Bible Study :: Sunday School Leaders

Jan

Continuing Education for the Group Leader

By Kenneth Priest · Comments (2)

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, Chapter 6, he states in verse 17, “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed” (ESV; emphasis added). It seems that Paul had a type of “New Believers” course for converts. As I was discussing this idea with my Bible Fellowship group this past Sunday, I directed the conversation to discuss our personal “standards of teaching.” The exact question was, “What are your standards of teaching you live by?” As we are looking at the New Year, this is a great time to evaluate our standards. One area where I believe we can all do better relates to our standard of personal development. I believe this falls into the category of a standard of teaching, as we are to be lifelong learners.

I like to encourage directors and teachers to develop a growth plan. I include a number of items related to working as an educational team in the life of the church; your participation on this team is important as the disciplers of the church.

Annually, attend a Sunday School or Church Growth Conference. Many conferences are now being offered online via live streaming or even for download after the event.
Annually, attend a church-focused training event coordinated specifically for your church. Many churches provide an annual training event where the pastor and or/minister of education equips the leaders within the context of your specific church needs. This is a great way to stay in touch with what your pastoral leadership team sees as the needs of the church.
Monthly, meet with church Sunday School Director, pastor, and/or minister of education to discuss any issues with curriculum, inform them about needs within your small group, etc. This communication times helps the pastoral leadership team stay “in touch” with what is happening and know better how they can support and provide ministry within the church.

I also think we need to have our personal study practices challenged and in place. So here are some thoughts for 2012:

Read through the Bible. You may not do this each year; but you might choose to do so. I recommend finding different methods of doing this. Zondervan has a great study, “The Bible in 90 Days.” This is a real challenge.
Read a doctrinal study. Make certain you know why you believe what you believe. This can be done through a number of studies, I like Ken Hemphill’s study from Auxano Press, “Core Convictions” which essentially helps provide you a systematic theology of your doctrine.
Read a book on evangelism to remind yourself of the great need to keep the Gospel message in the forefront of your class and make certain you are sharing your faith through your teaching. Try “SPLASH,” also from Auxano Press.
Read a spiritual gifts book. My Bible Fellowship is called Gateway. The word “GATE” is an acronym for Gifts And Talents Exercised. We constantly remind our members to serve, and you might also. Maybe they need a little assistance. Studying up on spiritual gifts can help you answer questions as you are encouraging members to use what God has gifted them with.

There are training sites you can go to for continued education as well. Your state convention might have something. At the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, we have launched a Leadership App. Simply go to itunes and search SBTC. The App name is “iLead.” LifeWay offers online training through: www.lifeway.com/onlinetraining

Categories : 5 Weeks of Flake, Bible Study, Sunday School, Training

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Dec

Transformation Has No Age Limit: Word-Driven Bible Study for Senior Adults

By Phil Stone · Comments (0)

Once in my ministry I had the joy of teaching a group of 80-something year old women. I discovered that want a ‘word-driven’ Bible study that ‘begins, returns to, and ends with God’s word’; one that doesn’t waste time but uses the full hour for Bible study. I also discovered that they still enjoyed learning in creative ways and that transformation has no age limit. Paul wrote in his letters that transformation comes by the “renewing of your minds”. This renewing work of God’s Spirit is a life-long activity. Senior adults continue to be transformed into the likeness of Christ by God through the renewing of their minds and attitudes. We do not change the way we learn as we get older. Our learning style doesn’t shift so much as does our reticence to change. If we have been used to learning only by lecture, then this is the way we expect to learn when we come to Bible study. It may not meet our primary learning style, but it’s the way “we’ve always done it.”

That doesn’t mean, however, that senior adults don’t enjoy learning in creative ways. Simply check out the programs that are offered at senior centers and YMCAs, and you’ll discover that senior adults are some of the most involved, creative people around. Why should Bible study be different? Church is often the only place that senior adults are asked to come sit, soak, and sour. This should not be!

Andragogy is the art and science of adult learning, and it assumes that adults come with experiences to share; and if they do not share, then little or no learning takes place. Senior adults have had years of biblical study and many wonderful experiences. The leader can set up an environment in which the members can feel safe and unthreatened to share what they know or some of their stories. Remember, the statement, “Where there is no involvement, there is no learning” was written by Gaines Dobbins when he was in his eighties! As a senior adult educator he recognized the benefit of involving people.

When you begin to prepare your senior adult Bible study, ask the question, “How can I get my members involved?” Don’t be afraid to ask senior adults to take responsibility for their own Christian education and to get involved in their Bible study. Leaders do not need to begin with some “wildly creative methods”. Simple methods that get them involved will be a good start. Here are a few I used with my senior adults:

Introduce the Bible study, and then ask the members to turn to a partner and discuss one question and/or to share their opinion about an issue.
Use a brainstorming method: Ask the members to share what they know about an issue or a biblical character. As they share out loud their responses, write them on a sheet of paper on the wall or on the white/black board. Do not respond until all have shared, then ask the group to look at the entire list and draw conclusions.
Divide the members into smaller groups and ask them to find the answer to questions about the biblical passage and to share their own thoughts based on their experiences.
Always use written assignments for group work.*
As members get used to involvement, some more creative methods can be used. Encourage members to use their imagination and creativity. Make Bible study fun and exciting. It’s the most exciting book for the most exciting part of life!

