Changes

==Small Groups versus Sunday School==

==Small Groups versus Sunday School==

In the 21st century there has been a renewed resurgence of the debate over Small Groups versus Sunday Schools, a debate having roots in the 17th century (1600's) controversy over ''[[Pietism|Pietist]]'' "home churches" versus establishment churches such as the Lutheran and [[Church of England|Anglican]] Churches, and [[John Wesley]]'s technique of "''[[methodism]]''", questioning which of the two ministries, Small Groups or Sunday Schools, is more effective in producing authentically effective Christian disciples, who worship God in spirit and in truth and [[Agape|selflessly serve]] the [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy|needs]] of the whole [[Homo sapiens|human community]], [[Research|assessing]] whether Sunday Schools are needed or even necessary or if both can exist together. Foremost among the denominations chiefly opposed to Sunday School is the independent association of the [[Autonomy|autonomous]] [[Churches of Christ]].

In the 21st century there has been a renewed resurgence of the debate over Small Groups versus Sunday Schools, a debate having roots in the 17th century (1600's) controversy over ''[[Pietism|Pietist]]'' "home churches" versus establishment churches such as the Lutheran and [[Church of England|Anglican]] Churches, and [[John Wesley]]'s technique of "''[[methodism]]''", questioning which of the two ministries, Small Groups or Sunday Schools, is more effective in producing authentically effective Christian disciples, who worship God in spirit and in truth and [[Agape|selflessly serve]] the [[Corporal and spiritual works of mercy|needs]] of the whole [[Homo sapiens|human community]], [[Research|assessing]] whether Sunday Schools are needed or even necessary or if both can exist together. Foremost among groups chiefly opposed to Sunday School are some hardline [[Churches of Christ]] (these congregations also generally oppose a single person as the preacher).

In the megachurch world Sunday School is virtually non-existent, having been replaced by small groups (which may be organized by geography, age, or other interests) as well as specialized classes on subjects (either based on theology or other needs).  In some churches which still maintain the concept a different term (such as "Bible Fellowship") may be used.

In the megachurch world Sunday School is virtually non-existent, having been replaced by small groups (which may be organized by geography, age, or other interests) as well as specialized classes on subjects (either based on theology or other needs).  In some churches which still maintain the concept a different term (such as "Bible Fellowship") may be used.