Whether using a pre-fab curriculum or writing our own Bible lessons, we need to consider methodology. While God’s truth can stand alone in impacting people’s lives, the way it’s presented can help to whet their thirst and appetite for it. Our Bible teaching methods do matter.
3 Tips for Using Teaching Methods Effectively
While many tips could be suggested about using Bible teaching methods, we’ll limit this post to just three key points. (Click on the links for more help about each tip.)
- Don’t rely on methodology alone but rather on the Holy Spirit so your students’ “faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power” (1 Cor. 2:4-5).
- Bible Teacher’s Role as a Conduit
- Bible Teaching Requires Reliance on the Holy Spirit
- Not Happening Without the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit is Essential to Effective Bible Teaching
- Use a variety of methods being careful not to get stuck in a rut using the same method over and over.
- Bible Teachers Need to Incorporate Variety into Lessons
- Problem with Creativity Not Due to Lack of Possibilities
- Teaching Methods: Explore the Possibilities
- Teaching Ruts
Also check out the Sharpening Your Bible Teaching Methods Resource for help with 57 different teaching methods. Within each of those methods are variations, making the number of methods even higher.
- Tailor the methods and how you use them to your class. Think outside of the box when the curriculum suggests a method that doesn’t quite fit your class’ interests and abilities, purpose of your class, or the amount of time or space you have.
according to age:
- Methods for Preschoolers
- Methods for Grade School Children
- Methods for Teens
- Methods for Adult Bible Classes
according to type and purpose of class:
- A Children’s Church Teacher’s Methods and Materials
- A Mid-Week Bible Club Teacher’s Methods and Materials
- A Small Group Bible Study Teacher’s Methods and Materials
- A Sunday School Teacher’s Methods and Materials
- A VBS Teacher’s Methods and Materials
also see:
For these tips and more, order the Tips for Choosing and Using Methods Worksheet.