Bible teachers have quite a variety of ways to present a lesson. While using a variety of methods and materials is just one aspect of being a creative teacher, it’s often something with which teachers struggle. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, teaching the same way over and over with little variation. The benefits of creative Bible teaching are tremendous. So, what can you do if you’re a Bible teacher who struggles with creativity? What can you do if you’re a Christian Education Director who oversees teachers who aren’t very creative in their teaching?
Since the Problem with Creativity Isn’t Due to a Lack of Possibilities, Address the Real Issues
A previous post looked at the potential for all Bible teachers to be creative since everyone bears the image of our creative God. So, what might hold us back from using more variety in our teaching. We must all work through issues in our own hearts but here are two possible reasons:
1) ignorance
Teachers might not be aware of all the possibilities and/or might not be familiar with how to use them.
If this is you, avail yourself of resources to expand your knowledge and understanding of different ways to teach. (Some of the links will take you to one of our affiliate stores.)
- Sharpening Your Bible Teaching Methods by Ministry Tools Resource Center
- Creative Teaching Methods by Marlene D. LeFever
- 24 Ways to Improve Your Teaching by Kenneth O. Gangel
- 40 Ways to Teach in Groups by Martha Leypoldt
If you’re a Christian Education Director, model creativity for your Bible teachers by consistently presenting new ideas to them.
- Point them to web pages with ideas.
- Include a different idea in each of your newsletters to teachers.
- Present possibilities at meetings but also incorporate variety in training.
- Brainstorm as a team about how to teach a lesson.
2) insecurity
Teachers might be aware of possibilities but may never have used some of the ideas before. Fear of failure can hold people back.
If this is you, take time to learn more about creativity in general and how to choose and use audiovisuals and methods effectively. That should help stir up a desire to be more creative. Without motivation, your fears will probably continue to hold you back from trying something new.
- Creative Bible Teaching Workbook
- Turning the Benefits of Creativity into Reality Worksheet
- Tips for Choosing and Using Audiovisuals Worksheet
- Tips for Choosing and Using Methods
Once you’re able to acknowledge that it’s worth the risk of trying, then take time to learn more about specific methods. The resources listed above under the first point can help.
If you’re a Christian Education Director, you can support teachers in their quest to be more creative.
- Give plenty of encouragement and/or feedback.
- Offer opportunity for them to first observe a method being used before trying it themselves.
- Build practice exercises into teacher training.
Remember, the benefits of creativity make these efforts worthwhile. The potential to be creative is already within.