Sunday School Software Ministries: More Articles

Article 1:
"In Their Own Language: Computers, Kids, and Christian Education"
by Neil MacQueen

This is an updated version of our basic article which has been published in various version over the years in several magazines, including: Christian Computing, Scroll, Presbyterian Outlook, The Advocate, Christian Educator, Interpreter, and Clergy Journal magazine.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave the disciples the gift of speaking in a different language, -the language of the hearer.

In today's church that includes sharing the Gospel through the language of multimedia and computers.

Since 1990, thousands of churches have supplemented their curriculum with Christian software -bringing excitement and learning to their classrooms. Is it any wonder? Kids love computers. They are eager to use them, give the screen their full attention, and want to come back next Sunday to do it again.

Simple Facts:

You can't teach a kid who isn't there,
... doesn't want to be there,
...or isn't coming back.

In a world of competing attentions and alternatives, Christian software is a language that attracts, teaches, and keep kids coming back.

I first began experimenting with computers in my Sunday School back in 1990. I was the Associate Minister and in charge of Sunday School. We had just started the Workshop Rotation Model which teaches Bible stories through various media. We were looking for new kinds of media when several members suggested "why not look at computers" I was skeptical. Back then, computers were slow and expensive, and the software left a lot to be desired. So we started an experiment, and couldn't get the kids out of the room. They hovered around the computer, -eyes wide open. And when their parents arrived and hovered, they too became part of our wonderful problem.

I'll never forget the day one of my teachers said to me, "Imagine what this is going to be like when we learn how to actually teach with these things!" That began my quest to better understand what was going on in front of those screens, and how best to harness it for teaching God's Word. After a few years, I started writing articles and speaking about our experience and insights. Eventually, other churches wanted to know how-to, so myself and some volunteers started Sunday School Software Ministries Inc. to field questions, recommend software, and distribute our manual. By 1996 it had exploded into a full time labor of love, and I started traveling to speaking engagements, carrying about a dozen programs, and creating the www.sundaysoftware.com website. In 2001 we started developing the kind of software we wanted to teach with.

YES, computers and Christian software are more expensive than construction paper and popsicle sticks, ...but they also get better results.

The most expensive type of Sunday School is one that gives families another excuse not to show up, and bores young people into membership oblivion. Denominations pay for boring Sunday School with decreasing membership and anemic budgets. Worse, children are raised without the kind of biblical foundation that can help them know God more fully. {Computers are not, however, as "expensive" as you might think. See my articles on the "real cost" of computers and software when you pro-rate them over their life expectancy and number of uses.

Barna Research did a 2001-2003 study of spiritual formation and the church. George Barna admits that going into the study, he vastly unappreciated the importance of children's ministry to both the child's need, and the church's future. The 3 year study concluded that we have until age 13 to make our best faith impressions on children. Yet, as their study pointed out, 7 out of every 8 dollars in the church are spent on adults. You can read their poll and summary conclusions at www.sundaysoftware.com/stats.htm. The results of not attracting and teaching our kids are far more expensive in the long run for our churches than software or computers. The Church needs to improve many of its approaches to young people. And without a doubt, reaching them through "their" language, is one great way to attract and raise up this next generation. In fact, it seems so obvious as to be indisputable, -especially these days. The only question is "how to do it right."

Getting started often easier and less expensive than most people realize.

1. Our pews are filled with computer literate members.
2. Many members have laptop computers which can be brought to church.
3. Good used computers are widely available from business and individuals who regularly upgrade.
4. New inexpensive computer equipment is within the range of many C.E. budgets or special donations.
5. Many churches already have computer equipment sitting idle on Sunday morning.
6. Bible story software is not very expensive and is reusable.