Remember this principle: The teacher’s task is to set up experiences so that learners can discover for themselves biblical truths that can transform their lives. This principle works for adults of all ages, even our senior adults.

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*Sample written assignment for senior adults:

Read in your Bible: Romans 1:16-17

Research: Corresponding section in Learner’s Guide, pg. __

Discover: a. What did Paul claim for the Gospel?

For whom did Paul say that the Gospel was given?
Share an experience when you demonstrated that you were “not ashamed of the gospel”.

Create: Write the answers to these questions on a large sheet of paper and be prepared to help the group understand these verses based on your research, your own Bible knowledge, and your own personal experiences as Christians.

Creative Option: Create an interview with Paul. Have fun talking with Paul and letting him explain the answers to the Discover questions

Present: You have 15 minutes to prepare a 1-3 minute presentation to the group.

Categories : Bible Study, Sunday School, Teaching

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Aug

Give Me This Day My Daily Bread

By Sean Keith · Comments (0)

Give Me This Day My Daily Bread: The Importance of a Personal Devotion

Food is fuel for the body. Much like food is to the body, the Word of God is fuel to our spirit. What amazes me is that as a society, we are driven to action if we discover a soul without food. And yet, we have millions of people everyday who are starving for spiritual food. A transformed life is someone who understands, practices and strives to consume the Word of God every day.

I admit; someday’s I don’t eat right. More importantly, some days I don’t feed myself spiritually like I should. Over the years I have learned a few tips that have helped to shape my “spiritual diet” and keep me “healthy” as a believer.

TIME AND PLACE – Oddly enough, some habits are good for you. Having a time and a place every day that you can be alone with God is a great way to start or end your day. Life happens. I know your schedule like mine gets interrupted. Because of that, it is even more important to make sure we start and/or end our day at the Lord’s table. Having a time and place makes that easier.

HAVE A PLAN – Use a devotional book; read the Bible through in a year; Read a chapter a day; Memorize scripture; Journal; and more. There is no one way to do a personal devotion. The key is to have a plan and to work that plan every day.

EVALUATE YOUR PLAN – Don’t get in a rut. Sometimes it is important to make sure that you keep your devotional time fresh. Buy a new devotional book; start in Revelation and go backwards; read 5 Psalms and 1 Proverb a day for a month; etc. Whatever you do, make it fresh.

BE CONSISTENT – If you miss a day, start again the next day. After awhile, you will begin to notice the difference when you miss a day. If it has been awhile since you have had a consistent “alone time” with God, commit right now to start today. It does make a difference.

The transformed life requires a daily conversation with God. Reading His Word and praying daily is the fuel to the “spiritual body” that prepares us for every good work. Be prepared in season and out. As food is to the body, so the Word of God is to your soul.

Sean P. Keith, Sunday School/Discipleship Strategist, Louisiana Baptist Convention

Categories : 31 Days of Transformational Class, Bible Study, Prayer, Sunday School, Transformation

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May

Interview with George Guthrie of Read the Bible for Life

By Bob Mayfield · Comments (0)

I have had the privilege of meeting Dr. George Guthrie this year. I called George in January to ask him about Read the Bible for Life. I was stunned when George answered his own phone! He has become a great colleague and I was honored when I had the opportunity to interview George about the new Read the Bible for Life Initiative that he has authored through Broadman & Holman. George is the Benjamin W. Perry Professor of Bible at Union University in Jackson, TN.

So now, for the interview…

George, what prompted you to write and develop the Read the Bible for Life initiative?

There were a number of factors, but I can point especially to the patterns I saw in my students at Union University. We attract students who are quite gifted academically, many coming out of the church and deeply committed to Christ. Yet, in my New Testament Survey classes and Introduction to Bible Study classes I kept noticing major gaps in their basic Bible knowledge. For a number of years we gave a very basic Bible Literacy Quiz in various Freshman survey classes; 18 questions like, “How many temptations did Jesus have in the wilderness?” Over a three-year period the average score on that quiz was 57%! That shocked me. I found out that the scores are similar on such quizzes at other top evangelical universities, like Wheaton and Seattle Pacific University. I thought, “If these wonderful students are there, what does that say about the state of Bible education in our churches?” That question kept me up at night.

In your teaching ministry with college students, what has been the biggest eye opener about your students and their Bible knowledge?

