Following the two previous posts, receiving inquiries about application delivery through Bible study, the following are some thoughts and ideas I shared with some added content.
Where I have learned the greatest is from Jesus Himself. Jesus asked questions. I am a student of the question. However, you must learn to ask the right questions, and the delivery of each question is critical. As you learn to ask the “right” questions, strive to give application-driven questions more emphasis in your teaching.
1, Ask questions pertaining to the truth of God’s word you are studying. Ex: “What are actions we can take individually this week to demonstrate this topic?
If you are studying on being a servant of Christ, Ask the above question or say, Let’s list five actions we could take-on this week to demonstrate Christlike servanthood. (You’re not asking them to take on 5 but stirring their thought processes of ways to serve.)
You could also ask people to commit to one another in the room that each will be a servant to someone this week, out of their normal sphere. Give a suggestion as, “It might even be holding the door for someone with a smile and warm greeting.” Then call for other ideas. You have just sparked their higher order thinking in how to be a servant.
2, Issuing a challenge during each session is also a tool for addressing application. Whenever I preach or teach there is always a challenge issued. Sometimes it is very specific, and other times it may be more subtle.
Whatever you do in line with these first two, always call for testimonies the following week as you begin the session. Not everyone will share, but those who will , will be planting seeds of thought for everyone.
3, Consider how the class can practice application together. Plan ministry endeavors, to do as a class. (Serve together at a local ministry to homeless, indigent, infirmed, or community needs.) Share with the class the belief that the class needs to serve together putting into practice the truths of scripture studied on Sunday mornings. Share your ideas, then call for ideas from others in what you could do as a class.
4, The illustrations and stories you use in class can also be prompts for ideas for application for individuals and the class as a whole. Share a story as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. One person, One idea, over 300 million books have been gifted worldwide with remarkable results in children’s preparedness and learning. Then share something, “We may not reach 300 million but what could our class do to reach into our community for Christ? Share stories of inspiration, then ask a similar question.
5, Familiarize yourself with the S.O.A.P. method of Bible study. (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer.) Google it to learn more.
This is not all inclusive, but it will kickstart your application-driven delivery growing disciples. How do you currently use application processes?
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.