'Best Practices' for Bible Teachers (Part XVIII)
By Buddy Hanson The Covenant News
Nine Essential Teaching Priorities
The following teaching priorities are listed in no particular order. While you are probably already using most of them, perhaps you will find a couple of new ones to add to your particular teaching style.
Assist your learners to develop the process of sustaining their obedience in all situations and circumstances. (1 Corinthians 10.31)
Help them develop a mental toughness so that they are not intimidated by the actions of non-Christians, because they are aware that God is walking along side of them. (Genesis 26.24; Deuteronomy 31.6; 2 Chronicles 20.17; Isaiah 51.6-8)
Convince them to keep their focus and concentration on who they are (Romans 8.37), what they have been called into Christ's Kingdom to accomplish (Genesis 3.15; Matthew 16.18; Romans 16.20), and how they are supposed to go about it. (2 Corinthians 10.3-6)
Develop the idea that we, as Christians, are always on our home field. In sports, the cheers of home field fans provide a motivational advantage for teams, but since "the earth is the Lord's" (Psalm 24.1), we always have the advantage of knowing that legions of angels are always cheering our daily obedience. (Daniel 7.10; Matthew 26.53; Luke 15.10; Hebrews 12.22-23)
Clarify that our motivation to obey God should not depend upon external factors, because God promises to provide it internally with the Holy Spirit. (Philippians 2.13; Hebrews 13.20-21; Ephesians 1.4-5)
Teach by discovery and/or with the Socratic method whenever possible. Learners find these methods very motivating.
Tell'em what you're going to tell'em; tell'em; tell'em what you told'em.
Restate key points and concepts in two or three ways so those who have different learning styles can understand your points.
Discussions increase problem-solving skills and help change the attitudes of learners because they can benefit from the comments of other learners.
Four Key Responsibilities for Teachers
Make sure that you are able to effectively explain and/or demonstrate the truths in the message, plus provide practical suggestions on how your learners can apply them to their lifestyles.
Present the Big Picture of the message, then break it down into a series of small (Little Picture) logical parts, finally bringing the parts back to the whole Big Picture so your learners can see the necessity of living according to these ethics.
Suggest that your learners "practice" these truths by teaching them to each other, and/or to other family members.
Always have a new, fresh and compelling way to present and explain your messages so you can hold their interest.
Four Key Responsibilities for Learners
Prepare themselves during their Daily Spiritual Practice for a common objection to Christianity that they are likely to encounter during the day.*
Have a plan of matching their spiritual gifts and abilities with issues they are concerned about in their community.
Hold themselves accountable for consistently working their plan, with the goal of achieving excellence at all times and in all circumstances.
Expect that their biblical obedience will serve to "leaven" our culture and produce positive results according to God's perfect timetable.
Next week's topic is "Are Your Learners More Serious About How Their Favorite Team Plays, than They Are About How they Live their Lives?"
* See Making Your 52 Daily READS: How to READ the Defense of your
Opponent's Objections to Christianity and Make the Right Call to
Uphold the Faith, Buddy Hanson, (Hanson Group, 2008)
Buddy Hanson is President of the Christian Policy Network and Director of the Christian Worldview Resources Center and has written several books on the necessity of applying one's faith to everyday situations, circumstances and decision-making.