Sabbath School leaders from around Sydney recently gathered for an afternoon of training at Parramatta Seventh-day Adventist Church. Participants enjoyed presentations by Pr David McKibben, Parramatta Church pastor; Pr Roger Govender, Australian Union Sabbath School Director; and Pr Daniel Herrera, Conference Sabbath School Director.

In light of The Last Empire, Pr Daniel Herrera, encouraged participants to prepare for newcomers to their Sabbath School. “It is imperative that we’re prepared for a harvest and that we’re able to cater our Sabbath Schools for people searching for a relationship with Jesus.” Pr McKibben’s workshop in the area of Bible study gave practical insights for preparing to facilitate group discussion. Pr Govender’s workshop on fellowship and nurture was practical and emphasised the importance and the opportunity that Sabbath School provides for building healthy relationships and community.

The first regular Sabbath School was formed in 1853 in Washington, New Hampshire, by James White. From its inception Sabbath School has focused on four purposes that are still prominent to this day: fellowship and nurture, community outreach, Bible study, and world mission. It was through Mrs Margaret Hardy that Sabbath School was first formed in Sydney in 1890. Together with her family and colporteur, A. Wainman, the Hardy’s began meeting in their home.