By Michael C. Mack
1. Use impressive, big words like regeneration, justification, and eschatology as much as possible.
2. Interject names such as Polycarp, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and, yes, Rick Warren and Max Lucado.
3. Be serious all the time. Since you are studying God”s Holy Word, there is no time for fun or frivolity!
4. Don”t allow people to share their feelings. Focus on facts. Feelings have no place in Bible study.
5. Do most of the talking. Study diligently and then share everything you learned about your topic. This is what it means to teach.
6. If no one responds to one of your questions within five seconds, answer it yourself and move on to the next question.
7. When participants answer incorrectly (because there is always one correct response), be sure to shame, correct, and dismiss them. (Corollary: Remember that, as the leader, you are always right.)
8. Ask 10 or more discussion questions (the more the better). Allow only one response per question, and limit responses to 20 seconds.
9. Keep your eyes on your Bible and study guide. Read questions and commentary as much as possible. After asking a question, look down at your books to see what the next question is.
10. Be in complete control of the discussion. Don”t allow any conversation that is not part of your own meeting agenda. You must set stringent boundaries with group members.
Author: Michael C. Mack
Michael C. Mack is editor of Christian Standard. He has served in churches in Ohio, Indiana, Idaho, and Kentucky. He has written more than 25 books and discussion guides as well as hundreds of magazine, newspaper, and web-based articles.
I have done the exact opposite of #1, #2, #5, and parts of #7, #9, and #10. The effect has been that my class has grown! Both Sunday school and my book club that meets every month! It’s crazy. How do you explain this phenomenon, especially since so many participate in discussion and are learning?