BRIEF HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAC SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

A. PREAMBLE

The origin of the Department cannot be detached from the theme and plot of the current president of the Church, Pastor E. H. L. Olusheye, who is known to have been highly instrumental in its establishment way back 1977.

Before 1977, Christ Apostolic Church basically relied on sermons and organized Bible classes that were at the discretion of the various assemblies that practiced them.  Some assemblies and individuals also practiced Sunday School.  These few made use of Sunday School materials from the Assemblies of God Mission and the Baptize Church.  These assemblies and individuals were independent of themselves in the preparation and dissemination of their respective Sunday School Lessons.

However in 1977 when Pastor E. H. L. Olusheye returned from Overseas with Pastor S. O. Akinsulure, he was assisted by the latter in bringing together the individual efforts as regards Sunday School into an organized Sunday School programme which cut across the length and breadth of the Church.  At first, the Programme did not go down well with some people in some quarters obviously due to its newness and ‘strangeness’ but soon became the desire of every Christ Apostolic Church member as it is today.

After this programme was launched in 1977, a Sunday School Department was inaugurated to coordinate the issues of Sunday School in the Church.  The Department immediately took up the challenge of writing and publishing the Sunday School Lessons for the use of the Church.  Today, the lessons are published in English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Efik for the entire Church.  The circulation of these lessons even extended to overseas where there were CAC assemblies.

It is worthy of note that the CAC Printing Press was brought into existence because the Church saw the need to handle the production of its Sunday School Manuals as well as other publications by itself.  The printing machines were installed at the Odubanjo Memorial Hall, Lagos in 1987.

In 1982, the General Christian Education Committee was inaugurated to oversee the affairs of everything including Sunday School that constitute Christian Education in the Church.  Its first Chairman was Pastor A. O. Olutimehin.

The Department which took off with staff strength of two - Pastors Olusheye and Akinsulure – has grown tremendously.  Apart from those who started, have worked, and have since left the Department for higher responsibilities, there are currently fourteen (14) workers on its staff list and they include:

 
B. PERSONNEL:

Pastor S.O. Aluko

Pastor S. O. Aluko  - Superintendent Pastor I. I. Omeh  - Igbo Translator Pastor Olu Omoju  - Editor/Publication Officer Pastor S. B. Alomaja  - Yoruba Translator Pastor M. O. Ayeni  - Yoruba Translator Pastor Sam Olu Falade - Writer Mrs. M. O. Adeleye  - Writer Pastor I. O. Olaosebikan - Yoruba Translator Pastor Gbenro Olonade - Salesman Mrs. L. A. Ademujimi  - Typist Mrs. M. M. Ologunleko - Typist Miss Bunmi Akintola  - Computer Operator Mr. Dayo Animasahun - Clerk Miss Funmilayo Jacob - Cleaner

C. PROGRAMMES

1. The Annual Sunday School Rally

This is an annual event which brings together all the lovers of the Word within and outside the Church.  Participants usually include the President and the Principal Officers of the church, Chairmen of Districts Coordinating Councils, Zones, District Superintendents, Pastors, all Sunday School Supervisors, Sunday School Teachers and Christians from all the states of the Federation.

It is a period of Training and Retraining, Revival, Refreshment and God’s visitation.  The Authority of the Church had for the past 27 years dedicated the month of March to this glorious gathering that lovers of the word usually eagerly anticipate.  The results can only be sufficiently evaluated by God, but the Church has a lot to say about the silent Revival that has been borne through the Word and the mighty men and women that have been raised and retained, in addition to the fact that it has been the unfailing and unwavering forum of unity for the entire Church and the vessel of upholding the mysterious legacies of the Church.

2. The Children Workers’ Seminar

This usually comes up in the month of July and has been held for 11 years consecutively.  It is a period when the children workers come together to rub their minds, share experiences and get equipped with the latest educational/spiritual tips on children ministry.  It has always been a period of blessing to the participants.  The church in turn is itching to appreciate the importance of the children ministry as separate worship apartments/buildings are now being put in place for the children.

 3. Training Programmes

Districts and Coordinating Councils with the combined efforts of the National Office do engage in activities aimed at training and re-training the teachers.  Arrangements have reached the final stage on the centrally organized but decentralized training and for the Christian Education Workers.  The courses are to be organized in various categories, which, when successfully completed, would enable the participants to handle the Word of God with the reverence, sincerity and clarity it truly deserves.

D. PROSPECTS

As an educational institution, the Department wishes to continue to be relevant; this can only be ensured by being up-to-date in Spirit, Education and Technology.

Therefore, we would continue in prayer and the Ministry of the word.  However, we look forward to assistance in any form (CASH, BOOKS, COMPUTER, etc.) from individuals, Church and Para Church Organizations so that all the God-given programmes may be successfully executed.

OFFICE CONTACT ADDRESS: 6, Adinlewa Street, Off Oyemekun Road, Ondo State.
POSTAL ADDRESS:  P. O. Box 303, Akure, Ondo State.
HOTLINES:    0803521556; 034-242770
E-MAIL:    CAC_sundayschool@yahoo.com

Pastor S. O. Aluko
CAC Sunday School Superintendent