People often come into Bible classes quite distracted. Some may not even want to be there. We need to get their attention from the start so they’re able focus on God’s Word. How do we do that?
Check out the four-page Out of the World and into the Word Worksheet. This reproducible teacher training resource begins by looking at some of the distractions of the world students bring with them. It provides ideas for how teachers can use the lesson introduction to gain students’ attention. The worksheet ends with an acrostic for how to keep that attention.
Three Tips for Gaining People’s Attention from the Start
We’ll narrow “how to” down to three tips.
1) Grab people’s attention through creativity.
We need a means of capturing their attention for what’s to come that gets them curious, fascinated, or intrigued. Titus 2:10 points to making “the teaching about God our Savior attractive” “in every way”. At minimum Bible teachers should guard against beginning lessons the same way each time. Varying our approach will pull people in because they don’t know what to expect.
2) Give people a reason to engage and learn through relevance.
The Apostle Paul practiced this means. He said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Cor. 9:22). By connecting with where students are, we can then take them to where they should be.
3) Build a foundation through personal connection.
Gaining people’s attention through creativity and relevance may initially pull them in but personal connection will help keep their attention. When people believe we care, we earn their attention. Ultimately we want people to get their attention on God, but it often begins by finding a connection with us. Look at the Apostle Paul’s example. He said, “Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” (1 Thess. 2:8)
For More, Go To: Getting and Keeping Attention Starting with the Lesson Introduction Teacher Training Resources