Sabbath School
Encyclopedia
Sabbath School is a function of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
, Seventh Day Baptist
and some other sabbatarian denominations.
Sabbath School may be conducted in one large class, which would probably meet in the sanctuary, or the congregation may separate into smaller groups for discussion in the sanctuary, or meet in various rooms throughout the church building. Children and/or young adults often meet in separate Sabbath School rooms. International churches may offer classes in a variety of languages as well and there are easy English versions for English learners, larger print for the mildly visually impaired, and braille for the blind. Larger churches often have a sign language class and worship service or provide a translator. When Sabbath School draws to a close, the small groups join back together and the worship service begins, usually at 11:00am.
One does not have to be a baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to participate in Sabbath School or in the worship service. Many attend it without joining the church. For those interested in getting baptized, there is usually a class conducted by the minister or a Bible worker. Hence, Sabbath School membership is often greater than that of the church itself.
On the last Sabbath of the quarter, or the 13th Sabbath, a special collection is taken for a missionary project in one of the administrative world regions, such as the building of dormitories or chapels in denominational colleges or a hospital or charity facility. During the "13th Sabbath Program," youngsters may present a music or acting special based on the subject learned that quarter or explain the traditions and dress in the attire of the countries or world regions which offerings collected will benefit. Communion Service preceded by footwashing may happen on or right after the 13th Sabbath.
An estimated 67% of Adventists (including 63% of youth aged 18 and under) "attend Sabbath school nearly every week", according to a 2002 worldwide survey of local church leaders.
who are selected for their role in the church by a designated coordinator, board, or a committee. Normally, the selection is based on a perception of character and ability to teach the Bible rather than formal training in education. Some Sabbath school teachers, however, do have a background in education
as a result of their occupations. Some churches offer courses to assist in the teaching process to educate others, or hold teachers classes to go over the lesson for that Sabbath while other churches allow volunteers to teach without training; a profession of faith and a desire to teach is all that is required in such cases.
church members are provided with the Adult Bible Study Guide (formerly known as Sabbath School Quarterly) issued four times a year. It is also known as the "Quarterly" and the "Lesson". It is published by Pacific Press Publishing Association
. Sabbath School quarterlies are Bible study guides that cover a specific topic or book of the Bible every quarter. The quarterly is designed to be read during the week
, so that during Sabbath School, the class members are ready to discuss questions and topics raised in that lesson in small groups. The Adult Sabbath School always has a heavy focus on the Bible
. All Seventh-day Adventists
around the world use the same Sabbath school quarterly, translated
into the necessary languages (with few exceptions such as Germany, where members cover the same topic with different material). The current editor
of the Adult Sabbath School lessons is Clifford Goldstein
.
at the close of Sabbath school, which they can read quietly during the sermon
. Kindergarten receives Our Little Friend, Primary receives Primary Treasure, Juniors and Earliteens receive Guide
, and the Youth receive Insight
. The most popular magazine tends to be Guide.
Seventh-day Adventist Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ...
, Seventh Day Baptist
Seventh Day Baptist
Seventh Day Baptists are Christian Baptists who observe Sabbath on the seventh-day of the week in accord with their understanding of the Biblical Sabbath for the Judeo-Christian tradition...
and some other sabbatarian denominations.
Program Context
Sabbath School usually begins around 9:30am or 10:00am on Saturday mornings before the worship service starts. The Sabbath school service for adults typically has two portions. The first portion begins with a song service, followed by a mission emphasis and a short talk. The second, and larger portion, is the lesson study. Although this is one common format, not all Sabbath School services employ it. Different churches choose to conduct Sabbath School in a wide variety of ways. Whatever format is used, and regardless of whether the worship style is very traditional or slightly more contemporary, most Adventist churches teach on the same topic or reading in a given week, as each quarter of the year has a different theme that reflects Bible, doctrinal, or church lifestyle teachings. Thus the lesson booklet is called "quarterly."Sabbath School may be conducted in one large class, which would probably meet in the sanctuary, or the congregation may separate into smaller groups for discussion in the sanctuary, or meet in various rooms throughout the church building. Children and/or young adults often meet in separate Sabbath School rooms. International churches may offer classes in a variety of languages as well and there are easy English versions for English learners, larger print for the mildly visually impaired, and braille for the blind. Larger churches often have a sign language class and worship service or provide a translator. When Sabbath School draws to a close, the small groups join back together and the worship service begins, usually at 11:00am.
