Purpose
God is the Source of all knowledge undergirds all the functions of the Sabbath School. Paul argues that “by him all things were created…” (Colossians 1: 16). God did not only create all things, He is the only One capable transforming the human heart. God declares in Ezekiel 36:26 “I will give you a new heart and I will put my Spirit in you.” Ellen G. White put it tersely “Christ is the only Source of every right impulse. Christ is the only one who can implant in the heart enmity against sin” (Steps to Christ p. 26). These are the two major Biblical foundations undergirding the Sabbath School. The God who is the Source of all knowledge transform lives through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
From its inception Sabbath School has focused on four emphases that are still prominent to this day: fellowship development, community outreach, Bible study, and foreign mission. A solid balance of these elements characterizes the most vital Sabbath Schools around the world.
Based on these four emphases, from its beginning in 1853, Sabbath School membership has exploded from a handful of believers in upstate New York to an estimated 14 million today.
“Sabbath School is one of the most important parts of Sabbath. It gives us the opportunity for fellowship, mission understanding, outreach and one of the greatest parts, Bible study and discussion. What a privilege to be able to study our Bible and the Adult Bible Study Guide in a small group setting and make the wonderful biblical instructions practical for our spiritual experience the next week. No one should miss Sabbath School!”—Ted N C Wilson, president, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
The Sabbath School Department of the Conference provides the quarterly lesson studies to the churches in 5 languages namely—English, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.
Theme
Transforming Lives from inside out.
Vision
Every member established in the faith, growing Christ and living in hope.
Aim
The aim of the Sabbath School Department is to facilitate spiritual growth through systematic Bible study, meaningful fellowship, gift-based community outreach, and altruistic mission emphasis.
Personal Ministries
The mission of the Personal Ministries Department is to provide resources and to train the church members to unite their efforts with the ministers and church officers in the proclamation of the gospel of salvation in Christ. The goal of the department is to enlist each member in active service for the winning of souls for God.