This handbook was designed as a resource for small Sunday School leaders to assist with self-assessment, goal-setting, and program planning. Developed for the MNO Synod Christian Education Committee, this handbook can be used by anyone involved in small Sunday School planning, such as teachers and leaders, Sunday school superintendents, Christian education committees, and pastors.

The reflections, ideas and suggestions in this handbook were generated in part by participants in “Spicing Up Your Small Sunday School”, a synod-wide workshop for small Sunday School leaders hosted by the MNO Synod Christian Education Committee (April 14, 2007 - Winnipeg). The Committee would like to thank all who attended for sharing their ideas and contributing to this handbook. The Committee would also like to thank Sunday School teachers throughout the Synod for their commitment to this important ministry. May God bless and inspire you as you teach our children about Him.

 Handbook Purpose

The purpose of this handbook is to:

• affirm and encourage leaders and teachers in small Sunday Schools.
• inspire leaders to reflect upon and recognize the strengths, possibilities, and challenges of their small Sunday School.
• explore suggestions for curriculum development and learning activities appropriate for a small Sunday School setting.
• offer a list of educational resources for leaders that are useful and appropriate for small Sunday Schools.

Handbook Contents

The contents of this handbook include:

• Blessings and Challenges -  reflections on some of the gifts and obstacles unique to the small Sunday School experience. This section also includes some practical strategies and “solutions” for specific challenges.

• “Here’s What We Do” -  inspirational ideas that have been used with success in small Sunday Schools (shared by small Sunday School leaders from the MNO Synod).

• Educational Resources  - links to professionally-developed curricula, teaching materials, and other educational resources for small Sunday School leaders.