In many churches, adult classes are bent toward lecture style; however, it is possible to turn a lecture-style class into a group discussion with little effort. Teachers find that by engaging with students, it creates a more rewarding environment for both students and teachers alike. Students feel they’ve been heard, and the teacher gets immediate feedback—it’s a win-win situation all around. In this post, you’ll learn three reasons why engaging with students in your class is necessary.
1. Students Glean More from the Lesson through Teacher Engagement
Participants glean more from a lesson when discussing its contents. Even the simplest
of research efforts turns up statistics about how participants learn exponentially more when they move beyond passive listening to active participation. Intuitively we know this fact. If I’m sitting in a forty-five-minute lecture, how likely is it that my mind will wander? If I’m in a conversation with six friends, that same scenario changes drastically.
Consider how you can draw students into an interactive class environment. If this approach will be a change from what you’ve done in the past, simply give participants a five-minute warning before asking for their input. It’s as easy as saying, “In five minutes I’m going to ask the following question”—then ask the question. Circle back after the participants have been given time to consider. Be ready to hear deep insight as participants share what God is speaking to them.
We need to build connections with our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. Click To Tweet2. Students Enjoy Engaging with the Teacher and Feel Valued
People liked to be liked. It’s simple; it’s human nature. When participants in your class feel you value their opinion and feel you care about them, it creates a bond of rapport. Why is that important? Because you want those in your class to want to come back so you can minister to them. That may not happen if they feel they’re simply guinea pigs for you to test out your latest
If we don’t create an atmosphere to acknowledge and discuss questions, we’ll stunt the natural spiritual growth process of those in our care.
sermon idea with no option for two-way dialogue. But when you ask them to contribute to a conversation where as a group you study God’s Word? You’ve just acknowledged that they have a valuable voice. Just watch the way they respond.
Adults who have been conditioned not to interact in church classes for many years may be hesitant about joining the discussion at first. However, given a nudge—an invitation—they will find they benefit and even enjoy the discussion. As they share their thoughts, and the instructor responds favorably, they feel valued, and an atmosphere of mutual respect and care builds in the group.
3. Students Enjoy Engaging with Their Peers
Participants enjoy interacting with others in the class and learning from one another. That level of interaction is important because all of us need the church. We need to build connections with our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. In a time where social media and our busy lives seem to further isolate us, what a beautiful thought to think of the church as a place where we come together. Since services in the church are programmed for the platform to speak and the congregants to listen, classes become one of the only places to facilitate deeper discussion that leads to long-term bonding and friendships. Craft a sacred space where these connections can happen, and watch as the participants come out of their shell while interacting with others.
Be assured: your students have questions. All of us do. Healthy, growing followers of Jesus Christ committed to studying and following His Word should have thoughts and questions about Scripture. If we don’t create an atmosphere to acknowledge and discuss those questions, we’ll stunt the natural spiritual growth process of those in our care.
Why not pause to hear what God is speaking to the church through your students?
However, as we embrace a time to discuss God’s Word, students will grow spiritually and we’ll build stronger bonds within the body of Christ.
Give it a try—include more discussions in your Sunday morning classes. And we’ve done all the work for you—our curriculum, both Word Aflame and The Discipleship Project have discussion questions available for you.
Why not pause to hear what God is speaking to the church through your students?
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