There will always be a necessary place for private study and meditation on the Word for a healthy Christian walk. However, the study of the Word takes on a different, and necessary, dynamic when studied together with other Christians.
This "community" dynamic is important, both to the community, and to the individual. The Word comes to life in a unique way when it is read, shared, probed, debated, and discussed among fellow believers.
Every individual in the dialogue brings a unique point of view to the discussion. They bring a view shaped and formed by their own personal walk and interaction with the Scriptures. Sometimes these views easily confirm the corporate view of the meaning of a particular passage.
And sometimes these views are mis-shaped, warped, or even just plain-old-wrong. But it's okay, because a healthy dialog on the Word can provide correction, deeper understanding, and application of the letters on the page in real life.
When we get together and share our insights and thoughts about the Scriptures, and we do it the right way, we wind up teaching one another.
How does this impact small group and Sunday School discussions. Here are a few items to consider.
1. Facilitate rather than teach. To foster a healthy dialog around a particular passage of Scripture, Sunday School teachers and small group leaders need to learn how to talk less. And when they talk, use words efficiently. Rather than make statements, ask questions that lead others to share their thoughts about the passage.
2. Open ended questions work wonders. Good discussion will be fostered by a teacher or group leaders ability to ask relevant open-ended questions about a passage. What is an "open ended" question? It's a question that when asked DOES NOT lead to a yes/no answer. Simply asking "What do you think this passage means?" can open a rip roaring discussion.
3. Draw comments out of participants. Most of the time, people small group or class have lots to say. People are very opinionated, especially about Scripture. Your job isn't to "teach" them. It's to draw them into the conversation. Many times, a response will be just a word or two. A simple technique you can use to draw more insight out of that individual is to ask "Say some more about that?" or "So what do you mean when you say that?" Resist filling in the blanks. When they are done responding, sometimes it is a good idea to restate their thought to make sure the group understands their point.
4. Teach with a strategy in mind. When I study to prepare for a Sunday School lesson or small group discussion, I have a deliberate goal in mind. In my study and prep, I often uncover two to four key points I feel need to be made. I deem a class a success if I can get the participants to make all my points for me by sharing their own insights and wisdom about my topic. My goal: get them to teach the class or group. I'm just along for the ride. That means I need to know where I want the discussion to go. It also means giving thought to the right questions that need to be asked to get there.
5. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I love to watch the Holy Spirit move in and through a group dialogue on a particular passage. I view my role as facilitator to be sensitive to the narrative that is being woven by the community discussion. Be prepared to let the Spirit dominate the agenda, not your game plan.
In many ways, facilitating community discussions on the Word can be more challenging that just preparing a lecture session. The key is for the facilitator/teacher to be well versed in the passage being discussed. If you do your homework and personally study and internalize the passage, you will be so much better prepared to lead the group down the right path. Don't try to wing it or you may be sorry and frustrated.
There is great value in studying the Word in community. I have other thoughts I'll share soon.
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