TEACH is a resource suited for those who lead small, medium and large sized groups. A small group is seated in a circle, lead by a teacher who sits among them and facilitates discussion by asking questions. Think home Bible study. A medium sized group is seated in rows, facing the teacher, who stands and facilitates discussion by asking questions. Think youth group or Sunday school class. A large group is seated in rows facing the speaker who teaches from a standing position and teaches by asking rhetorical questions. Think sermon. PREACH is for those presenting an in-depth message to a large group. Think sermon.
Lesson Development and Presentation
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One key to effective teaching is asking good questions and providing insightful answers. This method will focus on those two elements. Read a passage of Scripture. Passages are the basic units of thought in Scripture. They usually have an italicized or bold heading. Ask and answer the primary question, "What does this passage say about God and people?" Include the entire godhead in the first part of the question (God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit). Let the passage speak for itself. Some passages are equally weighted in what they say about God and people, some not so much. Create a set of secondary questions and answers. Try several questions and pick the one you think it best. What questions, provide meaning. How questions focus on application. Why questions, establish reason. When and where questions, identify places and times. Who questions center on people. Ask for an explanation for yes or no questions. Use a word or phrase from the primary answer for each secondary question to establish continuity of thought. |
Outline TemplatePrimary question, "What does the passage say about God and man?" Primary Answer #1
Primary Answer #3
I will... |
Tailor the secondary questions and answers to the nature and size of the group. Small groups are more personal and benefit from using the pronouns you/your in the question. Medium sized groups are less personal and may benefit from using the pronouns we/us/our in the question. The terms we/us/our unite the speaker with the listener.
Illustrate a few answers by giving examples from Scripture, personal stories and everyday life. Too many illustrations will overload the listeners. Personal stories would be focused on disciple making experiences, not excessive stories about family.
Involve the audience in the answers to secondary questions. This gives them ownership. Reserve your answers in case they are not offered by the audience.
End the lesson by asking for a response. Matthew 7:24-27 Call for an act of obedience. For example, "Write out a response you believe God is asking you to make from this passage. Begin your statement with, "I will..."" Consider beginning the following meeting by asking for an update on people's "I will..." responses from the previous meeting.
Read Mark 2:1-12 and the following sample questions and answers. The first line is the answer to the primary question, "What does the passage say about God and man?" The next two lines are samples of secondary questions in both small and medium group formats. Notice the continuity in words and phrases between the primary answer and secondary questions.
What does this passage say about God and man?
Do a sample lesson together with your teacher.
Assignment.
Repeat the steps above and contact your teacher when you are ready to resume the training.
Illustrate a few answers by giving examples from Scripture, personal stories and everyday life. Too many illustrations will overload the listeners. Personal stories would be focused on disciple making experiences, not excessive stories about family.
Involve the audience in the answers to secondary questions. This gives them ownership. Reserve your answers in case they are not offered by the audience.
End the lesson by asking for a response. Matthew 7:24-27 Call for an act of obedience. For example, "Write out a response you believe God is asking you to make from this passage. Begin your statement with, "I will..."" Consider beginning the following meeting by asking for an update on people's "I will..." responses from the previous meeting.
Read Mark 2:1-12 and the following sample questions and answers. The first line is the answer to the primary question, "What does the passage say about God and man?" The next two lines are samples of secondary questions in both small and medium group formats. Notice the continuity in words and phrases between the primary answer and secondary questions.
What does this passage say about God and man?
- Homes are a key place where people experience Jesus Christ. Mark 2:1-2
What role did home-based ministry play in your spiritual journey?
Why is home-based ministry so important to our spiritual journey? - Believers are involved in bringing unbelievers to Jesus. Mark 2:3
What role did believers play in helping bring you to Jesus?
Why does God involve believers in the process of bringing people to Jesus? - Jesus placed a greater priority on forgiveness than healing. Mark 2:5
Why might Jesus place a greater priority on forgiving you/us than healing you/us? - Jesus proves his identity to people. Mark 2:10
How did/does Jesus prove his identity to you/us? - A true encounter with Jesus is amazing; it's unlike an encounter with anyone. Mark 2:12
How does Jesus amaze you?
What are some ways Jesus amazes us?
Do a sample lesson together with your teacher.
Assignment.
Repeat the steps above and contact your teacher when you are ready to resume the training.
Resources:
- Meet (Small Group Information)
- Discovery Bible Study