When I first wrote this article, I needed to convince people that computers could attract the mind's attention in a powerful way and were more than a fad. Seems silly to waste time on that argument today, doesn't it. Today's families immediately understand why computers in Christian education make sense. They are using computers in unprecedented numbers and ways. They have them at home, use them at work, and support their use in the schools. They are eager to support a Sunday School experience that puts smiles on the faces of their children. Few parents want their children to go through the kind of Sunday School they themselves experienced. And when they see their kids eagerly learning with software, the parents are thrilled.

But this isn't just about attracting kids. If it were, cable tv and donuts would be cheaper and just as attractive. It's about teaching them with an attractive tool. I've spent a lot of time with kids at the computer in my Sunday School. Something special happens when students begin to interact with software. They are eager, they are cooperative, they are intrigued, and they ready to open up. And because they enjoy software, they will happily go over the material more than once.

Teaching with software...

A lot of people assume that the computers and software get in the way of the teacher-student relationship. But nothing is farther from the truth --if you do it RIGHT. Software is a tool for the teacher and students to use together. It doesn't replace the teacher. At the computer, the teacher becomes the "guide by the side." We go through the software with our students. The software does not replace us or the lesson plan.

We begin every class with Bible study, and after using some software often find ourselves in discussion or some other related activity. Typically, we have two or three students per computer. Any more and they become passive observers. My small church has four computers in our lab. My co-teacher and I will each sit between two computers. Usually we're all working on the same program. That means we have to have four copies of it. That's a bit expensive, but you can't copy the software, and it would be very difficult to lead one class using four different programs at the same time! Each week a new group of students is rotated into our lab. We might have preschool/early readers one week, teens the next, and grades 3-5 after that. It depends on the schedule and the software we have.

Other than the "lab" model, many churches simply support a teacher who has a computer in their classroom, or brings in their laptop from time to time. Some pastors bring software into their Confirmation programs. Others provide software for families to take home. Software is one type of Christian education material that families are eager to use.

We use interactive Bible story software which often has discussion questions built right in. These are kid-friendly, animated and interactive multimedia programs. We also use scripture memory software, creative writing software for reflection, and Christian game software that has content.

Many pastors and educators are surprised such software even exists. The denominational catalogs and corner Christian bookstores rarely carry much of a software selection. And now you know why I had to create Sunday Software Inc. We needed to get the word out! ...and we needed to provide the teaching support and teaching design that the medium deserved.

Most Christian education software is designed with an ecumenical flavor. 100% of the good Christian software runs on Windows, but only about half of that runs on a Mac.

We recommend getting started with nothing older than a "5 year old PC". This will run most of what's out there for the next couple of years. Antiquated equipment creates frustration.

Like the disciples at Pentecost, every teaching innovation has its nay-sayers standing off to the side slinging arrows. Some say we are drunk on technology. Some say the kids don't need our best efforts ("Back in my day a Bible and a folding chair was enough for me!") But those of us who have experienced computers in the classroom are reveling in a new language that connects with this generation.

Like Peter we say, "No, we're not drunk. It's only Sunday morning. A time for amazement and astonishment. A time for our sons and daughters to dream dreams, and the old to see visions...." (Acts 2)

Getting Started with a Few Recommended Titles

Here is a range of popular titles that also demonstrates the wide variety of content styles found in Christian software. Each of these can be found on the Internet at our website, www.sundaysoftware.com. We're picky about our own software, and about including other people's software in our catalog. We're even more persistent about providing free teaching materials for most titles we carry. You can view outlines and graphics and video demos of all these and more at sundaysoftware.com.

View a list of these titles at www.sundaysoftware.com/software.htm

Jesus in Space CD
A lesson-like interactive program for ages 5 to 15 with three "missions:" the story of Jesus' Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the Road to Emmaus. Each mission tells the story through animation, quizzing, games and study notes. It invites students to dig deeper and reflect. This is one of our newer CDs and demonstrates some of the best this medium has to offer! Win/Mac 700mhz and higher.

