As I continue thinking about my dissertation work, one conviction is gaining some clarity: To be effective for the Kingdom, a pastor needs to function as a teacher.
This doesn't need to be complicated. The basics of good teaching practice are pretty straightforward. I'm talking about things like:
- Probing for prior knowledge
- Rooting out false assumptions
- Repeating main points
- Fostering curiosity and interest
- Drawing out an inward motivation for self-directed study
- Checking comprehension in meaningful ways
- Et cetera
I have started to look for resources which address these matters within the local church, but I'm not seeing much so far.
If you google "teaching and Christian faith", you will not get results outlining ways principles of good teaching practice can be applied to the teaching the Bible.
Instead, you get core doctrines that must be taught in order to consider the teaching to be "Christian".
I looked for books on teaching and the church and ordered one off Amazon that looked promising: Everyday Christian Teaching by David Smith.
But the subtitle reveals its focus: A Guide to Practicing Faith in the Classroom.
So ... this book is for the Christian classroom, not the sanctuary.
And it's as dry as dust to boot.
(Written by a Calvinist! 😉)
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