Practical tools, not just theory
The official Sabbath School Handbook is a General Conference Sabbath School Department resource covering organization, roles, and operations. We don't reproduce it — we turn its ideas into usable tools. Get the authorized handbook at AdventSource or the official PDF.
Who does what in Sabbath School
Superintendent
Oversees the whole Sabbath School program: coordinates leaders, keeps the four pillars visible, and reports to the church board.
Secretary
Tracks attendance, offerings, and records — used for pastoral care and planning, never for surveillance or ranking members.
Division / Class Leader
Leads a specific age division, recruits and encourages teachers, and helps classes feel like family.
Teacher
Prepares and leads the weekly class — see the Teacher Toolkit for ready-to-use plans.
Volunteer
Supports through hospitality, safeguarding, tech, or care — every gift has a place in a healthy Sabbath School.
Sabbath School Council
Leaders who meet regularly to plan, evaluate, and pray together over the program as a whole.
60-minute class planner
Build and run a class session with a checklist and timer, tuned to the four pillars.
How's your class doing?
Study of the Word
Does every class member get to open their Bible and speak, not just listen?
Fellowship
Would a visitor feel noticed and welcomed within the first five minutes?
Outreach
Has the class identified and used members' spiritual gifts in the last quarter?
Mission
Does the class know and pray for a specific local or global mission need?
Safeguarding checklist (starting point)
Two adults present with children's classes at all times; background-checked volunteers only; a visible reporting contact for concerns; no child photographed or named publicly without guardian consent. For a suspected abuse, neglect, or danger situation, contact your local child-protection authority and pastor immediately — do not wait or investigate informally. See full safety guidance.