TEACH is tailored for individuals providing biblical instruction to groups while in a standing position. It's a modified version of the Discovery Bible Study (DBS). TEACH involves posing two primary questions along with follow-up questions and answers. There is a sample below.
STEP 1: ASK AND ANSWER TWO PRIMARY QUESTIONS
Select a passage and pose the two primary questions: "What does this passage reveal about God?" and "What does this passage reveal about people?" The aim is to grasp the insights God wishes to convey about Himself and humanity through the passage.
To find answers, focus on significant words or phrases in the passage. For example, in Luke 7:36-50, the story of Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman, attention might center on the concept of forgiveness as articulated in Luke 7:47.
Formulate responses by first identifying the Scripture text, then constructing a principle or timeless truth based on the text. Sometimes the Scripture itself may convey a timeless truth, like "God loves the world" from John 3:16. Alternatively, you may need to rephrase the original text to derive the principle. For instance, using the theme of forgiveness from Luke 7:47, "I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven," the principle can be restated as "Jesus offers forgiveness for all our sins, regardless of their extent or quantity."
STEP 2: DEVELOP FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
Select two or, at most, three answers from above, to delve into further. As the teaching progresses, it expands, therefore focusing on too many options now will prove overwhelming later.
When crafting follow-up questions, prioritize those that address the most obvious inquiries your listeners might have. For example, using the principle from Luke 7:47, an apparent question about forgiveness could be, "Why is it important to understand that Jesus forgives our sins regardless of their extent or quantity?"
Also, maintain a common thread through all the questions. For instance, the concept of forgiveness is in use throughout the entire message.
Adhere to the "ten-second" rule. If it takes longer than ten seconds to formulate a question, move on to the next question prompt. Focus on generating just a few follow-up questions, as the majority of time will be spent expanding on the question with answers and illustrations.
Try to avoid yes-or-no questions as they conclude the line of thought. If necessary, provide an explanation.
Use question starters like what, why, how, when, where, and who for effective follow-up questions. Each serves a purpose:
- What seeks clarification, but also leads to further follow up questions.
- Why reveals motivations, important in a reason-based culture like ours in the West.
- How gives examples or strategies.
- When and where provide context for timing and location.
- Who highlights individuals involved.
By using these starters, facilitators can guide discussions for deeper exploration of the text's implications.
STEP 3: ANSWER FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
This form the heart of the message. Insightful answers to compelling questions captures interest, deepens understanding and ignites commitment. The Holy Spirit employs them to convict, convert, comfort, and propel individuals forward in their spiritual journey.
When answering follow-up questions, it's important to initially extract answers directly from the specific passage being studied. This can include information found within the text itself, in preceding or subsequent passages, or through a broader exploration of Scripture. For instance, in response to the follow-up question "Why is it important to know Jesus forgives our sins regardless of the extent or quantity?" prompted by Luke 7:47, answers may include:
- Because it liberates those enslaved by their sins (Luke 7:38).
- Because it means that Jesus forgives even the most shameful sins (Luke 7:39).
- Because once we are forgiven, we experience genuine peace (Luke 7:50).
To enhance answers, it's beneficial to illustrate with examples from various sources, such as personal experiences, everyday situations, and instances from the Bible. Pastors should strive to provide diverse examples and avoid over-reliance on anecdotes from their own families.
Maintaining a conversational tone in the sermon fosters a dialogue with the audience. Depending on the size and dynamics of the audience, pastors can extract responses from them or offer insights themselves. Rhetorical questions can be used effectively, such as, "I'd like to share three reasons why it's so important we know that Jesus forgives our sins regardless of extent or quantity."
To conclude the lesson, prompt a response from participants by asking, "In light of what you've just learned, what does God want you to do?" Provide space for them to document their response, whether on paper or a personal device, and encourage them to express their responses as an "I will..." statement. At the next meeting, consider gathering reports on people's "I will..." statements from the previous session, utilizing various mediums based on the group size.
SAMPLE SERMON
OUTLINE (MARK 2:1-12)
OUTLINE (MARK 2:1-12)
What does this passage say about God and man?
Answer: People can powerfully experience Jesus Christ in homes. Mark 2:1-2
Answer: Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. Mark 2:5
Answer: Jesus placed a greater priority on forgiveness than healing. Mark 2:5
I will...
Based on what you experienced, how does God want you to respond this week? What should you do and/or who should you tell? Encourage the listeners to write down their personal act of obedience in response to the message.
Answer: People can powerfully experience Jesus Christ in homes. Mark 2:1-2
- Follow Up Question: Why is home-based ministry so important?
- Follow Up Answers: List three reasons why home based ministry is so vital.
- Illustration: Talk about your personal experience with home based ministry.
- Follow Up Question: Why does God involve believers in the process of other's salvation?
- Follow Up Answers: List three reasons people are involved in the salvation process?
- Illustration: Describe the role other's played in your salvation.
- Follow Up Question: Why is it so important to allow Jesus to interrupt us?
- Follow Up Answers: List three reasons why it is so important to let God interrupt us?
- Illustration: Acts 16:13-15
Answer: Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. Mark 2:5
- Follow Up Question: Why is it important to allow Jesus to forgive our sins?
- Follow Up Answers: List several reasons.
- Illustration: Read Psalm 32:1-5
Answer: Jesus placed a greater priority on forgiveness than healing. Mark 2:5
- Follow Up Question: Why would Jesus place a greater priority on forgiveness than healing?
- Follow Up Answers: List three reasons why this might be so.
- Illustration: Share a time when you saw God forgive without healing.
- Follow Up Question: How does Jesus prove his identity today?
- Follow Up Answer: State three ways Jesus proves his identity to people today?
- Illustration: Tell how Jesus proved his identity to you.
- Follow Up Question: Why is it so important to be amazed by Jesus on a regular basis?
- Follow Up Answers: Give three why it's imperative to be amazed by Jesus regularly.
- Illustration: Do a word search on the term "amazed" in connection with Jesus on Bible Gateway and share a couple of relevant Scriptures.
I will...
Based on what you experienced, how does God want you to respond this week? What should you do and/or who should you tell? Encourage the listeners to write down their personal act of obedience in response to the message.