Sunday School Material Other Than Lifeway

SN,

I have been away from the typical SBC church for some time. I always found that most SS Literature was written to the LCD (Least common Denominator) probably out of concern for the TQ of the vast majority of church members. I do remember though, some literature that at least provided some good "launching" points.... it was, if my memory is correct the Bible Book Series.
Rather than thematic quarterlies, it would proceed through a study of the Scriptures one book at a time.

Now being in a church which does not have SS, rather we have small groups. Most groups in our church, engage in a deeper discussion and reflection of the weeks pastoral message. Along with this, we have other small group interests as well that are subject oriented.

I wanted to add, I find a wealth of profitable studies on just about any topic relevant to our faith. Many books are written with small group study in mind

 

The church of which I am a member ( www.lighthouseministries.org ) usually allows each SS teacher to use whatever teaching material he/she deems appropriate.

Our Senior Adult SS class has been using the quarterlies published by Union Gospel Press ( www.uniongospelpress.com ) for quite some time. We have found their material quite useful and very in depth with regard to the material that their "Christian Life Series" quarterlies cover.

For this particular quarter (Dec, 2013 - Feb 2014) these quarterlies focus on the topic 'Jesus and the Just Reign of God.'

 

If I had a choice between curriculum written by Lifeway, and another written by Mickey Mouse, I would go with Mickey Mouse

I can't count the number if times I've seen the Lifeway gang undoubtedly determine the subject matter of the lesson first, then drag whatever verses out of context that seemed to best bolster their position.

Many of the lessons are nothing but behavioral beat-downs or scare tactics

And the sheeple seem to have neither the sense or ambition to be like Bereans.

 

I agree with your take, that Lifeway often misses the point. I've been to two SS teacher conferences, and was not impressed either time.

This past summer, they were making a big deal about how "Sundays Rule"
I didn't like the idea. Doesn't that give the impression that once-a-week attendance is an acceptable form of Christian devotion?

Then they were praising themselves for having a consistent lesson message across all age groups. I noted that in recent lesson, our adult lesson was concerning beastiality. I promised that if my 7 year old ever had that same lesson, heads were going to roll.

I've never liked their take on television being a form of idol worship. I've had to explain that idols were not simply something people gave their time to, people trusted the idols, or hoped in them. I don't know the last time someone was trusting a tv to make their crops grow.

Fringe Fundamentalists at their worst, in my estimation.

 

Several of our children's teachers have stopped ordering much of the supplements. They do get the teacher's guides and create their own lessons straight from the Bible. We are mulling over the idea to look for something else.