Category Archives: Adults

A previous post suggested we make it a goal to help our adult students apply God’s Word to the way they meet needs and fulfill their responsibilities. As teachers, we need to understand what their needs and responsibilities might be. We can start with a broad understanding based on their stage of adulthood.

Addressing Needs and Responsibilities at Different Stages of Adulthood

Specific responsibilities vary at the different life stages. So does the way people feel about their responsibilities, resulting in needs Bible teachers can address. The Age Level Characteristics Resource – Adults Module published by Ministry Tools Resource Center divides adults into four groupings because of these differences.

To effectively teach adults, we should relate to them accordingly. For example, . . .

As we address these broad needs, we have a starting place upon which to build. We can guide them toward the Lord, encouraging them to trust Him for the specifics. Encourage them to follow Proverbs 3:5-6. — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

God’s Word equips us (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It helps us navigate life like a lamp to our feet (Ps. 119:105). Bible teachers of adult classes therefore have opportunity to help people meet their needs and fulfill their responsibilities in healthy, godly ways. Make it a goal for students to take what they’re learning from the Word and “live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:9-10).

Help Adults Learn to Apply God’s Word to Everyday Life

Knowing what the Bible says about various issues adults deal with is only the starting point. We need to help them grasp the implications of these truths to their lives. In doing so, we must keep in mind that a one-size fits all approach doesn’t usually work. Our adult class members come from different backgrounds and are at different places in their walk with the Lord.

• Do you know your students well enough to understand their needs and responsibilities? What steps can you take to get to know them better?
• What methods can you employ within class to take them beyond mere head knowledge? How can you help them see the implications and applications of the Word to their lives? Are you taking the lesson far enough?

While it’s important to help students personalize truth to their lives, there are some broad understandings that can help guide us in ministering to students at different stages of adulthood. (Click the link for a post on that.)

Get More Help With Teaching Adults:

• Teacher Training Resources for Teaching Adult Classes
• Resources for Adult Ministry in General

For More Help with Application:

• Application Part of a Bible Lesson Teacher Training Resources

Most adults long for life to the full, one that counts. Senior adults who look back over their lives and sense they made little impact, have regrets that can affect the quality of their latter years. Bible teachers, help adult students find that fulfillment in all stages of life by abiding in Christ. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (Jn. 10:10)

Acrostic Showing What Will Help Adults Find Fulfillment in Jesus

Use this acrostic as a reminder of what will help adults find life to the full.

A – Affiliation with Other Believers

With that can come accountability and challenging of one another to live life to the full in Jesus, one that makes a difference. — “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:24-25)

D – Depth of Study in God’s Word

Adults need substance, not fluff, to help them discern the choices they should make along their life’s journey. — “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Heb. 5:13-14)

U – Useful Instruction

Unless adults find truth relevant to their current stage of life, they aren’t going to delve into the Word and become equipped to make a difference. — “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)

L – Legacy-building Hearts

Leaving an impact on people’s lives requires that our own hearts be nurtured and filled with Christ-like character. Our teaching must get beyond mere head knowledge and outward conformity. — “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Prov. 4:23)

T – Testing in Life

While most adults don’t want trials and troubles in life, that’s what God uses to build perseverance and character. Adults need to see testing as opportunities to grow and become the people God will use. — “… but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Rom. 5:3-4)

S – Sense of Significance

What adult doesn’t want to be valued and respected? Yet, people can be unkind and even betray us. Adults must learn to find significance in Christ so no matter what people may say or do to them, their lives matter and they can move on from hurts. — “If God is for us, who can be against us? … For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:31-29)

For More on Teaching Adults, Go To: Teaching Adults Bible Classes Teacher Training Resources