Yes, it sounds like a song title from the 70’s. It fact it is a song title from the 70’s. As Christian educators and church leaders I believe it is also part of our purpose. Actually it could be considered our mandate as believers and followers of Christ. After all this is exactly what Jesus did, is it not?
Jesus never had a particular classroom or pulpit. His classroom was the streets, the marketplace, hillsides, and around the dinner table. Jesus’ classroom was wherever people were gathered. Wherever Jesus found Himself, if He was around people, He recognized the opportunity for a learning experience. I call it a learning experience because Jesus was never focused on teaching or the teacher. Every instance we read about Jesus and teaching, learning is taking place. Jesus was always focused on “What are you going to see and hear while in my presence that will make a difference in your life when you walk away? With Jesus it was never about teaching, but always about learning.
As Christian educators we are to assist our listeners in becoming not only learners, but life changing learners. When people sit under our teaching what is the learning experience taking place? Is it facts and knowledge? Is it good biblical history? Or is it something with substance that our listeners will be able to put into practice to draw him/her closer to God and fulfilling God’s purpose for his/her life?
Jesus took twelve men – make that eleven, spent three years with them and then appeared to one other (Paul), and turned the world upside-down. Not only the world in their day, but for the last 440 generations, more than 2000 years.
How are you helping your listeners in “Taking it to the Streets”? Let’s get a glimpse of what Jesus did:
1. Jesus often used illustrations. Parables, stories, and illustrations paint a mental picture in the mind and this mental picture helps solidify a learning experience for your listeners. Using proper illustrations will efficiently convey the truth and encourage the needed motivation for putting into applying the practices of Jesus.
2. Jesus demonstrated for His listeners. We are not told that Jesus ever said, “Now watch Guys, this is how you do it. Watch my hand movement and say exactly what I say.” Jesus simply lived a Godly life in front of everyone who came around Him. What do your listeners see you demonstrate that would entice them to become more like Christ and live out this lifestyle?
3. Jesus gave His Disciples opportunities to practice. He sent them out two by two to practice what they had been taught and witnessed while being with Jesus. He also gave them opportunities to practice as they walked with Him. Remember the questions asked of Jesus, and the questions He asked His disciples before feeding the 5,000? (John 6:1-9) Scripture gives us several instances of Peter’s practice experiences while walking with Jesus such as; walking on the water and the night of Jesus’ arrest. These are all examples of opportunities to practice what the disciples had experienced in the presence of Jesus.
There is no better approach to teaching than to follow the example of the Master Teacher Himself. Jesus’ life and ministry was “Taking it to the Streets” and His approach to teaching was to equip his followers to do the same. Now it is your turn and it is mine. This is Teaching That Bears Fruit.