommitted his life to Jesus and has been baptized. We walked down to the river on a beautiful Sabbath day in the summer for the event.
- Each one who attends is made to feel welcome, and all our ideas, insights and questions are joyfully encouraged.
- Kathy and her husband, Robert, who is the Sabbath School teacher, always check in on class members, taking a kind, friendly interest in each one’s well-being. They even invite people home for lunch at times. Through their kindness, I experienced the love of Jesus in a very real way.
The blessings from Sabbath School can extend far beyond the walls of the church. In my most recent move to the Pacific Northwest, my Sabbath School has played such a vital role in the miraculous way things worked out for me.
My daughter, Shaz, and my friends often remark about the blessing the church has been to me on this leg of my life’s journey. I am so grateful for the positive impact the experience with my Sabbath School group has also had on my adult children.
Creating a Healthy Sabbath School Culture
Because Sabbath School has meant so much to me, I have also reflected on what helps it thrive.
1. Thoughtful Spaces
When possible, meeting in separate rooms can reduce distractions and help discussion flow more naturally. Not every church has that flexibility, but doing its best with the space available can still create a focused and welcoming atmosphere.
2. Safety and Safeguarding
The well-being of every participant matters deeply. Children, older adults and individuals with disabilities deserve careful protection and appropriate safeguards. Churches should follow established child protection and background screening guidelines and ensure that volunteers are properly vetted and trained. A culture of safety builds trust for everyone.
3. Knowing Your Group
Taking time to know class members — their personalities, strengths and challenges — helps leaders facilitate with compassion and wisdom. Some participants may live with disabilities or conditions that affect communication or social awareness. Gentle guidance and inclusive facilitation can ensure everyone has an opportunity to engage.
4. Participation With Grace
Discussion thrives when it is invitational rather than pressured. Some members may be shy, navigating language barriers or carrying past experiences that make speaking up difficult. It helps to avoid putting individuals on the spot unless you know they are comfortable contributing. A safe space allows participation to grow naturally.
5. Keeping Christ at the Center
Sabbath School is most meaningful when Jesus remains the focus. Personal stories and illustrations enrich discussion, but leaders can gently steer conversations away from unverified or divisive claims. For seekers and longtime members alike, a Christ-centered conversation fosters unity, clarity and spiritual growth.
Sabbath School is a Gift
I hope you, too, will discover the joy and belonging that Sabbath School can bring.
Look up an Adventist church near you, give them a call or just stop by on a Saturday morning. Tell the greeter at the door that you would like to join a Sabbath School study group. I hope that you, too, will discover that Sabbath School is a gift.
Here is a little poem that I wrote specially for my Sabbath School group that I would like to share with you. Be blessed.
Keep your focus on Jesus;
Some days your journey will be rocky.
And as you climb, you may trip and even fall;
But Jesus, our Leader, sees and hears you, when you call.
Life can disappoint us, and things do not always work out the way we thought they would.
But remember, Rom. 8:28 —
Says, our loving Jesus can work things out for our good.
He says, “My child, I am your Guide, Healer, Redeemer, your Friend;
I am with you, on your way to heaven, until your journey's end.”
So here is a crucial reminder,
As you face life, with its crises, failures and stress,
Keep your focus on Jesus.
