HOW TO STUDY AND TEACH A LESSON

Dr. Mary Banks Monday, 12/12/2016

Back in the year 2004, I taught a teacher’s training session that was designed to teach pastors and teachers how to structure a message. That information is as vital today as it was back then. Therefore, we are going to go through the structure using the present truth. Hopefully this will further enlighten you and remove some of your fears about ministering. The good thing about how we are about to study, is that this structure will work every time you endeavor to teach. There are eight (8) main divisions of our structural outline:

I. THE OBJECTIVE: Here is where you state the subject and purpose of the lesson.

• The topic: What is it that you want to teach.
• Make sure that you only choose one subject or topic.
• More than one can become confusing to you and others.
• This one topic plan also keeps you and the hearers focused on The truth at hand, without trying to wade through so many topics of discussion.

ii. The primary theme: The theme should be woven into every aspect and verse of the lesson. In other words, every discussion point should always point the hearer back to the topic. This is a skill you must learn in delivery. I will demonstrate it in the Upcoming lesson. But a good place to start; is to identify a place to weave the theme into each discussion of a verse; and putting that notation in your notes.

• A word about “Notes:” Notes should be short and precise sidebars that you can look at and in a glance be reminded of your next point, scripture or demonstration.
• Demonstrations: There are some of us that are very good at doing live demonstrations. These demos give the audience a visual of the message. However, not everyone is skillful in this; as it requires the ability to interweave the theme into the demonstration If you are not skillful at doing live demonstrations, then stick with verbal illustrations and practice on your own until you become proficient.
• Purpose:
• Your goal: what are you trying to accomplish with the lesson?
• It is very important that you ask and answer this question within yourself before you start to outline your lesson.
• You must be sure of what you are trying to accomplish in the lives of the people. What is it you want them to learn, or do, or know.
• Define your goal in your own heart and mind and then remain true to it during your study and delivery.

ii. The Effect: what effectual working are you trying to render in the hearers?

• The effect of the word on the hearers might be multi-faceted. However, there are some things every God sent teacher must desire to see manifested in the people.
• Belief, understanding and spiritual growth.

Summary: The purpose of the objective is to focus the mind of the ‘hearers’ on the lesson.It should motivate them to listen attentively.

• The objective can be included in the introduction to your lesson.
• Write out the principle or principles that will be taught in the lesson.
• Remember, it is more effective to stick to one spiritual principle as trying to teach too many will confuse the ‘hearer’.

II. BASE SCRIPTURE:

• Establishes the boundaries of the lesson. The base scripture keeps you focused on the purpose of the lesson. The foundational scripture upon which you will build all the components of your lesson. It can be a fundamental principle or underlying concept. A principle such as “God exalts the humble,” or “The proud shall be abased.” You may want to use your base scripture to discuss a concept. A concept would be something like “Faith,” or “Grace.”

III. CONTENT: An Explanation or discussion of the base scripture, and any supporting scriptures. Do not forget the principles we learned in the previous lesson.

• You must learn to take bits and pieces of the base scripture and prove them before you can formulate a comprehensive exposition.
• You must first decide what it is you want to prove or what direction you want the study to take.

IV. DEFINITIONS: to make clear or distinct.

• To define the of a meaning of a word, phrase or expression.
• To give meanings of words or terms used in the lesson that may need clarification.

V. OPERATIONS: how a thing is manifested in the lives of the sons.

• Give examples of how the word you are ministering is manifested in circumstances, situations and relationships whether direct (personal) or indirect (observed).

VI. OPPOSITIONS: To oppose, or to be in conflict, with the truth; either by attitude or obstruction.

1. Show hindrances to walking in the principles that are taught in the lesson.

2. Show the consequences of not coming into agreement with the Word.

VII. DELIVERANCE: to set free, to liberate. Explain in detail how to apply the Word to your life.

VIII. SUMMATION: a concluding statement containing a summary of main points

1. Review the lesson briefly (Site the main points)

2. Rehearse the principles

3. Do not attempt to reteach the lesson. The summary should be short and to the point. In studying precept upon precept, you will stay within the boundaries of the principle, doctrine or subject matter. However, God has the right to intrude during our studying or teaching. In other words, you may be studying one subject and God may interrupt and direct you to another subject; that’s His sovereignty. We cannot exclude Him during our studying or teaching. We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit during our study times. Those who are legalistic about their study methods or times, will miss the voice of God. It is alright to be disciplined; however, don’t discipline yourself against the Holy Ghost. Be blessed; and I will see in the Word.

Mary Banks Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