Good Sam the Samaritan CD
A lesson-like multimedia program for ages 5 through 16, hosted by Bildad the Bible Explorer an animated host. 3D animated story, study notes, interviews with the characters, discussion starters, creative "dig deeper" content, such as, "what is a Samaritan anyway?" and a quiz show titled "Who Wants to Be a Samaritan." Win/Mac 266mhz and higher.

Discovery's Life of Christ CD
40 presentations on the Life of Christ, each followed by a quiz and multimedia study content. The content can also be played through like a game with certificates to print as students reach each level. Quite an impressive program and favorite of computer labs around the country. For ages 8 - 18. Win/Mac 133mhz and higher.

The Ten Commandments CD
Students climb Mt Sinai by exploring three 360 degree photobubbles taken on location at Mt. Sinai. Interactive learning activities and discussion starters are embedded in the photobubbles for students to find. Animated characters, video, terrific multimedia and music. Ages 6 to adult. Win/Mac 300mhz and higher.

Cal & Marty's Scripture Memory Game CD
Create, study, then unscramble the verse. Comes with a verse editor for students or teachers to create their own verses. Add quizzes and comments to each verse.
Hosted by humorous animations of John Calvin and Martin Luther. Ages 8 - adult. Windows Only. 266mhz or higher.

Bongo Loves the Bible CD
Four 3D Nintendo-style games exploring concepts and content "about the Bible." Includes a four level Bible proficiency game, and "how the Bible came to be." Some content is editable. Watch out for the surf mummies and lava pits! Ages 7 to adult. Windows Only. 500mhz or higher.

Play & Learn Children's Bible CD
For preschoolers and early readers. 50 short animated Bible stories with clickable screens and additional Bible learning activities, including Bible pictures to paint and a Bible songs sing-a-long. Windows 98/Me/XP/Vista only.

Neil MacQueen is a Presbyterian minister and founder of Sunday Software. More start-up information can be printed from his website -- www.sundaysoftware.com.

Article 2:
"Nope, We're Not Drunk"
...Educators Talk About Computers in Their Sunday Schools

(Fourth in a Series on Computers in Christian Education article I wrote for ALERT magazine, November 1997)

By Neil MacQueen

It has been something of a secret ---until this year and this ALERT series. A growing number of Presbyterian churches are successfully using computers in their Sunday Schools. This fourth article about computers in Christian education describes this exciting grassroots movement in the words of several of its pioneers. Their comments are representative of those coming from educators and pastors around the country. The word is out! Computers are proving to be powerful tools in attracting students and improving Bible literacy. They are part of a fresh wind of education ideas and innovation stirring in local congregations coast to coast.

No other comment so typifies the reaction churches are getting to computers in Christian education as I wish there had been something like this when I was in Sunday School. "This is the one comment I hear over and over and over again in my congregation." says Linda Beckham, D.C.E. at the Palma Ceia Church in Tampa. "We have experienced a lot of excitement about our Bible Computer Lab among the kids and parents. Even our adults are clamoring to get a crack at some of the software. Our staff, teachers and church leaders have been very encouraged by the response and the results.

Linda's church isn't the only one experiencing the warm reception and support for computers in Christian education. Diane Jones, D.C.E. at First Presbyterian Church in Circleville Ohio has also been pleasantly surprised. "Our parents have expressed their appreciation at our willingness to risk being innovative and creative. We haven't had one negative reaction and there is a general sense that we are moving in the right direction by modernizing our teaching methods. And of course the kids think it is very cool."

Kitty Dobbs, Church Educator at Shepherd in the Hills in Lakewood Colorado almost literally missed the bus on teaching with computers. She attended an APCE convention only to find that the computer workshop she wanted to attend was full. A last minute open seat on the bus trip out the workshop site, however, became the "beginning of something new and exciting." "Frankly, our kids were shocked by the introduction of computers. Soon, so were we. They grew quite attentive, willing to learn and happy to share. Our parents were impressed by our commitment to their children's education. Our computer lab drew a whole new group of people to help teach."

