3 ways to avoid relativism in group bible discussions
In a Bible study group where the leader employs discussion, “relativism” occurs when participants look inward for answers, rather than observing and interpreting the Bible text for that day. It’s a focus on “what you think the verse means,” rather than on what the...
2 essential skills for Bible discussion leaders
During 45 years of teaching and leading group Bible studies, I’ve discovered the value of these skills to facilitate effective interaction: 1. Qualifying My Questions A good discussion leader keeps the focus on God’s Word rather than human opinion. When you...
Rescuing “rabbits” – 2 ways to deal with tangents in a Bible study group
“Chasing rabbits” is an analogy describing the activity of participants who steer a discussion off course. They chase down a thread of discussion like it is a nose-twitching, rascally varmint that doesn’t run in a straight line. They zig and zag, bolt right, then...
5 Ways to handle difficult or controversial subject matter
Essential Strategies for Bible Study Leaders When it comes to certain doctrines or controversial verses, Christians don’t always see eye to eye. Employ these strategies for keeping disputes from demolishing your Bible discussions. 1. Anticipate participants’...
5 TIPS FOR MANAGING MONOPOLIZERS
Essential Strategies for Bible Study Leaders Every now and then you encounter a group member who’s harder to turn off than Niagara Falls. Though most monopolizers are motivated learners...
4 Reasons to “Preach to yourself”
What a privilege I’ve had to hear, in person, renown preachers: W. A. Criswell, John Stott, Stephen Olford, Stuart Briscoe, John MacArthur, Jr., Charles Swindoll, Erwin Lutzer, John Piper, Bruce Wilkerson, and George Murray, to name a few. But the value of their...
3 lessons on Worship
A worship chapel at Columbia International University stoked the embers in my heart’s fireplace. All music and responsive readings were framed around the Apostle’s Creed. As we sang “How Great Thou Art,” a faculty colleague who sat on the front row near an inside...
3 Books that Enhanced My Ministry
All leaders are in debt to authors whose books provide practical ministry help. Here are three authors whom I can’t begin to repay. 1. Larry Richards, Creative Bible Teaching. (Revised, Updated version with Gary Bredfeldt, 1998) As a Christian educator,...
3 BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
A good book informs me. A great book forms me. Here are three books that have shaped my thinking and daily walk with Christ. 1. Knowing God, by James I. Packer His treatment of the attributes of God provides a bedrock foundation for all theological study. ...
WHat is the key to CONFIDENce WHEN I TEACH OR PREACH?
Sometimes I compare myself unfavorably with other speakers. Their oratorical polish dwarfs mine. Their magnetic personality appeals to people more than my melancholy temperament. Or their formal theological training exceeds mine. On other occasions, before I...
3 Questions To Answer Concerning How To Leave a Church Staff Position
These questions percolated within me when I decided to resign a full-time associate staff position: · Who should be the first to know that I’m resigning? An associate should inform the senior pastor or immediate supervisor before spreading the word among...
8 Questions To Ask When You’re Tempted To Change Ministries
“Feuding Cripples Church” That headline was plastered on page 1 of the city newspaper. By a 17-6 margin, the deacons and trustees had voted the pastor out. But the pastor refused to budge. The board changed the locks to keep the pastor out. The pastor countered...
