What Every Teacher Needs: Doctrinal Integrity

One valuable ingredient to successful Bible teaching is for the teacher to have solid biblical doctrines firmly in place. Imagine a teacher who wasn’t sure if Jesus was born of a virgin; or a teacher that felt the resurrection was not that important an issue. Heresy is dangerous for so many reasons and doctrinal integrity is so valuable and necessary for the church to experience God’s blessing. Having our doctrine correct is vital to our success as teachers.

Imagine a teacher who conducts a class by saying, “Let’s just go around the room and share what each person thinks this passage means.” The problem to such an approach should be obvious. First, no one is accountable for inaccurate or false teaching and second, this approach may simply be a pooling of the ignorance people might have concerning the Bible.

Or let’s suppose a teacher starts a class by saying, “I found a book that spoke about this passage and it said…” Here there could also be a problem. The book may be full of teaching that is inconsistent with the Bible and the fundamental doctrines of the church. What if the book is published by Watch Tower, the publication house for the Jehovah’s Witnesses? Again, the problem with this approach to teaching should be obvious.

Suppose another teacher says, “I know what this passage says, but I just don’t see God the way He is portrayed here.” The teacher is elevating his thoughts above God’s Word. This is a very small, unbiblical view of inspiration and the inaccuracy of his Bible teaching could cause great damage to a Sunday School class and even the church. The teacher may think he is being intelligent and a free thinker, but he is sowing destructive seeds with such an approach.

When Jesus addresses the seven churches in Revelation, it is clear that the doctrinal purity of the church is of vital importance to Him. It is clear that the Lord is concerned about doctrinal integrity. We should also share this concern and do our part to make sure our church is resting upon the rock-solid foundation of God’s Word and our teaching conveys our Lord’s priorities.

In 1 Timothy 4:1-6, the Apostle Paul shares three very important reasons that our Bible teaching must be biblically sound. The first reason is the potential of a shipwrecked life. I know a young man brought up in the church by a Christian mother. He was at church whenever the doors were opened for a public gathering. Today his life is spiritually shipwrecked. He has bought into vain philosophies he heard in college and he has turned his back on the Lord. What we believe matters! Belief in false doctrines leads a person to spiritual shipwreck.

Paul also speaks of the intense attacks of Satan. We are in a spiritual battle and a weak understanding of the fundamental doctrines of the Bible can make a person very vulnerable to the enemy. There are many deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons still in our day. The fact that cults often take a good percentage of their membership from established churches, should burden every Bible teacher. This danger alone should motivate us to pursue doctrinal integrity.

Thirdly, Paul states that sound doctrine is vital to help Believers to have stability and steady growth in the Christian life. If we build our worldview on anything other than the Bible, we are indeed on shifting sand and have a terrible foundation for life. Christians with an inaccurate understanding of basic Bible doctrines will also have difficulty growing into a spiritually mature follower of Jesus. If the Great Commission is our purpose, doctrinal integrity is a priority.

Advice on Giving Advice

In the Book of Job we find the man Job surrounded by his “friends” during his time of calamity. Their presence is no doubt a comfort to Job until that fateful moment when they decide to offer him some advice on why he was facing the trials he was experiencing. As we teach the Word of God, it will not be unusual for people to want to hear our advice or counsel. Perhaps the following thoughts will be helpful as you consider how God might use you in this way.

Before offering counsel, be sure you are the right person to give it. Jesus had an encounter with a man in Luke 12:13 who wanted Him to settle a family inheritance issue. Jesus responded with a question, “Who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” Jesus did not offer to counsel the man or give him advice because there were other people responsible to do so. As we work with people, we may find that a parent, church official or even a lawyer is the best one to give the counsel needed. It is human nature to attempt to get people on “our side” of a dispute. Be careful not to get pulled into a situation where someone wants to use you to referee their fight.

It is also good to not offer advice to someone who is not emotionally ready to receive it. If you are generally a caring, sensitive person, you may be especially tempted to start giving advice when it is not really called for. Probably the best way to be sure your advice is wanted is to wait for the person to ask you! Even then, be careful. If you are walking away from a cemetery where a person has just buried a loved one and they ask, “Why does God allow such pain in the world?” the person is probably not really ready for you to try to answer that question.

