Counsel #1 — Sabbath School Beginnings

Picture: Counsel #1 — Sabbath School BeginningsCCL 40.1

Adventist Sabbath School, the general equivalent of Sunday Schools of other denominations, began in 1852 when James White handwrote the first Sabbath School lessons. Back then, there were only two classes—one for all the kids, and one for the adults—and everyone used the same lessons!^{[64]https://www.sabbathschoolpersonalministries.org/page-34}CCL 40.2

By 1863, youth finally got their own separate lessons. A teacher named G.H. Bell in 1869 kicked things up a notch with lessons for different age groups and even a plan to keep track of attendance. The organization grew from there, with state and regional Sabbath School departments forming in the late 1870s. In Battle Creek, Michigan the first division for younger kids, (called The Bird’s Nest!) was started. Today, the program is under the Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.^{[65]https://www.sabbathschoolpersonalministries.org/}CCL 40.3

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” Hebrews 4:12 NKJVCCL 40.4

“Our Sabbath-schools are nothing less than Bible societies, and in the sacred work of teaching the truths of God’s Word, they can accomplish far more than they have hitherto accomplished. The Sabbath-school, when rightly managed, possesses marvelous power, and is adapted to doing a great work.” Ellen White in Testimonies on Sabbath School Work, p. 29CCL 40.5

Reflect: Do you have any personal experiences with Sabbath School? How did it impact your understanding of the Bible or your faith journey?CCL 40.6