For a person to learn he/she must be actively engaged in the learning process. Attendance, sitting in a chair listening to an orator is not learning. In my first book, Teaching That Bears Fruit, chapter five is titled Curriculum and Application Driven Teaching. The curriculum we use in small group Bible study, plays a role in the learning process. The way we deliver the content plays an even stronger role in the learning process of each individual in attendance.
Many Christian educators at all levels teach history, information, and facts. These are all good and needed. However, when we stop there and many do, I contend we are building trivia buffs, not disciples. Facts, figures, and information do not transform lives. The Holy Spirit transforms lives through the application of the truths of scripture.
When selecting curriculum there are several questions to ask. Without question the very first is Does this curriculum lead to life changing learning or is it relating information, facts and figures? There is a myriad of curriculum out there from many varying publishers.
You can purchase curriculum that relates directly to your denomination or from a publisher who writes about biblical doctrine stopping short of crossing denomination lines. Example; An independent publisher might write using scripture to validate baptism without stating any practices or methods of baptism.
In addition to the two mentioned above, you need to consider content versus application driven curriculum. Studies show time and again that without application, life-changing learning does not occur. Not everyone leading a classroom can create his/her own application (perhaps more about that next week).
Application is being able to put into practice what is being shared from scripture in our daily lives. We like to think that will happen automatically. Yet, it does not. The brain is not wired that way, and people do not comprehend information that way. Storing information and actual application of that information materializes from two different parts of the brain.
Scripture instructs us to teach others to grow in the faith. How did Jesus teach? He not only used scripture, that was always His foundation as it should be ours. Along with the content of scripture, He demonstrated daily, and instructed others in application of the truths of scriptures. “Go, and sin no more.” “Get up. Take up your bed and walk.” Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic …”
Jesus’ teaching that we have recorded in scripture is 70% application and 30% content. Teaching application was that important to our Savior. Ask yourself, Am I (Is my Bible study group) more content or application driven? What will you ask God to do in your life this week to make you a more application driven teacher in areas of life you have influence with others? Application engages the listener in the learning process and works to transform lives.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.