The Importance of a
Well-Designed Introduction
Pastor Daniel Habben continues his series of articles that help us as we consider the question, How can we best reach adults with God’s Word in a Bible class setting? With a clear reminder of the blessings God’s people receive as they study his Word, this series of articles challenges all of us to take a serious look at the way we teach Bible class. Pastor Habben offers specific and practical suggestions for us to consider as we strive to become better communicators of God’s truth.

In this article, Pastor Habben demonstrates the importance of involving the students as you introduce the lesson so that they enter into the rhythm of the lesson.



Pastor Daniel Habben served St. Peter Lutheran Church in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, for 18 years. He recently accepted the call to serve St. John’s Lutheran Church on the island of Antigua. 

Pastor Habben came to love teaching when he tutored at Luther Prep School and is thankful for the feedback he received from his fellow tutors—especially from the Martin Luther College teacher grads! He was a presenter at the 2015 symposium on education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Most of the materials in this series of articles are from that presentation.
They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. - Acts 5:42
Adult Education: Additum
Dialogue Learning

In the lead article, Pastor Habben urges us to consider using learning tasks to introduce the lesson.
 
In the third of his series of interviews, Missionary Paul Nitz discusses what constitutes legitimate and valuable learning tasks, which are foundational to dialogue education.


Teaching Toolbox
Heirs Together: Revised Bible Study

The gospel changes hearts. Hearts that once beat with the single purpose of glorifying, honoring, and enriching self now long to live for Jesus, to fulfill the plan he has for us, and to be what he wants us to be. Hearts that have received life at the foot of the cross now beat with a purpose of honoring God and building his kingdom.

For a number of years, the Heirs Together Bible study has helped men and women understand the glorious roles that God has given them, through which they serve God.


Curriculum Connection
19 Minutes With the Messiah

As you plan your summer Bible studies or your small group studies, the 19-Minute format may appeal to you.

19 Minutes With the Messiah: 52 Lessons Based on Jesus’ Parables and His “I Am” Statements by Pastor Tim Gumm is an ideal study for both settings. This classic course leads us to apply many of the stories told by Jesus, the master storyteller, to our own lives and to marvel at the spiritual gems his stories conveyed.

Click on the link below to see a sample lesson about two debtors.

Leader's Guide: PDF


Teaching Tip

Be well organized. A lesson that flows logically will be easier to follow. Hand out a list of ideas for topics that you plan to cover so that students can see where you have been and where you are going.
  Teach the Word  is a collaboration of Northwestern Publishing House,
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and WELS Adult Discipleship.