Quality Bible classes are not accidental. They are the product of good efforts by both teachers and students. Each teacher and every student has the opportunity to either contribute toward or detract from quality Bible classes that enhance the learning process and motivate students to be participants therein.
I encourage fellow teachers to ponder the spiritual needs of the student body most likely to be before them and to select studies that will address those needs in a profitable manner. I encourage teachers to spend adequate time in study so that one can lead a quality and in-depth study. Such a study will be logically arranged and will be amply supported by biblical references that are directly related to the study. If the teacher is offering an opinion or does not know something, such should be freely acknowledged, giving the student body an opportunity to appropriately weigh the commentary being given.
The conduct of the teacher in class may be very important. I encourage teachers to present material logically and clearly as well as to demonstrate that open discussion, rather than argument, is not only acceptable but is valued and encouraged. Teachers should not underestimate the lack of knowledge associated with the student body before them. Therefore, care should be taken to maintain logical arrangement and to support affirmations with related biblical passages. In addressing the class, one should remember to serve the needs of the entire class rather than only a portion thereof. The methodology and mannerisms should induce many in the class to feel free to participate if they desire. Also of import are the expectations that a teacher holds when addressing a class. For one to assume that everyone will always agree concerning all matters demonstrates a measure naivety. Respect for the students and their respective views enhances the learning process, even though a teacher may clearly disagree with commentary offered in class. Yes, a teacher must conduct himself or herself in a manner that encourages discussion, review, research and the discovery of truth. May it be that a teacher motivates class members to be more diligent in their study of the Word of God.
I encourage fellow students to prepare in advance through study when possible for class. Such cannot be adequately done if the student body is not advised in advance about the course of study. As a means of enhancing the learning process, students should maintain proper attitudes and conduct.
With respect to attitudes, students should go to class prepared to be challenged to grow spiritually. Such requires that one not assume that he or she cannot be honestly mistaken about some passage or subject matter, but rather each student needs to be open minded to the degree that will allow him or her to grow spiritually without accepting error. Maintaining such a balance may be more difficult than one anticipates. We may fall off balance in this regard and not even know it. An open-minded student is actually weighing in his or her mind what is being taught, examining it from a neutral perspective and drawing conclusions that are demanded by the biblical evidences presented. In contrast, students who approach a biblical topic with a prejudiced mind limit their own potential of spiritual growth.
With respect to conduct, I encourage students to demonstrate that open discussion, rather than argument, is their goal. Students should freely join a discussion of issues that interests them and do so in a manner that encourages rather than taints the learning process. On occasion, students will and should voice disagreement with what is being taught. Such should be done honorably, though. We do well to remember that a discussion should never be allowed to degrade into a personal confrontation. Such neither serves the one holding to truth nor the one who may be honestly mistaken. As always, may we as students give a “thus saith the Lord” for what we affirm. Affirmation without biblical support is of lesser value.
Quality Bible classes occur when quality teachers, employing qualitative methodologies, interact with quality students employing quality listening skills. I pray that all of our Bible classes rise to such a high plane.