I read about a well-known pastor whose wife was in the hospital with cancer. The hospital chaplain, who was normally very sensitive, I’m sure, no doubt recognized the pastor. The chaplain prayed and as he left the room he said, “Well, keep a stiff upper lip.” The pastor wrote, “I wanted to give him a stiff upper lip!” The chaplain may have felt intimidated or wasn’t sure what to say to a fellow minister, but his “advice” seemed trite and insensitive. The prayer for comfort and healing was appreciated, but the advice was not. The timing of the comment was simply not right. The pastor was not emotionally ready to receive advice and didn’t ask for it!

Another mistake in giving advice is assuming we have all the answers. Especially when a person is suffering, it is a huge mistake to assume we know the reason why. I may be able to give a general theological answer as to why there is suffering in the world, but it would be foolish for me to assume I know why a particular person is suffering. Frankly, the more severe the crisis, the less we really need to say. Our presence, a listening ear and a sincere prayer is all that is really needed at such a time. Even if I think I know that a person’s personal sin is directly related to their crisis, it would be best to keep it to myself, even if I am convinced I’m right. I once witnessed a funeral for a 10 year-old that was killed as he and his cousin were playing with a gun. The preacher used part of his sermon to give grieving parents advice on gun safety! The advice may have been good in another setting, but that was not the time to be the “answer-man.”

As the people in your class seek out counsel, be sure your advice is biblical and consistent with the spirit of Christ. He understands suffering, conflict and trials like no other. Our goal in giving counsel is that people would encounter Him as they seek answers to the issues of life from the pages and principles of God’s Word. Jesus isn’t just the “Answer-Man”—He is the answer!

Developing Good Illustrations

Once a pastor stepped out during the Sunday School hour for a breath of fresh air to find a teacher and her class of three-year-olds running through the grass, holding paper streamers over their heads. The teacher continued to shout, “God made the wind! Boys and girls, God made the wind!” There is a teacher who understands the need to illustrate a point in her Bible teaching.

No matter the age range of your class, there is an obvious need to illustrate the Bible truths you are teaching. Illustrations are windows that allow your students to see into the truth you are trying to communicate. We want our people to remember what we teach them. They are much more likely to remember a story or object lesson, so teachers know they must illustrate! Here are a few thoughts to consider.

The more of the five senses you can use in an illustration, the better. Many people think of illustrations as stories a speaker uses to drive home a point. Of course a good story told by a good story teller can be very effective, but that method of illustrating only uses the sense of hearing. Imagine how much more effective an illustration becomes when you use other senses. You may use a visual to show the size of a mustard seed in relation to other seeds. You could even drop one seed into the hands of your audience and allow them to see and feel it. You might even find various pictures that could show the development of the mustard seed into a large plant. As more of the senses are used, the more likely your point will be remembered.

One teacher actually lit up a small propane torch in class to illustrate to adults how words can be used to scorch and burn the lives of others. You know he had their attention! A youth teacher regularly video tapes himself in humorous roles or uses the “man on the street” approach of interviewing people to illustrate major points of the lesson. Children’s teachers will frequently use various kinds of foods to illustrate a Bible truth such as heart-shaped cookies to illustrate love or fish-shaped crackers to remind the children of a particular Bible story. Preschool teachers will select specific toys for the children or decorate the room in a certain way to help them illustrate a Bible thought. The point is that an illustration can be so much more than a story or quote you found in a book.

The more fresh and creative the illustration is, the better. Using a Shakespeare quote may be very effective in some settings, but having the class use a lump of clay to form an object that is often related to temptation, maybe better. Reading an illustration out of one of Chuck Swindoll’s books may be fine, but it might be better to offer the class copies of the local news paper and then tell them to find stories that demonstrate moral failure. Sharing what you heard a radio preacher say one time may communicate your point, but having the class-members act out a scene from the gospels might leave a greater impact, simply because it is more memorable.

The more you vary your illustrative methods, the better. Use video one week and try drama the next. Use case studies one Sunday and then try a craft project the next. It doesn’t take long for a certain method to become dry and predictable. The more you vary your approach to illustrating the Bible, the more likely the class is to remember what you are teaching. It takes a lot of work to come up with good ways of illustrating God’s Word. But remember that boredom is one of the greatest enemies of the Sunday School lesson, and illustrations are one of the most effective weapons against it.

Developing Major Points for Your Lesson

The human body needs a skeleton to give it structure and strength. In the same way every Bible study lesson needs some kind of structure to help the teacher deliver the body of material he or she is presenting. Here are some thoughts on developing those main thoughts or teaching points.

