A biblical understanding of teaching brings appreciation for this spiritual gift. Approaching this task biblically involves empowerment from the Holy Spirit, insight into God's Word, sharp communication skills, and accurate interaction with students. It is a companion volume to Teaching Techniques. Gregory C. Carlson, 96 pages, paper, ISBN 0-910566-73-9 Table of Contents Preface 1. Why Teach? 2. Why Students Learn? 3. Preparing Yourself in the Word 4. Application and Learning 5. Understanding Lesson Aims 6. Planning the Lesson 7. Teaching Students - Not Lessons 8. Selecting Methods 9. Preparing Materials 10. Setting Your Classroom 11. Evaluating Teaching 12. Keeping Fresh This book is an ETA Classroom Series textbook and is a part of ETA's Church Ministries Certificate Program. Many engaged in Christian teaching do so for years without weary spirits. Others, who were once earnest, give up in despair. What makes the difference? A biblical understanding of teaching brings appreciation for this spiritual gift. To understand the teaching ministry is to realize its significant impact on the spread of the Gospel. Approaching this task biblically involves empowerment from the Holy Spirit, insight into God's Word, sharp communication skills, and accurate interaction with students. Gregory C. Carlson, Ph.D. lives in the Omaha, Nebraska area. He has served as Professor of Christian Education at Grace University since 1987, where he also serves as Dean of Graduate Studies. His formal preparation began at Grace University and continued at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University and the University of Nebraska (Lincoln). His richness in practical experience stems from the academic classroom, youth ministry, and church staff positions. He and his wife, Donna, have three sons. From Chapter 1: Why Teach? "Why should I try to teach those kids?" That was the question asked by my Junior High leader after a long period of more discipline struggle than discipleship success. It is a good question. At a time when evangelical church attendance struggles to keep pace with population growth (Hemphill, Revitalizing the Sunday Morning Dinosaur, 18), why should Bible teachers be motivated? What compels us to even attempt to bring understanding and application to our students? Often teaching the Bible happens in less than ideal situations. Limited supplies, crowded or aging facilities, and lack of concern from the Christian community do not stop teaching. What makes Bible teachers satisfied with their ministry? Why do so many love to teach? Whether you are a beginning or veteran teacher of the Bible, it really amounts to a question of encouragement. What is the motivation to teach God's Word to children, youth, or adults? God at Work Jesus was called "Rabbi" during His earthly ministry (Jn. 1:38). This is a term used to refer to respected teachers and leaders. Jesus was a master teacher! Carl Shafer reminds us that because Jesus is our Savior and Lord, we want to pay attention to His teaching methods and activities. Early in my career as a teacher, I turned in frustration to my partner, "Dwight, why are we doing this?" Half serious, he responded, "Because Jesus wants us to!" Since then, I have come to find this answer not only pr ofound, but also motivating. We do teach the Bible to follow our Master's example. In the book of Acts, the disciples concerned themselves with teaching! The dynamic growth of the church during this time established teaching as a fundamental activity. . . . Christian teachers can reflect biblical examples. Our source of faith is also our guidebook for teaching! We teach the Bible to mirror the work God does through His Church. Teaching, for the Christian Church, is not an optional activity! We are commanded by our Lord to teach! "Go and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to observe all that I commanded you" (Matt. 28:19). I do not believe Jesus put this statement out as a discussion item! It is a command. We have the authority, yes, even the responsibility to teach! The gift of teaching (Rom. 12:7) implies another reason Christians teach the Bible. We have the wonderful opportunity to unwrap a gift, use it in obedience to the Lord, and build up His Body (Eph. 4:11-16). Unlike some birthday gifts we receive, God's gift of teaching grows in meaning and enthusiasm the more it is developed and used! The gift of teaching is the Holy Spirit given and directed ability to impart God's truth so that believers understand how to obey. Unbelievers are also convicted through the clear application of truth. While many express their spiritual gifts through the role of teaching, motivational joy comes to the teacher who discovers and develops the spiritual gift of teaching. We teach the Bible because some are divinely gifted to do so. God at Work in Our Students Students live in need of God's help and blessing. Dismantled families, struggling churches, personal failure and neglectful boredom have cr