Category Archives: Miscellaneous Teaching Skills Needed

Once we resolve the question, Why be concerned about outreach in a class full of Christians?, then we become concerned about how we do it. Here’s a good question Bible teachers might ask.

Question Related to the Approach to Outreach Efforts in the Classroom

If we cram the Gospel down people’s throats, won’t it do more harm than good?

If we try to make people accept something spiritually they either aren’t ready for or don’t want, it’s similar to forcing someone to physically swallow something. That would be harsh and unpleasant. Scripture speaks against such a forceful manner. — “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect …” (1 Pet. 3:15-16)

Concern for classroom outreach is about more than non-stop Gospel presentations, fear tactics, and unrelenting jabs. Faith comes from hearing the message of Christ (Rom. 10:17) so we do need to communicate the message of salvation. However, if we’re too pushy, people might push back or perhaps stop attending. Approach matters so …

You’ll find the remainder of this answer in the Bible Teacher’s Handbook of Frequently Asked Questions which also answers the following questions about outreach in the Bible classroom:

• Why be concerned about outreach in a class full of Christians?
• How do I lead students to salvation in Christ?

The handbook looks at 48 other issues related to Bible teaching with a total of 153 questions.

For More Help, Go To: Outreach Efforts in the Classroom – Teacher Training Resources

We know outreach is important to the heart of God so it should be for us as well (Lk. 15). Bible teachers may, however, have questions about outreach efforts in the classroom.

Question about the Need for Outreach Efforts in the Classroom

Why be concerned about outreach in a class full of Christians?

Keep in mind that only God truly knows the heart. Some people, especially those who grew up attending church, know how to “act” or “speak” Christian but may not have truly put their trust in the Lord. Some say what they know Bible teachers want to hear. Romans 10:9-10 doesn’t stop with a person declaring with their mouths but stresses the importance of believing in our hearts. — “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

Even if all students are believers, we may occasionally have visitors who aren’t. If outreach in the classroom isn’t something we regularly plan for, we may not be ready. We’re to “be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2) and to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Pet. 3:15).

You’ll find some additional thoughts about this question in the Bible Teacher’s Handbook of Frequently Asked Questions which also responds to these questions about outreach:

• Won’t cramming the Gospel down people’s throats do more harm than good?
• How do I lead students to salvation in Christ?

The handbook looks at 48 other issues related to Bible teaching with a total of 153 questions.

Another Training Resource: Some Outreach Do’s & Don’ts for the Adult Classroom Worksheet

Motivating students is an important teacher training topic because without motivation, people aren’t going to learn. It will affect what they believe as well as their relationship with the Lord.

Pertinent Questions about Motivating Students

How do we know what will motivate our students to learn?

Get to know people. The more we know their backgrounds, family life, responsibilities, circumstances, learning styles, etc., the more we’ll be able to connect with them in ways that are relevant and of interest. Getting to know students personally takes time so begin with what can be known:

1) Their physical age. Each age level has broad needs and interests due to their development at that stage. For more, read the following articles:

• Motivate by Connecting with Developmental Factors
• Motivating People to Learn (be sure to follow through related posts for motivating at the various age levels)

2) Their spiritual maturity. What motivates a believer versus a non-believer, new believer versus someone saved for many years, or a carnal Christian versus someone walking in the Spirit will also vary greatly. For more, read the following articles:

• Motivate by Connecting with Spiritual Readiness Factors
• Spiritual Growth: Overview (be sure to follow through related posts for various spiritual growth levels)

Other Questions about Motivation:

• How can we motivate students if we don’t know what’s truly in their hearts?
• What if it seems like all I’m doing is pushing and pulling people to learn?

You’ll find answers to the above questions in the Bible Teacher’s Handbook of Frequently Asked Questions. That resource responds to a total of 153 questions covering 49 issues pertaining to Bible teaching.

Teacher Training Worksheets to Help with Motivation:

• Help! My students don’t want to be here! They don’t want to learn!
• Motivating Students to Believe … and act on what they believe

Bible teachers teach a Book that may have been written years ago, but still brings light and life. Unlike books written by human authors, the Author of the Bible lives forever, and so does His Truth. The Word of God is alive!

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Pet. 1:23-25)

All Scripture is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16-17). He continues to breathe His life and power into His Word. Consequently, it continues to be relevant for today. We can learn from the experiences of those who have gone before us as recorded in Scripture and find encouragement for today (Rom. 15:4). Through “His very great and precious promises” we can find the help needed to live godly lives (2 Pet. 1:3-4).

Teach the Bible Like the Powerful Book It Is Because the Word of God is Alive

You may have heard the statement that Bible teachers need to make the Word come alive for students. Based on Hebrews 4:12, that comment isn’t an accurate description of what teachers do. The Word of God IS alive. Bible teachers need to teach in ways that reflect that truth. We don’t make God’s Word relevant. It IS already relevant.

Yes, the Bible does contain some ancient history, but it is His Story. Bible teachers need to put students in touch with the Author and help them understand the big picture behind the historical content and details. This is a God who we find, beginning in Genesis, seeking to be in a love relationship with people. This is a God who has gone to great measures to let people know how much He loves them and experience His power in their lives.

To know the Author is to see the Bible’s relevance for He is “the Alpha and the Omega … who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8). He always was and always will be. Nothing exists without Him. Nothing makes sense without Him.