Effective Bible Teaching for Adults

What is the least effective way to teach the Bible to adults?

Not all about methods, but we must consider methods, techniques, and approaches.

“ All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)

“We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” Colossians 1:28-29 (NASB)

Know Your Audience Help Adults Engage With the Word Be Aware of Adult Learner Differences Emphasize Biblical Worldview

Who are you teaching? “Exegete your learners” In class and outside of class It takes time Know Your Audience

How are you teaching? 7 key elements of Bible teaching which is transformational. Help Adults Engage With the Word

Acknowledge Authority Search the Truth Discover the Truth Personalize the Truth Struggle With the Truth Believe the Truth Obey the Truth

How do adults learn? Malcolm Knowles Learning Theory of Andragogy Be Aware of Adult Learner Differences

The Need to Know Adults want to know why they need to learn something before undertaking learning. Self-Directed Learning Adults believe they are responsible for their lives, so they need to be seen & treated as capable and self-directed. Broader Depth of Life Experiences Adults come into a learning activity with different experiences than do younger learners.

Readiness to Learn Adults come ready to learn things they need to know and do in order to cope effectively with real-life situations. Orientation to Learning Adults are life-centered (i.e., task-centered, problem-centered) in their orientation to learning. Motivation to Learn For adults, the most potent motivators are internal (e.g., desire for increased job satisfaction, self-esteem).

Cultivate a comprehensive, biblical worldview See the video from The Truth Project Emphasize Biblical Worldview

Insert Worldview Video Here

Where did I come from? God as the source of life Not random or haphazard Created in God’s image

Where do I fit in? Purpose in life More than mere existence Found only in God’s plan Discovered through relationship with Christ

What is the basis of morality? Standard of right & wrong What is truth? Is truth knowable?

Where am I going? Eternal life through Christ Eternal death without Christ A choice must be made See Worldview Chart Handout

CHANGING LIVES…ONE AT A TIME Biblical Perspectives on Mentoring

BIBLICAL EMPHASIS ON DISCIPLE-MAKING MATTHEW 28:18-20 EXAMPLES FROM SCRIPTURE BIBLICAL EMPHASIS ON DISCIPLE-MAKING MATTHEW 28:18-20 EXAMPLES FROM SCRIPTURE Mentoring Ministry Background

Mentoring in Church Settings Mentoring should provide opportunities for intentional personal interactions between generations, which lead to mutual growth and development – personally and spiritually.

Key Roles Mentor A person committed to spending time with 1-2 other people on a regular basis for life-on-life encouragement, equipping, and engagement. Mentor A person committed to spending time with 1-2 other people on a regular basis for life-on-life encouragement, equipping, and engagement.

Key Roles Possible Mentor Materials Possible Mentor Materials

Key Roles Mentor Materials (Recommended) Mentor Materials (Recommended)

Key Roles Mentee A person who has requested a mentor and agrees to meet with the mentor on a regular basis. Mentee A person who has requested a mentor and agrees to meet with the mentor on a regular basis.

What Mentoring is NOT Not a Bible study Not a Bible study Not a program Not a program Not a formal, regimented process Not a formal, regimented process Not at church Not at church No set completion date No set completion date

NOT THIS

What Mentoring IS Mentoring & discipleship Mentoring & discipleship More than a plan on paper More than a plan on paper Prayerful, customized, & personal Prayerful, customized, & personal Relational, not informational Relational, not informational

Matching Mentors & Mentees A critical process A critical process Discerning, not deciding Discerning, not deciding Key considerations - Concentrated prayer - Can’t mentor everyone - Not all will commit Key considerations - Concentrated prayer - Can’t mentor everyone - Not all will commit

Matching Mentors & Mentees Three methods or approaches - Mentor chooses - Mentee chooses - Lists utilized as a guide Three methods or approaches - Mentor chooses - Mentee chooses - Lists utilized as a guide

Breaking the Ice Face-to-face “I’ve been praying and…” “I’ve been praying and…” “I see in you a passion to…” “I see in you a passion to…” “I would like you to join me…” “I would like you to join me…” “It will demand…” “It will demand…”

Breaking the Ice “If you will join me in this, I will…” “If you will join me in this, I will…” “I’ll check back with you in…” “I’ll check back with you in…” “Do you have any questions?” “Do you have any questions?”

More on Mentor Role About the curriculum About the curriculum Model, Mentor, & Meet Model, Mentor, & Meet “People are more apt to emulate what they’ve seen done than what they have been told to do.” “People are more apt to emulate what they’ve seen done than what they have been told to do.”

More on Your Role Trusted teacher, advisor, & support Trusted teacher, advisor, & support Encouragement, accountability, & answers to MANY questions Encouragement, accountability, & answers to MANY questions A delicate balance A delicate balance

Matters of the Heart Valuable & Necessary Life Skills

More on Mentor Role 1 Thessalonians 2:12a “…we encouraged, comforted, & implored each of you to walk worthy of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12a “…we encouraged, comforted, & implored each of you to walk worthy of God.” Encourage…Comfort…Implore Encourage…Comfort…Implore

More on Mentor Role Encourage: guide the mentee to obey God & offer reassurance Encourage: guide the mentee to obey God & offer reassurance Comfort: reassure to stay on course; compassion & love Comfort: reassure to stay on course; compassion & love Implore: passionately & emphatically urge mentee forward Implore: passionately & emphatically urge mentee forward

Weekly Meetings Report what was learned between meetings Report what was learned between meetings Answer questions which have arisen Answer questions which have arisen Pray together Pray together Conversational Bible study Conversational Bible study Activity toward application of truth Activity toward application of truth

Between Meetings Pray daily for your mentee(s) Pray daily for your mentee(s) Make yourself available Make yourself available Meet emotional & material needs Meet emotional & material needs When possible, meet for a meal or just “hang out together” When possible, meet for a meal or just “hang out together”

Spiritual Objectives: Signs of Spiritual Growth Bible engagement Bible engagement Obeying God & denying self Obeying God & denying self Serving God & others Serving God & others Sharing Christ Sharing Christ Exercising faith Exercising faith

Spiritual Objectives: Signs of Spiritual Growth Seeking God Seeking God Building relationships Building relationships Unashamed of being a follower of Christ Unashamed of being a follower of Christ

Role of Christian Community Not just proximity Not just proximity Closeness of relationships Closeness of relationships Partnership in God’s Kingdom work Partnership in God’s Kingdom work Accountability for progress Accountability for progress Protection Protection Grace when faltering Grace when faltering

Questions?