First we must be sure our major thoughts are based upon the text we are teaching. Have you ever listened to someone talk, and you were certain that you knew what they were about to say before they finished their sentence? If you were hasty, you might even cut them off and finish the thought for them, only to find out, that they were not saying what you thought they were. Have you ever listened to someone share a thought and later find out that you took their comment entirely different than they intended? Communication can truly be a difficult task.

As we read and study the Bible it is easy to read our thoughts into a passage. We may even find ourselves teaching an idea that the text does not intend at all. One time I was developing a sermon that was focused on the phrase that is repeated in Isaiah stating, “His hand is stretched out still.” My first thoughts were that of a compassionate God who was still reaching out to receive His hurting children. After further study, I discovered that the phrase actually referred to God’s hand of judgment being stretched out over a stubborn nation of rebellious children. I was about to teach the text incorrectly due to reading my thoughts into the text. I cringe at the thought of misrepresenting God’s Word in such a way. This is why proper study of the text is essential before we completely develop our major thoughts or points that we wish to teach. It is very easy for us to read our thoughts into a Bible text.

Second, teaching points need to be clear and understandable. Be sure your points are on the correct age-level for your pupils. Even in adult classes you need to assume your students have not studied as much as you have. Someone has said that a scholar can make simple truths sound complicated, but a good communicator can make complicated truths sound simple. Go for simple—strive to be a good communicator who happens to be a little scholarly as well.

Have you ever walked away from the doctor’s office or a mechanic’s garage scratching your head because he uses terms you do not use every day? Every profession has its own lingo. Sunday School teachers can get accustomed to using “churchy” words as well. Be sure the main points are easy to understand as you prepare your lesson.

Third, consider making your main points statements of action or dynamic life principles. Some teachers are very accustomed to using a teaching outline like we learned in high school speech class. We might outline the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:1-34 using, 1) The Reason for the Council; 2) The Reports during the Council; 3) The Resolution from the Council. Many teachers and preachers, however, are enjoying using an outline that is more application driven, such as, 1) When disagreements arise among believers, we need to work hard to find God’s solutions; 2) Really listening to people who walk closely with Christ can bring resolution to a conflict; 3) Finding God’s solution to a conflict brings great reward and encouragement. A more principle driven outline can also be useful, such as, 1) A growing church is not free of difficulties; 2) Solutions to conflict are biblical and center on the needs of people; 3) When addressing conflict, stay focused on grace. However you choose to word your main points, make sure your statements are easy to remember and to apply to the lives of your people.

Responding to a Tragedy as a Sunday School Leader

Our hearts are broken for the families who lost children and loved ones this month in Newtown, Connecticut. We pray for them as well as for government leaders, first responders, the local church leaders and the school teachers and workers who have been involved in helping the people of that community.

Sunday School teachers can fulfill a special calling in such a moment of tragedy. We carry the burden and the privilege of teaching and speaking into people’s lives in moments of pain, loss, and confusion. Leaders in Bible times often shared a word from the Lord that was appropriate to the crisis at hand and we will often have a similar ministry. Let me offer some do’s and don’ts for you to consider as the people in your class respond to such unimaginable tragedies.

Do pray publically for those who have experienced the grief firsthand as well as those who are trying to make sense of things in your class. Include yourself in the prayer—being careful not to give the impression that you are above feeling the pain associated with the crisis.

Don’t try to turn it into a political issue or use it as an opportunity to share your pet peeves and opinions. We cheapen the deaths of the victims with such rants. This isn’t the time for getting on the soapbox.

Do listen to the expressions of hurt and the emotions that are being shared. Allow there to be moments of tears. Also listen carefully to the questions that are being asked—especially the children. With children, give brief short answers. Be careful not to over answer their questions with long theological explanations. They really just want assurance and hope--so do the adults.

Don’t use the crisis as a way of scaring people into a spiritual decision. Such decisions are generally superficial and based on the emotion of the moment rather than a real conversion or renewal. Certainly we are always ready to respond to a sincere seeker no matter when they come to us, but using a tragedy to manipulate someone is not likely a method the Lord would approve.

Do assure people that our church does have security precautions in place to help protect people while they are here. We have a person who is the director of church security. The halls are monitored regularly and the doors are either locked or they are manned during Sunday School and worship.