One does not have to be a baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to participate in Sabbath School or in the worship service. Many attend it without joining the church. For those interested in getting baptized, there is usually a class conducted by the minister or a Bible worker. Hence, Sabbath School membership is often greater than that of the church itself.
On the last Sabbath of the quarter, or the 13th Sabbath, a special collection is taken for a missionary project in one of the administrative world regions, such as the building of dormitories or chapels in denominational colleges or a hospital or charity facility. During the "13th Sabbath Program," youngsters may present a music or acting special based on the subject learned that quarter or explain the traditions and dress in the attire of the countries or world regions which offerings collected will benefit. Communion Service preceded by footwashing may happen on or right after the 13th Sabbath.
An estimated 67% of Adventists (including 63% of youth aged 18 and under) "attend Sabbath school nearly every week", according to a 2002 worldwide survey of local church leaders.
Teachers
Sabbath school teachers are usually lay peopleLaity
In religious organizations, the laity comprises all people who are not in the clergy. A person who is a member of a religious order who is not ordained legitimate clergy is considered as a member of the laity, even though they are members of a religious order .In the past in Christian cultures, the...
who are selected for their role in the church by a designated coordinator, board, or a committee. Normally, the selection is based on a perception of character and ability to teach the Bible rather than formal training in education. Some Sabbath school teachers, however, do have a background in education
Education
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
as a result of their occupations. Some churches offer courses to assist in the teaching process to educate others, or hold teachers classes to go over the lesson for that Sabbath while other churches allow volunteers to teach without training; a profession of faith and a desire to teach is all that is required in such cases.
Adult lesson
AdultAdult
An adult is a human being or living organism that is of relatively mature age, typically associated with sexual maturity and the attainment of reproductive age....
church members are provided with the Adult Bible Study Guide (formerly known as Sabbath School Quarterly) issued four times a year. It is also known as the "Quarterly" and the "Lesson". It is published by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Pacific Press Publishing Association
The Pacific Press Publishing Association, or Pacific Press for short, is one of two major Seventh-day Adventist publishing houses in North America. It was founded in 1874 by James White in Oakland, California, and is now located in Nampa, Idaho. Its titles include theological works as well as...
. Sabbath School quarterlies are Bible study guides that cover a specific topic or book of the Bible every quarter. The quarterly is designed to be read during the week
Week
A week is a time unit equal to seven days.The English word week continues an Old English wice, ultimately from a Common Germanic , from a root "turn, move, change"...
, so that during Sabbath School, the class members are ready to discuss questions and topics raised in that lesson in small groups. The Adult Sabbath School always has a heavy focus on the Bible
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
. All Seventh-day Adventists
Seventh-day Adventist Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ...
around the world use the same Sabbath school quarterly, translated
Translation
Translation is the communication of the meaning of a source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text. Whereas interpreting undoubtedly antedates writing, translation began only after the appearance of written literature; there exist partial translations of the Sumerian Epic of...
into the necessary languages (with few exceptions such as Germany, where members cover the same topic with different material). The current editor
Editing
Editing is the process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audible, and film media used to convey information through the processes of correction, condensation, organization, and other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate, and complete...
of the Adult Sabbath School lessons is Clifford Goldstein
Clifford Goldstein
Clifford R. Goldstein is an American author and editor. He is a leading figure in the Seventh-day Adventist denomination and espouses traditional Adventist beliefs.- Biography :...
.
