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

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

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

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

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

The Need to Know. Adults want to know why they need to learn 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 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).

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

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