A LEARNING CENTER IS A PLACE WHERE BELIEVERS BECOME DISCIPLERS

"And after Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples." (Acts 18:23)

The burden for writing The Sunday School Book began 28 years ago when I was asked to substitute teach a Sunday School class for members in their 50s, faithful attendees for over 25 years. I asked, “Who here is born again?” Every hand went up. But when I followed with, “What does it mean to be born again?” their answers revealed a sobering truth: not one could explain John 3:3-7 being born of God by the Spirit.

This is a widespread problem in churches today. Many believers have sat in Sunday school for decades yet lack a solid grasp of their faith. When the opportunity arises to witness, they struggle to give scriptural answers. The issue is clear: most Sunday schools function as listening centers rather than learning environments. But listening is not learning, and speaking is not teaching. True learning happens when knowledge is retained in permanent memory and actively applied.

The solution? Learning centers are structured ministries within the church designed for deeper discipleship. These centers won’t replace Sunday school but will provide an alternative for believers who desire a richer understanding of Scripture and the ability to confidently share their faith.

Those seeking in-depth biblical knowledge will naturally migrate toward learning centers. Participants will have the freedom to choose their focus, starting with reaching their own families, especially their children, before expanding outward. As people grasp biblical truths, they will assist others in developing their knowledge and discipleship skills. Leadership will emerge naturally as those with a deeper understanding help others grow. Scripture-based learning is not about passive listening but about equipping believers to apply biblical truth in everyday witnessing situations.

I have witnessed firsthand the transformation that happens when believers are truly discipled. In one church, a learning center with just seventeen seniors ignited a revival that swept through the entire congregation. They committed to discipling others every day, everywhere they went. This is the power of real learning. And it’s exactly what the church needs today.