By Lisa Wilmore
Christian education remains a vital foundation for spiritual growth; however, within many African American churches the least-attended ministries continue to be Bible class, Sunday School, discipleship training, and other teaching opportunities designed to deepen faith and biblical understanding (Harris 2020, 45). Worship is essential, but without learning alongside it, worship often leads to a faith easily shaken or influenced faith which leads to malnutrition communities.
Furthermore, Scripture emphasizes this truth clearly in Hosea 4:6,“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”, reminds us in context that God rebuked Israel not simply for ignorance but for rejecting His instruction. This warning closely mirrors the spiritual challenges we face today. Historically, the African American church has served as both a sanctuary and a school, a place where believers found liberation, literacy, leadership, and empowerment when society denied them access to education (Lincoln & Mamiya, The Black Church in the African American Experience, 1990).
Sadly, participation in Christian education has declined in many congregations. As a result, biblical understanding has decreased, the generations are growing apart, and spiritual growth is suffering while many of our children are not being rooted in God’s Word. This leaves them spiritually unanchored in a world that competes with God’s voice.
On a more encouraging note, my experiences over the past five years attending the Sunday School Publishing Board Conference and participating in United Theological Seminary Bible College courses, Sunday School, Bible class, and Christian education through conventions and associations have shown me how essential Christian education truly is. From biblical studies and doctrine to leadership, counseling, and evangelism, these courses are taught by gifted instructors whose God-given knowledge continually amazes me. Their teaching demonstrates that God is still equipping leaders to “prepare the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12). Yet, despite this wealth of wisdom, far too few benefit because they do not actively engage in the educational ministries of the church. Even so, the barriers that hinder participation such as busy schedules, family responsibilities, lack of interest, or intimidation can be overcome. For instance, churches can implement hybrid or online classes, offer age-appropriate discipleship tracks, train passionate lay teachers, and create engaging, discussion-based learning environments that invite participation.
Ultimately, Christian education is not optional; rather, it is essential for developing mature believers who can discern truth, resist false teaching, and live out their faith boldly in an ever-changing world.
Therefore, now is the time for African American Christians to return to Bible study, and pursue Sunday School, and lifelong discipleship, ensuring our families, churches, and communities are strengthened by believers who are rooted in God’s Word. If not now, when?
Jesus Saves!
