Got Discussion?

Save the replies about the cheesy nature of the title because I agree with you, but I am using it anyway. I have received many questions recently about providing a few helpful tips to benefit leaders switching from lecture to a discussion oriented lesson time. While this list will in no way be exhaustive, I will share a few insights that have proven to be helpful to me in my own teaching times. I hope these will help you as you communicate to your class, and make your LifeMatters experience even better.

1. It is not about you! I hear way too often from teachers that they personally do not like something. It’s not necessarily that what they’re commenting is wrong, but they simply would rather have it done another way. Leading a class or group means doing what is best for them, even it’s not your favorite way of doing things. This is a tough one for us to remember all the time. Our goal as leaders is to communicate God’s truth in such a way that those we are leading will understand it best. I personally look at children’s material and do not like the way somethings are presented or the way the writing is done on the pages, but guess what, the children do! Keep this in mind as you work through LifeMatters. Even though you would prefer to talk more during the “lesson time,” allow the class time to process things. Sometimes it may even mean you needing to get out of the way. One of the best pieces of advice I have seen related to this point is to be the guide on the side rather than the center stage attraction. The lesson time is not about appearing really smart or cool, instead it is a time to lead a group into discovery of what God has prepared for that time.

2. Prepare. This one sounds simple and obvious but it is the most overlooked piece many times. We have designed LifeMatters to be teacher friendly, but to get the most out of any lesson, preparation is still essential. Spend time simply reading God’s Word and allowing Him to speak to you. Do not lean on the crutches of commentaries or curriculum for everything. Once you have studied personally, read from other sources for further understanding and other viewpoints. A few websites I think are really helpful are:

   • www.biblegateway.com
   • www.crosswalk.com
   • www.spurgeon.org

   These sights can definitely add to the thoughts from your personal study. Once you have studied the passage, work through the teaching plan making notes of particular thoughts you have had during the week and ways to communicate to your class what God has laid on your heart. There may be additional questions or thoughts you want to add to the teaching plan we created that will create more impact for your group. Basically, your teaching plan should serve as a map that will guide the discussion. One thought that has always stuck with me is, “You can’t lead them past where God has taken you.” Personal study is so important if you are effectively going to lead young adults in discovering God’s truths in any lesson.

3. Be the model. I can’t tell you the number of times I have seen a teacher begin a class with some negative thought about the lesson. “Well, we are going to look at the book of Acts again this week.” “I am not sure why we are going over the layout of the Tabernacle, but…” or my personal favorite , “I am not sure what this passage from the Old Testament has to teach us today but we will look at it anyway.” You need to bring a sense of joy and excitement to the discussion. If you are not fired up about what God has taught you during the week, then why will your group care either? Also, be honest and transparent. If there is one thing young adults hate more than lecturing it is being fake or trite. Honesty goes a long way. The questions you will be asking will require openness and honesty from them, so you must exhibit the same qualities. It is okay for you not to be perfect and admit struggles and difficulties God is leading you through. We are all dealing with stuff, so be open with your class and encourage them to do the same.

4. Be the Leader. Many times discussion will be dominated by a select few that think their thoughts are simply better than the others in the class—yours included. God has placed you in the position of leadership for a reason, so be a responsible guide. Know when to turn the conversation back and when to allow fruitful discussion to continue. Ask questions like, “What is another thought or perspective on this point?” “How about someone who has not spoken yet?” Encourage everyone to participate in the discussion. You may even have to ask the dominant people in the class to back off a little. This can tactfully be done outside of class. Simply thank them for their contributions and encourage them to allow others to contribute.
5. I put this one last for today because I hope you have noticed it missing. You can follow everything mentioned so far perfectly and have absolutely miserable discussions. I hope you noticed I have yet to mention the Holy Spirit. Without His guidance there is very little lasting impact you can make. Keep your class as a whole and as individuals prayed up. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s working in your class. I have seen amazing things snuffed out as someone opens up but a teacher bent on finishing the lesson simply moves on. There will be times, amazing times, when the Holy Spirit moves during your class time. That is ok, trust me! Finishing the lesson should never ever ever be the goal. The goal must always be encountering God’s truth and its effect on my life. Lead your class into that and people will never be the same.

Well, I think that is enough for now. I could go on all day on each of these ideas as well as many more, but I will exercise restraint. This should be a good starting point. Let me know what you think and any other ways I can minister to you and your class.