I don’t do this anymore—not even with teenagers. But Kelci caught me at a weak moment when she said this talk would be about the Sunday school program. How could I say no?

It’s wonderful to see so many people here who care about Sunday school. It’s been such an important part of the ministry at Tenth Church, and I say that from personal experience. I see one—maybe only one—of our graduates here, along with my fellow teacher Darv and others connected to students we’ve taught. This is real life we’re talking about.

I’ve made notes and will try to be succinct, which is not my strong suit. Kelci and I discussed a title for this talk, and she suggested “The Influence of the Teacher.” That’s our umbrella. I’ll address two major areas: the program and the people.

The Program: Why Content Matters

We used to meet in my house for Sunday school—do you know how many years? It had to be 30. Back in the ’90s, we were certainly meeting there. We had an easel with a tablet, no blackboard (I’m at least that modern), and we’d dive into the content.

The content matters. What we preach, teach, and study—whether at church, at home, or in Bible study groups—must be solid. Biblical content is essential. That’s why we wrote our own curriculum at Tenth. Ever wonder why?

When we arrived, the Sunday school was small and using a denominational curriculum. Even the evangelical publishing houses had beautifully illustrated materials, but the content was… well, pathetic. What were the children being taught? That God wants us to be good, and if we behave—help our moms, love our friends—God will be happy. If we’re cranky or disobedient, God is upset. It was works-based salvation.

But that’s not biblical Christianity. Scripture teaches that nothing we do can please God—we’re too far from the righteousness He requires. That’s why He sent Jesus Christ, who took our sin upon Himself so we could be forgiven and have new life.

My husband was deeply influenced by Dr. Barnhouse’s ministry. Two women—Mrs. Barnhouse and a future missionary—developed a series of lessons called Teaching the Word of Truth. These lessons covered the basics of faith and Christian living, with simple but clear illustrations. They didn’t span every age group, but they provided a framework that could be adapted for younger and older children alike.

We built a curriculum around these lessons: one year focused on the Old Testament, another on the New Testament (with the redemption story), and another on the Church—stewardship, fellowship, evangelism. I wrote lessons for kindergarten through early elementary. I wish I had kept copies! They’re still in use today, with added artwork and handwork, and a memory plan that’s been a blessing to many families.

One illustration I found especially helpful was the three crosses—Jesus in the center, and the two thieves on either side. The believer’s sin is shown transferring to Jesus’ cross. Simple, but powerful.

We wanted a curriculum grounded in Scripture and solid theology—original sin, redemption, all of it—presented in age-appropriate language with meaningful illustrations. Not just scattered Bible stories, but a theological thread.

The People: Presence and Partnership

Now, let’s talk about people. Presence and partnership. COVID taught us that electronics can’t replace being together. Zoom and FaceTime are helpful, but they’re not the same. Employers are still trying to get people back to the office because there’s no substitute for in-person interaction.

In Sunday school, being there matters. Week after week. That’s how relationships are built. That’s how influence happens.

For grades up to six, our curriculum was structured and deep. Then came junior high and senior high. We had three years: Genesis (the foundation), John (the gospel and early church), and Romans (deep theology). When Darv and I taught 11th and 12th graders, we focused on apologetics—preparing students to defend their faith in college.

We used books not written for teens, but we adapted them. We read and discussed chapters together, helping students articulate their beliefs and share them with peers.

The Influence of a Teacher

Kelci asked me to speak, and I began reflecting on the influences in my Christian life. I realized that Sunday school teachers had shaped me profoundly.

One was Joan Cheshire. She lived with her mother in Glen Ridge, NJ, and taught at Grace Presbyterian Church. She wasn’t glamorous—just a plain woman who worked as an editor for McGraw-Hill. She taught my class for several years, and we used our Bibles every week.

When she got married, she invited me to help at her wedding reception. Later, she’d have me over for lunch during school breaks, share Christian books, and ask about my InterVarsity group. She mentored me without calling it that.

Another was Ethel Barrett, the Bible story lady. She had a gift for storytelling and impersonation. She taught my senior high class using Pilgrim’s Progress—not the Bible directly, but it brought the Christian journey to life. She later became ill, and my friend and I helped clean her apartment. She became a role model, showing care and vulnerability.

At the end of senior year, I was planning to go to the Jersey Shore with classmates. My mother said Mrs. Barrett was distressed about it. I decided not to go—not because it was a sacrifice, but because her view of me mattered more.

She had worked with Dr. Barnhouse and encouraged me to attend his church in Philadelphia. Joan had urged me to find InterVarsity. That first week at Penn, I did. It became my spiritual anchor.

A Story of Transformation

One Sunday, a young woman named Gretchen came to Tenth Church. She was a freshman in high school, living on Pine Street with her divorced mother. She had accepted Christ while visiting relatives in California, who told her to find a church.

She wandered into Tenth. My husband emphasized joining a small group, and Gretchen filled out a visitor card asking for a Bible study for ninth graders. I called her and invited her to Sunday school.

She’d stop by my house after school, and I’d give her stale brownies. She went on to the University of Pittsburgh, joined InterVarsity, met a grad student, married, and eventually served in China—teaching English in universities as a quiet Christian presence. She and her husband became missionaries of Tenth Church and are now retiring.

It all started with relatives witnessing to her, and the Lord guiding her step by step.

Closing Thoughts

Content matters. Relationships matter. Being there matters. Darv and I rarely missed a Sunday. We were a team.

Here’s the verse that holds it all together:
Psalm 145:4 – “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”

That’s what we’re doing—passing on the truth of God’s Word to the next generation. It’s a privilege to teach Sunday school at Tenth Church.