Teaching: Get the Learning Started

“Runners to your mark. Get ready. Start!” A pistol fires and the race is on. There is no time in a footrace to waste at the starting line. Yet, in many Bible study sessions, more time is wasted trying to get started than at any other time in the session. Since most teachers are concerned about delivering content, what gets shorted in the session is the application emphasis. Yet, isn’t applying God’s Word to our lives what we are in the session for in the first place? Here are some ideas for more effective starts:

1. Start on time. Starting on time shows respect for the learners who are on time and, since they are the only ones present, show them respect.
2. Arrive early enough so that all your preparation is done before the first learner enters. This allows you to focus on the learner as well.
3. Start on time. Delaying start times trains learners to be late.
4. Provide an advance organizer. An advance organizer is usually a visual that clues learners into what is going to happen in the session. It might be an outline of the session or a list of questions. Advance organizers begin working when the first person sees it.
5. Start on time. No one has unlimited teaching time. Every session ends. There are babies to pick up and places to be, and deadlines to meet for everyone. Know your time limits.
6. Arrange the room to facilitate a good start according to your lesson plan.
7. Start on time. If you have a word from the Lord, then respect God by using the time wisely to communicate.
8. Start on time. Delaying a start may communicate that the people present are somehow less important that the ones you are waiting on.
9. Start on time so that you communicate that the lesson is worthwhile and important.
8. Start on time. (Did I say that already?)

 In our American culture, time is supreme. We need to relax a lot in that area, but we need to use time wisely. A good start sets an emotional and spiritual tone for the whole session that we might have to struggle to achieve if we fail to make a good start.

“Runners to your mark!” What can you do in your next session to be on your mark and ready for an effective start?

Scripture:

“Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.” Ecclesiastes 8:5 (ESV)

Prayer:

Ask God, Who is the Beginning and the End, to help you learn to redeem the time.

Dig Deeper:
Read Chapter 18, “In One Minute You Can Influence a Life,” in What Every Sunday School Teacher Should Know by Elmer Towns, (Gospel Light, 2001), ISBN: 0-8307-2874-0.

Relating: Loving Your Learners

I am task-oriented. I take on a job and I want to see it to its completion. Therefore, when I teach, I want to complete my lesson plan, . . . just as I planned it, . . . every time . . . amen. And, I can often do just that. And then later that day, I wonder if my learners really understood that part of the reason I teach is because I love them. Some sessions they would have to dig deep to see my love, I must confess.  I know that I can get people to recite facts to me when I teach. Little relationship between teacher and learner is needed if that is the only goal in the session. But, if life transformation is to occur, what is transmitted between teacher and learner must cross a bridge called relationship. The bridge of relationship is supported by the unconditional love and acceptance the leader communicates to the learner. To be transformative in my teaching, I must love my learners. How will they know I love them? 1. I know and use their names.
2. I have recorded and frequently use their personal contact information outside of class.
3. I ask questions about their personal well-being and I listen to them intently.
4. I spend time with them outside of class.
5. I remember important facts about them.
6. I pray for them and with them.
7. I picture each one of them as I study and prepare to teach them.
8. I know something about each one’s struggles and challenges.
9. I try to know where each is in his or her spiritual journey.
10. I lovingly challenge them to new levels of growth.
11. I model what I want them to know, do, and be.
12. I express to them my appreciation for being a part of their lives.
13. I ________________________________________________.

 How would you finish that last one? When was the last time you did any of these things? How do your learners know you love them?

 Scripture:

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 (ESV)

Prayer:

Ask God to help you see every learner and potential learner in your group as He sees them.

Dig Deeper:

Read Chapter 4: “Principles Underlying His Work” in JM Price’s classic work, Jesus the Teacher, to learn more about how Jesus loved those He taught. This is a classic book and worth the search to find a copy.