Basic Rules on Teaching a Bible Study

Basic Rules on Teaching a Bible Study

(Excerpt from the Truth On Trial Teacher's Guide)

Congratulations on teaching a Bible Study!! Bibles studies still work, and if taught properly and consistently, can help establish a foundation of faith for the student that will last a lifetime. This may be the first time that your student has had a Bible study so it is vitally important that we, as teachers connect with them, and proceed with caution. I have included a short list of basic teaching rules that will assist you throughout this study.

1. Never go empty handed. Find out what kind of food the student likes, and take it with you. Pizza and sodas are inexpensive, do not require a lot of space, and reduce the distraction of setting up and later cleanup.

2. Reduce distractions as much as possible. Try to never teach a Bible study with small children present if possible. Have the older children sit in on the study, and allow them to engage. Keep coloring books and crayons on hand to keep the children busy while you teach. If interruptions happen (and they will), gently guide the student back on task by having them read a scripture from the study to refocus them.
Note 1** Teaching this study in your own home is the best possible scenario because you can better control the teaching environment.
Note 2** Try not to teach new students at your church. The student may feel pressured to "convert",  or may still be dealing with feelings of confusion about their own church or religion.

3. Smile.  Love is the greatest tool that we have in our toolbox. When we smile, it conveys love to the student, that we enjoy what we are doing, we are excited for their new adventure with Jesus, and it shows that we genuinely care about them, and enjoy their company. Smiles are contagious, and if we set the atmosphere early, it may reduce tension later if questions arise.

4.. Go slow. This material is designed as a secondary study to the Water and Spirit Bible study, written by Bro. James Burris. This may be the second study that your student has had. It begins to deal with the "meatier" subject of speaking in tongues, so it is vital that we cover every scripture, and discuss as necessary in order for the student to have a clear understanding.

5. DO NOT DEBATE. You will undoubtedly teach a student that has learned in other ways, or heard other things about the material we are covering. Never debate. Smile, and advise them that you can discuss the issue at the end of the study. Debating is detrimental to a learning environment such as this, and most like will negate anything that the Holy Spirit is doing for them. Remember. Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Cor 14:40, KJV

6. Did I mention to smile?

7.  Answer all questions with scripture. Yes, we may have experiences and illustrations that may bring certain points home, but ALWAYS followup with the related scripture. Let the Word of God do it's work.

8. Schedule the next Bible study before you leave and have the student commit to a time, date, and location. Waiting to call after you have left them to schedule one makes it easy for the student to lose focus, lose interest, and schedule other events.