From the Editors

by Jeff A. Jenkins & Dale Jenkins

The influence of Ira North in promoting Sunday school was powerful as he popularized and credited C.J. Garner with a phrase that North quoted from him so often that many believe it originated with North. But it was Brother Garner who first said, "As the Sunday School goes, so goes the church."

In this issue of Hope & Expectation we are attempting to help revive that high value on Sunday school that has been prominent in churches of Christ in previous generations.

We are indebted to our friend Neil Anderson and the Gospel Advocate for allowing us to run the entire chapter on Sunday school from brother North’s book, “Balance.” By the way, this outstanding book is still an excellent seller through the Gospel Advocate Company. It is a work that should be referred to often by church leaders.

This issue of Hope & Expectation contains a number of excellent articles by writers who have been heavily involved in helping congregations build their Bible school. We are indebted to each of them for their contributions.

If the church of our Lord is going to continue teaching the Word of God to our youth, as well as those who are more mature, we must recapture an enthusiasm for strong Bible school programs. The future of the church depends on it.

We need to find fresh ways to teach our children the Old Gospel. We must wake up to the need to reinvigorate our Sunday school programs. While the Bible school is a program, it seems to be an essential program that we must continually strive to re-energize. May God help us to make this a reality. May God bless each of you as you help your congregation build for the future.

We pray that this issue of Hope & Expectation will be a blessing and a help to everyone who reads it. Please feel free to share it with anyone who can help. Thank you for your desire to help strengthen the church of our Lord.