CODE PURPLE: Get A Kid In Sunday School
“A child saved is a soul saved + a life.”
What is Code Purple?
In the medical world, Code Purple is a hospital emergency code indicating that a child is missing. The International Sunday School Department (ISSD) of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. has adopted this term to bring urgent awareness to children who are missing from Sunday School.
The Code Purple Rescue (CPR) initiative is a movement calling on adults to Get A K.I.S.S. (A Kid In Sunday School). One invitation, one ride, and one simple act of love can change a child’s life forever.
The Problem & The Solution
- The Problem: Too many children under the age of 18 are missing from Sunday School. As a result, they are missing opportunities to learn God’s Word, build their faith, and grow within a supportive, Christ-centered community.
- The Solution (CPR): Adults stepping up to bring children back to church. By taking actionable steps, we can ensure every child has access to foundational spiritual training.
The Code Purple Challenge
Here is how you can take action today to support the next generation:
- Sponsor: Help cover transportation or supplies for a child in need.
- Invite: Invite children from your neighborhood, community, and family.
- Volunteer: Serve actively in your local church’s Sunday School ministry.
- Commit: Make a personal commitment to bring at least one child every Sunday.
- Pray: Pray regularly for the spiritual growth and protection of our youth.
Scriptural Foundation
Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Psalm 119:9 — “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
Matthew 19:14 — “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'”
Hebrews 10:24–25 — “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…”
Why Sunday School Matters: The Research
According to research from the Barna Group Church Studies:
- Childhood Attendance: Over 8 out of 10 adults recall consistently attending Sunday School or religious training before age 12.
- Teen Participation: About 7 out of 10 Americans remember participating in youth religious programs at least once a month, with half attending weekly.
- Faith Retention: 50% of adults who frequently attended religious programs as children continue to attend worship services weekly as adults.
- Life Benefits: Sunday School builds lasting friendships, improves confidence and public speaking skills, and grounds children in biblical values.
“The Basics”: What Every Sunday School Student Should Know
Ensure the children in your ministry are learning these core foundations:
- The books of the Bible
- The Ten Commandments
- The Lord’s Prayer
- The Beatitudes
- The Plan of Salvation
- The Fruits of the Spirit
- How to find scriptures in the Bible
- Basic Bible characters and stories
- The Greatest Commandments
Practical Ideas for Growth & Engagement
Community & Classroom Strategies
- Community Outreach: Host family events like Vacation Bible School (VBS), Family Fun Days, or holiday celebrations, and use them to introduce families to Sunday School.
- Engaging Activities: Integrate games, music, crafts, and interactive storytelling into lessons.
- Follow Up: Send thank-you notes to visiting families, keep them informed about upcoming lessons, and invite them back.
- Rewards: Use simple reward systems (stickers, snacks, small prizes) for attendance, participation, and scripture memorization.
- Buddy System: Pair new children with peers so they feel comfortable and welcomed.
Recommended Resources & Tools
- Curriculum & Lesson Plans: LifeWay Kids, Answers in Genesis
- Interactive & Digital Tools: Superbook, Minno Kids, Bible App for Kids
- Crafts & Activities: Oriental Trading, Pinterest
- Music & Worship: Seeds Family Worship, Ablaze Youth Choir, Hillsong Kids