Bill Allbright at St Croix Valley United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Minnesota sent me this terrific success story about his computer lab....

Chris is an only child and the son of a single mother who has been divorced twice. Chris was a bitter child. He'd always heard how boring Sunday School was and didn't want to come at all. He finally agreed when he heard we had a computer lab. He didn't want any part of Sunday School unless he could help with the computers. They sent him to me. I told him what I wanted but what he in fact did was sit at the computer and do the lesson while the first graders looked on. That was two years ago when Chris was a fifth grader. He has become very involved and is learning and growing in Christ.

One of the popular misconceptions being dispelled about computers in Christian education is that they are beyond the means of the average Sunday School. In the Dayton Ohio area, a number of small and medium size Presbyterian, Methodist and Lutheran churches are using computers in their programs and have found hardware rather easy to get. Jo Doelker's church in Middletown Ohio was one of the first. "At first, we requested a computer only for the church Library and the Trustees were less than enthusiastic. When we looked into using the computer in our Sunday School as well, the Trustees approved the money without hesitation."

The Presbyterian Church in Erwin Tennessee didn't even own a computer until recently. Pastor Tom Wade enthusiastically tells the story of the night he put some C.E. software on a borrowed computer and set it up at the church's potluck supper. "The kids didn't eat. They mobbed the computer. It was like a magnet. Our Session decided at its next meeting that anything so powerfully attractive was worth exploring. A lot of our kids out here don't have computers, but that only made the decision easier to make."

With computer skills becoming ever more prevalent in our congregations, educators are finding help and support readily available, --even from quarters you might not expect. Carol Davis at First Presbyterian in Beavercreek Ohio began computing over a year ago in her Sunday School. A number of her Bible Computer Lab teachers come from the retirement center next door to the church! Other churches have their specially trained teachers assisted by Sr. High "Bible Lab Buddies." Youth are eager to help with a tool they understand and enjoy using. The new recruits not only bring their enthusiasm and technical expertise, but new teaching insights as well. Says Ron Friedman, computer techie and teacher at the Presbyterian Church in Park Ridge Illinois, "with computers we are learning to be the ‘guide by the side' rather than the "sage on the stage.'"

How did they get started? Like most educators we've heard from, Linda, Diane, Tom, Jo, Kitty, Bill and Carol each tell a slightly different story. For some it was a special gift, a memorial, a budget, a church office computer, a borrowed computer, a loaner, a laptop, or used computers. Typically, there is a pastor, educator or lay leader with computing skills (or no fear of computers) and a passion for education. They come to this experiment with an intuition about the potential of this new teaching medium. They and their committees and boards come with a willingness to explore teaching a new generation with an exciting new tool.

This grassroots revolution in teaching technology comes at a providential time in the educational ministry of our Church. Amid a growing sense of frustration with traditional methods and curriculum comes a tool that kids (and adults) love to learn with. Computer hardware is coming within reach of the average church. Computer skills are becoming ubiquitous. Christian software suitable for Sunday School is growing in quantity and quality.

Like the disciples at Pentecost, those of us teaching with computers believe the Spirit is leading us to speak not in our own traditional language, but in a language that appeals to others, the foreigners in our midst, the children, youth and adults of the electronic age. Those locked in the past, laboring under misconceptions, or afraid of the future may say we're drunk on technology. But like the Apostle Peter in the second chapter of Acts, we declare "its only 9 o'clock on Sunday morning! ...a time for amazement and astonishment and an outpouring of the Spirit, ...a time for dreams and visions."

If you'd like to know more about teaching with computers in Sunday School contact Neil MacQueen via www.sundaysoftware.com. Neil is a Presbyterian minister and founder of Sunday School Software Ministries, a validated ministry of the Presbytery of Scioto Valley. Neil has been a seminar leader at the annual APCE conference, in Presbyteries events, and other denominational gatherings around the country.