Rediscovering the Power of Sunday Morning: The Role of Adult Bible Study in Southern Baptist Churches

Imagine a church where every adult—young parents, retirees, singles, new believers—felt personally connected to both the Scriptures and the community. Imagine if Sunday morning wasn’t just the “main service,” but the launching point for deep relationships and spiritual growth.

In many churches, that’s exactly what adult Bible study provides.

But in recent years, especially during the pandemic, participation in adult Sunday School has declined in many Southern Baptist congregations. Perhaps it's recovered in your church - I hope so! In most churches, it’s not that people are uninterested in growing—many just haven’t experienced the kind of small-group setting where Scripture feels relevant, personal, and transformative.

Rediscovering Adult Sunday School in Southern Baptist Life

Barna’s studies consistently show that one of the biggest predictors of long-term faith is consistent engagement with Scripture. But the way we engage matters.

The adult Sunday School class (or the re-branded "small group"—when it functions well—is a powerful tool for discipleship. It’s the place where doctrine becomes dialogue, and where believers can ask tough questions, share honest struggles, and study Scripture together in community.

Historically, Southern Baptists have placed a strong emphasis on Sunday School as part of the church’s teaching ministry. In many cases, it was the backbone of the local church—organizing fellowship, outreach, and discipleship under one roof. While times have changed, the need hasn’t.

Beyond the Lecture

For adult learners, especially those who have been in church for decades, it’s easy for Bible study to become passive. A teacher lectures. A few people nod. Everyone goes home. That’s not discipleship—it’s information transfer.

But when classes shift toward discussion, participation increases. People begin to engage more personally with Scripture. They wrestle with what it means for their lives today. They connect what they’re learning on Sunday to the conversations they’re having on Monday.

This kind of study builds not only biblical literacy but trust. It’s hard to overstate how powerful it is when a class feels safe to talk about real struggles in light of the Bible.

A Role for Every Teacher

Every adult Bible study leader knows the challenge: how do you make the ancient Word of God come alive for busy adults who’ve heard it all before?

The answer isn’t novelty—it’s authenticity and preparation.

Some teachers develop their own questions. Others draw from trusted guides. What matters most is not the brand of material, but whether it helps people engage. Whether it leads to reflection. Whether it invites application.

That’s one reason discussion-based tools are gaining popularity. They don’t replace the teacher’s voice—they support it. By offering thoughtful questions and background, they free up leaders to focus on leading conversation rather than just presenting facts.

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A Place of Belonging

In a large church, adult Bible study classes often become a “home base” for members. In smaller congregations, they are the hub of the community. Either way, these groups provide more than just biblical insight. They offer prayer, support, accountability, and belonging.

That sense of connection and community is often what keeps people coming and growing.

Thinking Ahead

In my view, as we consider the future, adult Bible study remains vital. It’s not just a ministry—it’s a mission. A way to equip believers to live out their faith in a culture that often pushes back.

Leaders looking to revitalize their classes can start by rethinking the goal. Instead of “getting through the lesson,” aim for “sparking spiritual growth.” Consider shifting from lecture to discussion. Try new formats. Ask open-ended questions. Invite participation.

There are tools out there to help. One example is our Discussion Guide worksheets, which offer weekly question-based guides for adult Bible study leaders based on the scriptures you're already teaching. Whatever resources you use, the goal is the same: helping people meet God in His Word—and in community.

Imagine your Sunday School class not as a meeting, but as a movement—one conversation at a time.