Jul 22, 2014 | on Small Group Ministry
I learned the hard way that preparing to teach was work. Today, when I’m preparing a new lecture for a university class, I allow myself about three hours of prep for every one hour in the classroom. And this is for content that I’ve already studied in school myself.
The prep time is not necessarily spent re-learning the material, though that naturally happens too. Rather, the prep time is spent determining what to include, how to order the key points, and what examples will illustrate best.
Solomon did something similar.
(Read more…)
Jul 10, 2014 | on Small Group Ministry
In my younger and lighter years, I ran track. Two of my races were the 440 and 880 relay. There were four legs in the 440 relay race, and each leg was 110 yards. The 880 had four varying length legs. As a sprinter, I was given the shortest leg.
To finish the race correctly without being disqualified, each runner had to hand off the baton smoothly and efficiently in the zone provided. If we were not trained and effective in the art of handing off the baton, we cost our team precious seconds, and often the race.
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Jun 21, 2014 | on Small Group Ministry
Hardly anyone reads a roadmap anymore. With GPS on our phones and in our cars, we go unfamiliar places by following the arrow or the voice that tells us where to make the next turn. But there’s something to be said for having an overview of the whole trip mapped out in advance.
Likewise teaching. The benefits of having good lesson plans when preparing a Bible study are many. Just as a roadmap gives you a clear image of how to arrive at your destination, the lesson plan gives the Bible study leader a clear path to get from the beginning to the end of the lesson. (Read more…)
Jun 17, 2014 | on Small Group Ministry
You may think that using a syllabus with a small group Bible study is overly rigid and will inhibit a friendly atmosphere where class members feel free to discuss topics that are on their hearts. But bear with me. The syllabus can be called something more inviting: “Class Schedule” or “Introductory Information” or even something like “Reference Materials” if the word “syllabus” stirs unpleasant school memories.
And just as a syllabus serves a purpose in school, you and your small group may find it to be a very helpful resource throughout your class. (Read more…)
