“If you are teaching a small group or preaching a sermon this week, you recognize that your preparation matters. You might even have a pattern of prep you have followed for a number of years. Even if you do, though, maybe one of these unique ways to prepare might help you this weekend” - Chuck Lawless
“the theological classroom is precisely the place where these conversations must occur. Avoiding them would short-circuit spiritual and intellectual formation. If we want students to grow in understanding—true understanding—we must learn how to handle difficult classroom discussions in a way that models and cultivates clarity, humility, and grace.” - Word by Word
“Harnessing the power of interaction should be one of your highest priorities when leading a Bible study. To do so, you must master four types of Bible study discussion questions.” - Word by Word
In the previous installment, I began building upon a statement by my professor of systematic theology at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Myron J. Houghton. Basing his thoughts on 2 Cor. 2:15-16, Dr. Houghton stated: “Your ministry is like a fragrance. It will attract some, and it will repel others.”
We are considering here some Biblically legitimate means of making our ministries of the utmost appeal to the greatest number of people. In the first place, we considered the need to know our audiences. We will look at the final two ideas in this, the concluding installment.
I marvel with gratitude at the wonderful opportunities that the Lord God has given me to learn from some exceptional teachers. My appreciation of this gift only grows as the years go by—and as I speak with other Christian leaders who, for one reason or another, never had such an opportunity.
One of the men who has had the greatest impact upon my theology and thinking is Dr. Myron J. Houghton, about whom I have written before. I had the awesome privilege of studying under him in five courses at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary.
“as I explained the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to the children, the more curious each child grew. Before I knew it, I was inundated with questions about the Trinity” - Word by Word
“…if you’ve ever led as much as a single Bible study, then I expect you know the temptation. I expect you have longed to make much of Jesus, but have also felt the desire to have people make much of you.” - Challies
“I was excited that the pre-teen asked this tough question. It led to a great time of discussion and engagement.” - C.Leaders
Yes, but… “this word does not necessitate skillful communication, much less require an elder to speak from the front of a room.” - Kenneth Berding
“…one of the greatest weaknesses of the West is our commitment to autonomy….We think we should be able to read the Bible and come up with its proper interpretation all by ourselves….God told us that one of His chief gifts to the church is teachers (Eph 4:11).” - DBTS Blog
