Lecture may be good to use with adults but if we want to teach for changed lives and potentially reach all the students, we must get beyond solely lecturing. Remember that while God wants “to fill you with the knowledge of his will”, He also wants us to “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). We need to teach in ways that help people reach His intent.
Reason Bible Teachers May Feel They Have No Choice But Lecturing
To determine what can be done in lieu of lecture, we must look at reasons teachers may feel they can only lecture. They might say something similar to the following:
1) “I would never get through the lesson if I didn’t lecture.”
This reason deals with the content, specifically the amount of content.
2) “My class is too big to use other methods.”
This reason pertains to class size and the challenges of teaching a large group.
3) “I don’t know other methods that would work with adults.”
This reason relates to the skills of the teacher, particularly in regard to methodology.
Options Beyond Lecture
Think about how you can implement the following options if you find yourself saying any of the above.
1) If you feel you couldn’t get through the lesson without lecturing …
Consider the possibility that you may be trying to teach too much in one setting. The greater the amount of content, the less likely you’ll be to employ other methods. How can you trim the content down without losing substance? Or, can the lesson be divided into two sessions providing time for discussion or other methods? Can you use out-of-class means to communicate some of the content so students come to class prepared to do something with the content?
2) If your class seems too big to use other methods ….
Though it would seem that bigger groups lessen opportunity for each individual to meaningfully participate, there are ways to engage everyone. It takes thinking outside of the box to get a large group of students more actively involved. Perhaps you could break the class into smaller groups or neighbor nudge to discuss a question. You could have students write down their response and then ask only a few to share what they wrote. Maybe you could have them physically respond to questions by a raise of hands, standing, holding up colored or numbered cards you’ve provided to respond to yes/no questions, etc. When you do lecture, accompany it with visuals, handouts, and good illustrations.
3) If you don’t know of other methods that work with adults …
Determine if you’re just stuck in a rut. Perhaps you do know other methods but have gotten comfortable with lecturing. Maybe you’re doing what takes less prep time. If so, remember why it’s important to get beyond solely lecture. If you truly want to teach for changed lives and potentially reach all of your students, then start by gradually adding some different methods into your teaching.
It could be that you aren’t acquainted with all the possibilities and need some training on teaching methods. Check out the Sharpening Your Bible Teaching Methods resource.
If you lecture because you struggle with creativity, check out these resources:
- Creativity: Variety is One Element Worksheet – Only 4 pages, it will help you think through what might be holding you back from being a creative Bible teacher.
- Creative Bible Teaching with Results Workbook – This 73-page resource takes a broader look at creativity, using God as our example for how to be creative.
We do usually have other options besides pure lecture. We may have to make some adjustments but in the end, it will be worth it.
