Some teachers of adult Bible classes primarily lecture. While lectures have a place in teaching adults, we do need to think of the potential for real learning. That should inspire us to get beyond solely lecturing. Consider the following points.
Get Beyond Lecture in Adult Classes to Increase the Potential for Changed Lives
Perhaps some teachers primarily lecture in adult Bible classes because they have a lot of content for students to absorb. After all, we may reason, they have a longer attention span than children and youth. While that reasoning may hold some truth, more is not always more. Sometimes less is more. It all depends on our objective. Are we teaching for changed lives or mere head knowledge? Do we want people to get to know the Lord better, not just about Him, in ways that make a difference in their lives?
To take people to higher levels of learning, that lead to applying truth to life, we must get beyond lecture. People need opportunity to work through the implications and application of truth, to gain a better understanding of how truth relates to everyday living.
Notice the flow in Colossians 1:9-10 which begins with knowledge but goes to understanding and application which results in bearing fruit and getting to know God better.
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may 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 …
Get Beyond Lecture to Increase the Potential of Reaching More Students
While some adults learn through verbal instruction (auditory learners), many learn better visually. Some grasp lessons with a more hands-on approach while others learn best with interpersonal opportunities. Certainly that suggests we should use a variety of methods within a lesson if we want to reach more than our auditory learners. Using only lecture in adult classes mainly fits the auditory learning style. Adding visuals to the lecture will reach more students but still not all.
Remember the Apostle Paul’s approach described in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22. He said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” While he wasn’t speaking specifically about teaching methods, certainly the principle could apply.
Note: This doesn’t mean we never use lecture. It certainly has a place in teaching adults. When we do, however, we should at least try to add some visualization and guard against dry, monotone-like communication. We can add illustrations, even sharing personal experiences. And, let’s be expressive, yet genuine.