What is LifeMatters?

Now that we are three weeks into the new study, the thought hit me that some people are not quite sure what to do with LifeMatters. Alright, so it wasn’t my idea - it was because of a few emails I have received. Leaders that were expecting to receive LifeAnswers were quite surprised when this new material showed up in their box. I know change can be difficult, even if is for the better.

One of the biggest shocks has been the removal of the Lecture plan. I apologize to those of you who love to lecture, but it simply had to go. While I admit that the easiest way to teach is to lecture, it simply is not effective in communicating to young adults anymore. As my loyal readers have informed me, there is only one teaching plan now, where before there were three and sometimes four. With LifeMatters, I have tried to take the best of what multiple plans had to offer and combine them into one handy little package. There is content for you the leader to teach, and questions to help guide your class to process what is being taught. The goal is for you to take the Leader guide, study the Personal Bible study section as well as any other reference materials you use, and use the teaching plan as a guide for class.

This is not a prescription for you that you have to follow, but more a guide. You know your class better than I do, so take the material and tailor it to your class. Not all examples work across the board. I feel confident, and the feedback supports this so far, that the teaching plan should be about 80% of what you do during your community time together. The other 20% comes by making it personal and applicable in your setting. Feel free to discuss items during class without the pressure to “get through” the rest of the lesson. Allow the class time to process things, and if they ask a question you do not know the answer to, it’s okay! No one has all the answers so point them in the right direction, the Bible, and let God do the rest.

We’ve put together a few videos of me explaining what LifeMatters is. I was informed afterwards that there would be no editing so it is far from being a polished, professionally done video. I did have Aaron, the video guy and interviewer, cut it into a few different segments because I am certain I would not hold your interest for 25 minutes. So, check them out when you have a few moments. Since the screen writers are still on strike and reruns are on every night this may be a suitable option to kill some time! Part one is below - parts 2 & 3 will post over the next couple of days.

You’ll also want to check back later for my next post which will cover teaching tips and ways to improve the discussion in your class. I am hoping leaving a little teaser will bring you back!