Class doesn’t always go as planned. The unexpected happens. Teachers who don’t adapt could be in trouble. Being adaptable is an essential characteristic for Bible teachers who want to meet needs of students and make the most of every opportunity. Yet, teachers need to know when to adapt and when not to adapt.
Bible Teachers Need to be Adaptable in the Following Ways:
- tailoring methodology to the age, size, and abilities of the class
- making on-the-spot adjustments to methods that don’t seem to be working
- using vocabulary that can be understood by the age and abilities of the students
- getting on eye level with students, particularly when teaching children
- accommodating to help students with learning or physical disabilities
- figuring out the best way to use a less than ideal room to turn it into a learning environment
- working with the flow of the group dynamic due to the varying personalities in attendance
Bible Teachers Should Never Adapt in the Following Ways:
- compromising truth to make it sound more appealing
- avoiding or over-emphasizing certain truths to make God sound like someone He isn’t
- adding events or descriptions to Bible stories that aren’t accurate to make it more child-friendly
In essence, the way we communicate — the form or methods we use in teaching — can be adapted to the students we teach or the setting in which we teach.
I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. (1 Cor. 9:22)
… make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Col. 4:5-6)
The content or message we teach, however, is unchanging.
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. (Prov. 30:5-6)
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. (Isa. 40:8)
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Tim. 4:16)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
For more on being an adaptable teacher as well as other traits, check out the Be-Attitudes for Teachers Devotional Guide.