His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the danger of focusing on having a large number of students in Sunday School classes, and how the desire for big numbers can become an obstacle to true spiritual service.

Order and Spiritual Benefit

• Large numbers create disorder and remove structure, especially in primary stages.

• A big class prevents the teacher from managing the group and limits effective communication and interaction.

• Small numbers allow the teacher to care for each person, explain clearly, and ensure real understanding of the lesson.

Pastoral Care and Follow-Up

• When the number increases, it becomes hard for the servant to know the students and recognize who is present or absent.

• Follow-up and individual care decline with large numbers, and the class loses the personal spiritual atmosphere it needs.

Spirit of the Service

• Large numbers force the teacher to raise his voice and become tense, giving a negative impression of Sunday School.

• A small class helps the servant serve with gentleness and calmness.

True Spiritual Growth

• Growth is not in having many students but in deep teaching and strong supervision.

• A moderate number helps the servant stay humble, unlike large numbers that may create hidden pride.

• It is preferable that the class does not exceed 20 students for effective service.

The Solution

• Dividing classes when numbers increase.

• Preparing new servants to help.

• Having two servants in the same class, alternating between teaching and organizing.

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