TEACH
WE NOW APPROACH WHAT MAY BE THE MOST INTIMIDATING MOMENT IN OUR JOURNEY OF DISCIPLESHIP, TEACHING. HERE’S WHAT WE WANT YOU TO KNOW. ARE YOU READY? YOU DON’T HAVE TO KNOW EVERYTHING!
Phew. Take a deep breath. One of the most compelling answers you can give someone as you teach this Bible study is simply “I don’t know, let’s study that together this week.” We must understand, as much as you are taking your student on a journey through this Bible study, you are also on a journey. A journey of mastering the craft of teaching people how to read, understand and apply the scripture. This is a lifelong journey. So, say a prayer, take a deep breath, and let’s begin.
While we will certainly fail to have compelling answers for every potential question, we should have a desire to teach our student to the best of our abilities. For that reason, preparation is an extremely significant step to take as you begin to teach. We recommend, taking 1-2 hours to study each lesson prior to teaching. Take time to fully understand what you are about to share. Read through it once, read through it twice, read through it three times. Pray about it. Let this lesson get into your spirit. Preparation is one of the greatest ways to overcome fear, intimidation and nervousness.
Here’s a tip! While preparing, consider asking and answering some of the following questions.
Lastly, as you teach, we encourage you to take your time. Many times, new teachers allow nerves and intimidation to force them to read, teach and move too quickly through the study. We encourage you to resist this tendency. Slow down. Speak clearly and with conviction. We are presenting a life transforming message. The last thing we should do, is move so quickly that our student doesn’t have an opportunity to digest and respond to the message.
While we will certainly fail to have compelling answers for every potential question, we should have a desire to teach our student to the best of our abilities. For that reason, preparation is an extremely significant step to take as you begin to teach. We recommend, taking 1-2 hours to study each lesson prior to teaching. Take time to fully understand what you are about to share. Read through it once, read through it twice, read through it three times. Pray about it. Let this lesson get into your spirit. Preparation is one of the greatest ways to overcome fear, intimidation and nervousness.
Here’s a tip! While preparing, consider asking and answering some of the following questions.
- What are some potential questions they may ask about this lesson?
- Do I have any experiences or insight about this topic that may add value to the lesson? (Personal stories, illustrations, etc.)
- What do I do if they ask me what their next steps are in response to this lesson? (i.e. Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost infilling, etc.)
Lastly, as you teach, we encourage you to take your time. Many times, new teachers allow nerves and intimidation to force them to read, teach and move too quickly through the study. We encourage you to resist this tendency. Slow down. Speak clearly and with conviction. We are presenting a life transforming message. The last thing we should do, is move so quickly that our student doesn’t have an opportunity to digest and respond to the message.
REMEMBER.
- You don’t have to know everything
- Take time to prepare.
- Take your time.