An Assessment of Church Sunday school Programs in Addressing Spiritual Needs of Children: A Case of Selected Churches in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the church’s role in addressing spiritual needs of children: a case of selected churches in Nairobi Count, Kenya. Objectives of the study were to; determine the types of Sunday school programmes in selected churches in Nairobi County, examine age appropriateness of the lessons taught in Sunday school in the selected churches, determine the teachers training and knowledge on Sunday school programmes and establish the role of parents in Sunday school programmes at the church. The literature reviewed informed the topic of study. The study was anchored on the theories of child development by Piaget and faith development by Fowler. The research design used was descriptive with a sample size of 100 respondents. The main instruments of data collection were questionnaires, interview guides and observation guides. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and presented using tables, graphs and pie charts. The study established that Sunday school as programme was present in all the four churches, the majority of Sunday school teachers had one day seminar, Sunday school programmes were not fully age graded and parents’ major role 100% (20) was to take their children to Sunday school. The study recommended that the churches should develop a curriculum that is child friendly and age appropriate. The church leadership should also ensure that all Sunday school teachers and volunteers are trained. Also develop a recruitment policy for Sunday school teachers. In conclusion the programmes taught in Sunday school range from bible reading, singing, memory verses, drama and prayer. Most of these programmes were not age appropriate in their presentation and design. Most parents failed role modeling for their children and instead left it to the Sunday school teachers.