Tuesday Teaching Tips 207

Part of the series: “They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (Psalm 145:11)

“They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (Psalm 145:11)

Basic preaching and teaching course for men and women

In this course we will cover some of the basics of the preparation and presentation of biblical lessons.

The aim is to provide helpful examples and teaching for both the older and younger Christian.

Extra class: An introduction to the privilege of speaking God’s word

  1. How to choose what to speak on.
  2. How to explore the passage for yourself.
  3. How to use other resources like commentaries.
  4. How to select your point.
  5. How to choose a structure for your lesson.
  6. How to start your lesson.
  7. How to end your lesson.
  8. How to make your lesson memorable.
  9. How to make the most of congregational involvement.
  10. How to prepare yourself to speak.

Extra class: A summary of the course and suggestions for ongoing learning.

Class 4: How to select your point.

Introduction
You have chosen your text
You have explored it
You have mined other resources
Now you need to find the point
Sometimes this comes after the next class – finding structure. No need to be enslaved to one process.

  1. The importance of one point
    Sub points are allowed
    If you don’t know your point your audience certainly will not!
    One phrase, sentence.
  2. The point for this lesson
    May not be the only possible point
    But the one for this time, place, congregation
    Will most likely be the title of the lesson
  3. Three perspectives
    Why did it happen?
    Why did the author (and God ) want it recorded for all time?
    What is its relevance for your audience at this time?
  4. Pictures
    Drawing can help
    Mindmaps also
  5. Persuasive or Practical?
    Ask yourself if your point is persuasive or practical – at least primarily
    Does this do justice to the passage?

Conclusion
Question: What helps you to fid the point of your lesson?
Next time: How to select your point

“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4 NIV11)

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John