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FAQ about Outreach Efforts in the Classroom

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FAQ about Outreach in the Classroom
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 people 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, you may occasionally have visitors who are not saved. If outreach in the classroom isn’t something you regularly plan for, you may not be ready. We’re to “be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2). We’re 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).

Further, if all students do truly know the Lord, it’s important to keep an outward focus. It’s possible for the class to become so in-grown they won’t want to invite unsaved friends and family. It won’t feel like a place the unsaved would want to visit.

With all this in mind, if it is a class designed for helping believers grow and mature, that won’t happen if you cater to seekers. So, how does a teacher keep an emphasis on outreach in a class presumably full of Christians?

Outreach efforts in the classroom don’t have to consume a lot of time with a Gospel presentation each and every session. But, at least occasionally would be a good thing, especially if you have visitors. Further, there are many ways to incorporate the Gospel message into the flow of a lesson. It doesn’t need to be a tack on message.

Taking time to pray for unsaved friends and relatives, providing resources to students that can be passed on, and letting students share opportunities they’ve had outside of the classroom, all can help to keep the focus outward without taking much class time.

Another way you can demonstrate concern about outreach without consuming a lot of class time is by making sure you, as the teacher, are available and approachable before and after class for one on one with students. That won’t happen if you show up for class at the last minute, or rush out as soon as the session ends.

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

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