Don’t pretend to have all the answers. It is proper to explain that there is evil in the world and that evil happens because people refuse to let God control and direct their lives. But we should not pretend that we know why this incident happened to these people in this town. Remind them that this was not from God and that He is not responsible for bad things that happen to innocent people.

Do continue on with the teaching of your lesson. You can discern if you need to give the class a little more time than usual for prayer and interaction, but God’s Word has an amazing way of providing comfort and insight that we may have never imagined. I am constantly amazed at how God will allow His Word to speak to each individual in our congregation in ways I never expected when I was preparing the message. The Holy Spirit is so good at taking the lesson you prepared and causing it to speak to each person’s individual needs—trust Him with that.

The Power of a Leader's Kindness

In Phoenix, Arizona, a 26-year-old mother stared down at her six year-old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams—now that was no longer possible. The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream to come true. She took her son's hand and asked, “Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?” Billy said, “Mommy, I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.” Mom smiled back and said, “Let's see if we can make your wish come true.”

Later that day she went to her local fire Department in Phoenix, Arizona, where she met Fireman Bob. She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her six year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine. Fireman Bob said, “Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an Honorary Fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat—not a toy one—with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots. They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix, so we can get them fast.”

Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was overjoyed. There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines, the emergency squad, and even the Fire Chief's car. He was also videotaped for the local news.

Having his dream come true with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, Billy was so deeply touched that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible. One night, however, all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse began to call the family members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a Fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition. The chief replied, “We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire? It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room?”

About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window. Sixteen fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room! With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they loved him. With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, “Chief am I a real fireman now?” The chief said, “Billy, you are, and The Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand.”

The kindness of a leader in a person’s life can bring amazing joy and have a profound influence. You may not realize it, but as a Sunday School teacher, you may have that kind of influence over the people in your class. Your encouraging words and acts of kindness can touch a life deeply.

Why be Part of a "Denomination?"

Perhaps you heard about the lady who went to the bank to have a large check cashed. The teller went through some of the usual questions when cashing a large check. “May I see your driver’s license?” she asked. “Can you confirm your social security number?” the teller continued. After several such questions the teller finally asked, “What denominations would you like?” The lady responded, “Just one—I’m Baptist!”

I am part of a generation that regularly questioned “the establishment.” It is no surprise then that such an attitude has impacted the church today. Many Christians today have somehow gotten the idea that being part of a denomination is less spiritual or un-cool. They view the denomination as an impersonal institution that drains resources and provides little in return. They don’t see the value in being affiliated with other churches of like faith through a denomination.

Technically, Southern Baptists are not a denomination—we are a convention. We do not have a top-down structure. Each of our churches is independent and self-governing. We share a common confession of faith, but the only creed we embrace is the Bible itself. We see value in voluntarily cooperating together as individual churches for the sake of the kingdom of God. Being a part of the Southern Baptist Convention provides three things we think are important.

First, being Baptist gives us an identity that people can relate to. People know that being Baptist means that we believe the Bible is the foundation for what we believe and how we live. We do not base our beliefs on traditions or someone’s experience or what is most popular at the time. Being Baptist means we believe each congregation is self-governing and does not submit itself to any overseer but Christ Himself. It means that we are committed to voluntarily cooperating with like-minded churches in mission endeavors to take the gospel to the world.

Second, being part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) makes resources, training and personnel available to us. We have regional Association and State Convention staff members who are committed to serving churches like ours. These ministers have expertise, experiences and wisdom to share that help strengthen local congregations and assist them in being on mission with God. In addition, our convention provides ministry resources through LifeWay Christian Resources as well as other agencies within our convention.

Third, being SBC allows us to take part in the world’s greatest missions program. We support thousands of missionaries in various places around the world. Some of these missionaries are nearby, some are in North America, some are overseas and some are in the remotest parts of the earth sharing Christ, planting new churches and strengthening believers. By supporting these missionaries cooperatively as we do, we can provide a steady, dependable income for the missionaries themselves, and also resources for the work they are doing.

No one I know of believes that Baptist are the only ones who believe the Bible and believe in missions. There are many Bible-believing churches and organizations in the world and we are happy to be part of God’s universal church made up of all those who have professed the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. But there is value in being a Baptist. As we combine our Bible-based theology with our form of church government and our cooperative missions strategy, we are a unique group of Christians. It is an identity and a heritage we humbly embrace.