As I have already mentioned, the lack of Bible knowledge was a shocker. But I also, as I have worked with my students, I have found that they are willing to work at learning how to read and study the Bible! During the last 5 weeks of my Introduction to Bible Study class, we study one key passage per week, taking that passage all the way through the process of study, from preparing our hearts in prayer through how we might teach or preach the passage. When the lights start going on, watch out! The students get excited about the learning process. When they discover a fresh reading of God’s Word, they become excited about it.

What discoveries have you made about the Bible and biblical literacy?

First, I think we have focused our attention on what might be called “Bible Trivia,” rather than helping people to a “Bible Orientation” and “Biblically-driven Transformation” in their lives. The main problem is not that people don’t know the facts of the Bible (although that is important) but that they don’t walk with God in the Word daily, as a primary orientation in life. If they learn to walk with God in the Word on a daily basis, they will grow to know the facts, and they will be changed by the experience of meeting God in the pages of the Bible.

Second, we have not taught people the “Big Picture” of the Bible’s grand narrative or story. We have approached Bible education by stacking one passage on another, week after week, year after year. We have assumed that if we did that long enough people would get it. They haven’t. And if they don’t know the framework of the Story, they have no reference points for all the people, places, events, etc. That is a key reason we are in trouble. On the other hand, when people begin to get the Story, they start being pulled into the Story. That is when the Christian faith gets exciting.

I don’t want to get you in trouble, but on a scale of 1-10, where would you rate the biblical literacy of the average Sunday School or small group?

That’s OK. I like living on the edge! If you include teenagers on up, I would guess that the average would be between 4 1/2 to 5 in terms of having a good grasp of basic people, events, institutions, and introductory information on the purpose of the various books of the Bible. If you add a basic knowledge of how to read and interpret the various parts of Scripture well and how to apply the Scriptures responsibly, I would guess we are at about a 1. About 95% of churches have no basic training in how to read the Bible well. Read the Bible for Life focuses on the latter in the beginning and then gives a church tools for helping their folks build long-term Bible knowledge.

What are some suggestions that a small group or Sunday School leader could do to get the people in their group reading and studying the Bible?

I know this sounds basic, but begin by reading through the Bible chronologically as a group and then discuss what you are reading. It is easier to get people going if “we are all in this together!” No one should have to walk the wilderness in Leviticus alone! Also, give them training. The Read the Bible for Life video curriculum has been designed as “basic training.” That can provide a good starting point.

What are 2-3 suggestions that would help a pastor lead his church members to have greater love and understanding of the scriptures?

First, make it a “whole-community” event. Involve the whole church in a holistic way. Right now our church has everyone reading daily, both individually and in their families. We then discuss what we are reading in small group settings. Then the pastor preaches on a key passage read the previous week. So individual time is combined with small-group experience and a main worship experience every week. That is powerful.

Second, take the long look in addressing this critical problem! Short-term programs are not the answer. You will not solve the biblical literacy program with a nine-week curriculum. We need to have a vision for changing patterns in our churches over the next 5-10 years. I hope we can work together on that, because I want to continue to address this problem in years to come.

There is a lot of talk about being “missional”. How can leading a church through the RTB4L initiative make it a more missional community?

Our people will never be missional if they don’t have a Biblical foundation and motivation. What we are seeing in our church is that once people begin to “get” the Story of Scripture, the Story of redemptive history, and how all the parts add up to a very exciting vision God has for the world, they begin to get drawn into that Story. And guess what: that Story is a story about mission. When people live in the Story they begin to live out the mission.

George, thank you so much for your time! George will be checking by the next two days to answer any comments or questions you may have about biblical literacy or Read the Bible for Life.

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Bob Mayfield is the Sunday School/Adult Discipleship specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Bob also has his own blog at www.bobmayfield.com.

Categories : Bible Study

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Mar

Leave It to the Sunday School?

By Tom Belew · Comments (5)

Sunday School is a great place to teach children the stories from the Bible and how the Bible can be a guide for life. But, Sunday School is not the end of the ministry to children. Sunday School helps to lay a foundation for each child, and now we have to build upon that foundation. The Bible says, “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. ⁵ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. ⁶ These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. ⁷ Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. ⁹ Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:4-6 HCSB).

The Bible is clear that transformation of children is not just about an hour of Sunday School each week. The passage above indicates teaching children is an every-day, every-hour, every-minute job. Transformation is the job of Sunday School, parents and other believers. If we are going to expect children to grow and mature into faithful followers of Jesus Christ, the impact of the Bible has to move beyond the Sunday School room.

Oh! This could even be true for students and adults as well. The greatest single factor affecting God’s work in our churches and communities today may well be that only a few believers in our churches actually commit to a daily devotional that includes Bible reading, prayer and listening to God.

How different Sunday School would be if every member came read-up, prayed-up and expecting to get a fresh word from the Lord.

Transformation is more than attending Sunday School!

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Tom Belew has served as Small Groups and Childhood Specialist for the California Southern Baptist Convention since 2002. He previously served as Minister of Education in churches in Arizona and California.

Categories : Bible Study, Prayer, Transformation

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