Biblical Teaching 101

Is teaching education an art, science, or skill? In Christian education the goal is inspiration to engage students in a movement that molds reality and demonstrates a Spiritual and Biblical truth. Our job in Christian Education is a lifelong challenge. Here are some suggestions I use in doing Biblical teaching in a class room.

      First, the best way to be taught something is to be trained well enough to teach it to someone else. The truth is teaching God's Word is a combination of art, science, and skill. As a teacher of Biblical or any kind, remember to embrace patience and have a teachable spirit. The instructor must permit the Holy Spirit to use him or her in order to teach. People can be intimidated at the thought of teaching God's Word. It can be said that many biblical teachers have received little or no formal instruction in the areas of Biblical teaching.

1. You may laugh at this, but it can also be done in a business environment. Yes, I said a business environment. How? Well, on a lunch break of course. Yet the goals are still are the same.  Anyone can study, or teach the Bible no matter where they come from or who they are. Then can be woman, or men, couples, singles, new believers, the elderly or the divorced. Just remember to pray to ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit! Pray before to get an understanding and pray after for the understanding.

        Second, the reason why we are as ministers, or lay people is to demonstrate to others how to become Biblical teachers of excellence. Again as I stated earlier it can be done through the Holy Spirit who works through the human teacher as a conduit of truth; their some of the senior minster/preachers, or teachers used to say, "No real preaching or teaching can be done without the real teacher shows up". To Christian believers the Holy Spirit is the source and guide to a Christ filled life {John 14:26}.

         As teachers of excellence must set the stage for what can be called an "Aha!" moment, by means of knowing the educational goals they wish to complete. The ultimate goal for the Biblical teacher is for the student to get closer to Father, His Word, and mainly to have a personal relationship with God.  Biblical teachers must use the the fundamentals of the teaching supplies. Such periodicals can be used as Bibles, books and other (flashcards, Internet, etc.). One suggestion is trying it in two different versions. For example it could be King James Version, or The Message, or The New Living Translation, or The New King James Version. You’re doing this not only to understand the God’s Word better, but also to teach the Word better.  This is what makes you and the students more comfortable. This helps build a strong vocabulary, and good reading skills. The Internet is also a plus, like Google, dogpile.com, or Merriam-webster.com which can help you with the pronunciation of some words. If you’re teaching any group from early adults, to seniors, teach at the level that is need for that particular audience that is present; so you as the instructor have a people base approach.  When teaching the youth instructors please don't try to come off like you’re a being part of the gang trying to be cool. There's a problem with that the youth can see right thru you! This is God's Word, it doesn't need help. There was an old T.V. show called “Dragnet”.   The detective name was “Sergeant Friday” he always had a habit of saying to the people he was either interviewing "just the facts".     

            Third and this is the most important; at all times the instructor must be aware of how they’re seen by the students. This may require practicing in front of the mirror maybe once or twice. Teachers we must remember that if we’re in a bad mood, or having a bad day, we shouldn’t try to bring that anger in the house of the Lord.  Take the day off see if someone else can do the class. Let the Pastor or the Educational director know your having a bad day. I rather some of my teachers tell me that then coming in with an attitude in God House.  Again prayer is the key. The students you have in attendance may be new and also a little nervous.  Relax them make them feel at home. The more relax you are the more relax and i attentive your students are.  Use Jesus as you example of teaching. He was “in control” from beginning to end.  

                Finally, Read GOD’S WORK DAILY!!  By utilizing the skills I have stated and with help of the Holy Spirit, you can become a Biblical Teacher of excellence!!