Harbor Baptist Church

Sunday School has been a cornerstone of Harbor Baptist Church nearly since its founding and for over two centuries for American Christianity. It serves as a vital educational tool for many congregations still to this day as its origins can be traced back to the late 18th century, with the first official Sunday School established in 1780 by Robert Raikes in Gloucester, England. Raikes aimed to provide children from impoverished backgrounds with basic literacy skills and religious education. This innovative concept quickly gained traction and spread to the United States in the early 19th century, enabling churches to engage in the education of their members, particularly the youth

As the 19th century progressed, Sunday Schools began to evolve. Initially focused primarily on children, the scope of instruction expanded to include adults and families, reflecting an increasing awareness of the need for lifelong education in faith. The establishment of national organizations, such as the American Sunday School Union in 1824, provided resources and curricula that significantly enhanced the teaching experience within congregations. In many churches, Sunday Schools serve as more than just educational institutions; they act as community hubs where fellowship can thrive. Numerous congregations organize activities and events around their Sunday School programs, fostering a sense of belonging among congregants.

At Harbor Baptist, our Sunday School operates similarly to our other small group meetings, such as our Lakeside Group (Wed 1pm/Thu 10am) or our Men’s Prayer Group (Friday @ 8am) or our Youth Group (Wed 6:30pm). This familiar framework allows for a depth of teaching that is often impossible during the main weekly service. Sunday School attendees engage in essential discussions that address critical aspects of faith and confront cultural struggles encountered in daily life. Through systematic studies of particular books of the Bible, examination of the works of early Church Fathers, and exploration of systematic theology, the focus consistently remains on practical applications of the biblical text. Our emphasis is on how Scriptural teachings can transform lives, allowing God to mold individuals into reflections of His Son as they surrender their presuppositions and fears to Him.


Sunday School classes at Harbor Baptist Church are structured to accommodate all age groups. Steven Veach leads the adult classes, Laurie Jarmain instructs children under ten, and Ray Dunlap teaches the children ten to fourteen, ensuring a continuous, age-appropriate faith formation journey as children transition into adulthood and adults into maturity in Christ. This dynamic nature effectively engages both children and adults, addressing their unique spiritual needs and ultimately creating a safe atmosphere for dialogue and exploration, encouraging questions that allow participants to deepen their understanding of our faith and how to live it out in their daily lives.


The enduring legacy and heritage of Sunday School at Harbor Baptist Church are firmly rooted in biblical truth, as emphasized in Hebrews 10:25, which encourages congregants to gather together frequently for fellowship and to encourage one another as we see the day of our Lord draws near. As the church navigates the cultural changes of our age, our focus remains on equipping the saints and raising our children in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Sunday School is an indispensable tool for fulfilling God’s calling as a church and in each believer’s life.

Have you committed to a small group or specifically to our Sunday School class yet? If not, I encourage you to earnestly pray and consider whether God is calling you to engage in this vital component of your spiritual journey.

Our Sunday School Information:
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Harbor Baptist Church Fellowship Hall (Downstairs)
Format: Discussion/Book/Topical
Current Class: Proverbs

We will certainly be praying for you when we are in Sunday School next week!