Bible Study Method

[RafeAndersen]

So I will be preparing bible studies on Colossians for a weekly group meeting.

 

I love the scripture but rarely have I ever gotten to teach it. Does anyone have a word of advice, tips, or a list of do's and don'ts on how to prepare lessons?

 

Thanks.

[Alistair]

Don't leave it to the last minute!

[Lorinda H. M. Hoover]

Rafe,

 

It depends a lot on the format/expectations of your Bible study. Is the expectation that the teacher mostly lecture and the students listen? Is your job to ask open ended questions for the students to respond to? Is the focus on what the text meant then, or on practical applications for now?

 

One thing I would probably try to to regardless of those answers is look for terms, phrases, etc. that folks may not understand. (place names, cultural references, etc.) Then look those up in reputable sources so I could explain them. Preparing the ground by talking about what we know about the church in Colossae and their relationship with Paul would also be something I would be likely to do.

 

Lorinda

[ukfraser]

Read it and references several times and see what is jumping out at you. What you find interesting, your enthusiasm will pass to others.

Prepare what you want to cover.

 

I tend to just use single words to prompt me, and put in a sequence that makes sense to me. I don't use sentences in my notes as it takes to long to read to find out what I want to cover next.

 

I also tend to copy and paste any other relevant scriptures in my notes so there is no time finding them, but only use them if it's appropriate.

 

Not sure if you've thought about the meeting as well, but thinking about delivery will help in your preparation, so

 

Be prepared for something new to jump out at you you hadn't noticed before.

 

I am assuming its a group you normally worship with, so think about how others lead and what do you find helpful from other leaders, and see how you can make that yours.

 

Think what other leaders do that you don't find helpful, and make sure you don't fall into the same trap.

 

I wouldn't spend a lot of time searching your tools during the discussion if you are using an iOS device,

have plenty of questions ready but don't be afraid of silence while people read and study the text.

Don't think you have to answer everything. "I don't know" is ok, but you can always add, "what do others think?"

What jumped out at you, followed by why is also a good way in to see where people are and which of you preparation to use, or what to go to that others hadn't noticed.

 

It So depends on the group, as lorinda said.

 

;o)