How to Teach a Better Bible Class: Introduction by Josh Hardin

Many people are afraid to teach a Sunday School Bible class. Some people are uncomfortable standing in front of a group. Others think their Bible knowledge is limited. Still others would like to teach, but believe they do not have the ability. It is right to have a respect for teaching the Bible, as James 3:1 indicates: “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” That doesn’t mean, however, that every Christian should avoid teaching. It means that a person who decides to teach a Bible class should understand the responsibility to study and present a truthful and meaningful lesson. A Christian who is afraid or nervous about teaching a class should not feel overwhelmed, but should instead work to become a good teacher. And a teacher with years of experience should continue to work to do their best.

Congregations need mature Christians who are willing to teach and who will also do a good job. Bible students need teachers who can teach them the truth and show them how to study the Bible on their own. Many capable Christians shy away from teaching because they feel they are not very good at it, while others teach but often feel they have not done an adequate job. It is true that teaching can be difficult, but it is possible to go from being a poor teacher to a good one or from a good teacher to a great one. Nervous teachers can learn to be comfortable in a classroom. Teachers who seem to get little response from students can learn how to lead interesting discussion classes. Great teachers are not born, they are made, but it takes time and effort. Unfortunately, there are not that many opportunities for Bible teachers to learn how to teach.

That is the purpose of the Bible Teachers Workshop at Lambert Book House. Teachers need training, not just for the benefit of the students, but for their own benefit as well. Trained teachers are more comfortable in the classroom and can be confident that they meet the responsibility God places on them to teach people how to live and think as Christians.

Over the next eight weeks, the Bible Teacher’s Workshop will publish articles that will help teachers of any experience level gain an understanding of what is expected in a Bible class and give some simple guidelines on how to teach a better lesson. These ideas are practical reminders that help a Bible teacher improve their skills in the classroom. The lessons will not turn someone into a perfect teacher overnight, but they will help any teacher present a thoughtful and interesting lesson on God’s Word. When put into use over time, these articles can help turn a willing Christian into a good Bible teacher.