Other lessons
At the same time as the adult study, children attend classes aimed at their age group. Typical age group divisions are Beginner (infants), Kindergarten (K), Primary (Grades 1-3), Junior (Grades 4-6), Earliteen (Grades 7-8), and Youth (High School and University). Each age division has its own specific quarterly, which is titled by the class name up to Primary. Juniors and Earliteens often share the same quarterly entitled PowerPoints. Some Earliteen groups use a new separate publication entitled Real Time Faith. Youth use either Cornerstone Connections or Collegiate Quarterly (CQ). In some churches, the children receive a weekly magazineMagazine
Magazines, periodicals, glossies or serials are publications, generally published on a regular schedule, containing a variety of articles. They are generally financed by advertising, by a purchase price, by pre-paid magazine subscriptions, or all three...
at the close of Sabbath school, which they can read quietly during the sermon
Sermon
A sermon is an oration by a prophet or member of the clergy. Sermons address a Biblical, theological, religious, or moral topic, usually expounding on a type of belief, law or behavior within both past and present contexts...
. Kindergarten receives Our Little Friend, Primary receives Primary Treasure, Juniors and Earliteens receive Guide
Guide (Adventist magazine)
Guide magazine is a Seventh-day Adventist weekly periodical published by Review and Herald. It is a Christian story magazine that uses true stories to illustrate Bible passages and is targeted to 10 to 14 year old youth....
, and the Youth receive Insight
Insight (Adventist magazine)
Insight is a weekly magazine aimed at Seventh-day Adventist young people, published by Review and Herald. It has been described as one of the "most important" Adventist magazines.- History :...
. The most popular magazine tends to be Guide.
See also
- Seventh-day Adventist ChurchSeventh-day Adventist ChurchThe Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ...
- Seventh-day Adventist interfaith relationsSeventh-day Adventist interfaith relationsThis article describes the relations between the Seventh-day Adventist Church and other Christian denominations and movements, and other religions. Adventist resist the movement to full ecumenical integration with other churches, believing that such a transition would result in a renouncing of its...
- Seventh-day Adventist ChurchSeventh-day Adventist ChurchThe Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ...
- History of the Seventh-day Adventist ChurchHistory of the Seventh-day Adventist ChurchThe Seventh-day Adventist Church had its roots in the Millerite movement of the 1830s and 1840s, during the period of the Second Great Awakening, and was officially founded in 1863. Prominent figures in the early church included Hiram Edson, James Springer White and his wife Ellen G. White, Joseph...
- 28 fundamental beliefs
- Questions on DoctrineQuestions on DoctrineSeventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on Doctrine is a book published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1957 to help explain Adventism to conservative Protestants and Evangelicals...
- Biblical Research InstituteBiblical Research InstituteThe Biblical Research Institute is a service department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church with the three stated functions of research, apologetics , and service to the church. It serves as a theological consultant to the General Conference...
- Seventh-day Adventist eschatology
- Sabbath in Seventh-day AdventismSabbath in Seventh-day AdventismSabbath is an important part of the belief and practice of seventh-day Christians. These believers observe Sabbath on the seventh Hebrew day of the week, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, in similar manner as in Judaism, rather than Lord's day on Sunday like a most forms of Christianity...
- Sabbath in Christianity
- Seventh-day Adventist worshipSeventh-day Adventist worshipThis article describes worship practice in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.The Seventh-day Sabbath is seen as an important aspect of worship....
External links
- Adult Bible Study Guide official website
- Sabbath School Quarterly, Adventist Archives
- Lee Dunstan, "From Here to There: The incredible journey of the Adult Bible Study Guide" in Adventist World (June 2008)
- Sabbath School Division of the Southern Asia Pacific Division
- http://www.adventist.org/bible_study/sabbath_school.html.en
- Sabbath School Center from SpectrumSpectrum (magazine)Spectrum is the official publication of Adventist Forums, published four times a year. It was established "to encourage Seventh-day Adventist participation in the discussion of contemporary issues from a Christian viewpoint, to look without prejudice at all sides of a subject, to evaluate the...
magazine - http://www.ssnet.org/
- Contemporary Comments on the lesson by the Center for Creative Ministry