Teaching

Teaching equips Bible teachers and ministry leaders to communicate Scripture clearly and help people grow in faith. Explore practical, Bible-based guidance on lesson planning, facilitation, discussion questions, and making meaningful application for different ages and settings. You’ll find resources for teaching in classes, small groups, youth and children’s environments, and church-wide studies—along with help for handling difficult topics, staying faithful to the text, and creating a learning culture rooted in grace and truth. Whether you teach weekly or occasionally, these articles help strengthen your teaching ministry.

November 2, 2015

Christian Standard

Lesson for November 8, 2015: Saved by Grace (Acts 15:1-12)

Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri, and has held preaching ministries in Missouri, Illinois, and Colorado. This lesson treatment is published in the November 1 issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Mark Scott  Church growth can be a pain. It demands more space, time, effort, and personnel. For some people it”s a real threat, but most believers know that it”s eternally worth it. What is typically called the first missionary journey (Acts 13, 14) was incredibly successful. Here are

August 21, 2015

Christian Standard

‘Story of God’ . . . for All Mankind

By Jennifer Johnson Story of God was designed simply to enhance a sermon series””and now it just might go international. Sherri McCready originally developed visual and performance art to accompany a four-month sermon series focusing on 16 key stories from Genesis to Revelation. At the time she was the creative arts director at Highland Christian Church in Asheville, NC, and her husband, Shannon, served as lead pastor. “Shannon was burdened by how many people don”t read the Bible””or anything else,” she says. “He began researching missionaries who dealt with people groups without a written language and how they communicated the

April 21, 2015

Michael C. Mack

The Incredible Opportunity of “I Don”t Know”

By Michael C. Mack It”s been said that teachers and facilitators should get comfortable with the words “I don”t know.” When someone asks a question in a small group or class, it”s one of the best discipleship opportunities you will ever have! Rather than saying, “I don”t know, but I”ll find out,” try saying, “I don”t know, but let”s all research that before our next meeting. Here are some places you might find the answer. . . .” Suggest Bible passages to look up, sound biblical websites to explore, or a minister (or other leader or professor who is known

April 3, 2015

Christian Standard

Resurrection Resources

By Richard A. Knopp William Lane Craig relates that a high school friend once said to him, “There ain”t gonna be no Easter this year.” When Craig asked, “Why not,” his cantankerous friend replied, “They found the body.”1 The questionable humor unintentionally reveals a fundamental truth: without the resurrection of Jesus, there is no Easter””or as Paul put it, “Your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). But in spite of the bellows of unbelievers and the screams of secularists to make Easter an exclusive experience with the bunny, a multitude of valuable materials are available to sustain our faith and

February 1, 2015

Mark A. Taylor

Ideas for Easter””or Anytime

By Mark A. Taylor At our annual contributing editor January retreat, someone asked, “Why do churches always make such a big thing of Christmas?” She was reflecting on the fact that CHRISTIAN STANDARD almost always puts “Christmas” on a December cover, but sometimes we hardly mention Easter at all. Maybe we”re giving in to the culture on this.  For many people, Christmas preparations begin in the summer, and we see Christmas everywhere by the end of October. Christmas concerts, Christmas parties, Christmas gift-buying””they fill the month of December. Indeed, sometimes by Christmas Day, we”re too tired to celebrate. Churches follow

October 26, 2014

Christian Standard

Books for Bible Students: Bible Teachers CAN Be Better Teachers

By Teresa Welch Whether you are a seasoned teacher or just starting to host a small group, I recommend the following resources for help with guiding students toward maturity in Christ (see Colossians 1:28): Heart-Deep Teaching by Gary Newton (B&H Academic, 2012) is a resource for teachers concerned about the lack of biblical knowledge and understanding among adults. Newton trains teachers about the process of learning so they can engage students to discover and obey God”s Word. His book is filled with practical ideas for preparing the heart of the teacher, designing deeper learning experiences, and structuring Bible lessons. Effective

October 25, 2014

Christian Standard

Books for Bible Students: Reading the Bible for All Its Worth

By Mark Matson If I had to choose just one Bible handbook to accompany solid Bible study, it would be How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Zondervan) by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, both well-known and respected biblical scholars. This book, now in its third edition, has proven itself over three decades. The first edition, which came out in 1981, is still valuable, and the latest edition is a real treat. I use this book for college and seminary classes, and I also recommend it to my church. Fee and Stuart”s book is not a handbook, as

October 25, 2014

Christian Standard

Books for Bible Students: The Three Sets of Commentaries I’d Recommend

By William R. Baker The set of biblical commentaries I have recommended to students repeatedly over the years is The Tyndale Bible Commentary Series (InterVarsity Press). Hands down, this is the best value for the money. The set is complete and in paperback, which typically is less expensive. The volumes are economical in their length too, making excellent though judicious comments on authorship, date, and the text. This series is written by the all-stars of British Evangelical scholarship, like F. F. Bruce, I. Howard Marshall, John Stott, Leon Morris, N.T. Wright, Derek Kidner, and Alec Motyer. The volumes are regularly

October 24, 2014

Christian Standard

Books for Bible Students: Your Bible Dictionary . . . a Good Foundation

By Joe Harvey A Bible dictionary is one of the foundational tools for personal Bible study. After we”ve read the biblical text and carefully observed who is interacting with whom, why, where, and when, turning to a Bible dictionary is a next logical step. We want to make sure we have an informed understanding of the people, places, things, and key terms of a passage with regard to their overall presence and function in the Scriptures. That is what a Bible dictionary is designed to do. The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary (ZIBD) is one of a number of fine resources

October 24, 2014

Christian Standard

Books for Bible Students: The Book of Acts . . . the Stories and the Issues

By David A. Fiensy The book of Acts is a richly nuanced story of the spread of the Christian faith from Jerusalem to Rome. Along the way, the preachers of the gospel cross several cultures and subcultures. The fascinating part is viewing through Luke”s camera the way the proclaimers of the faith adapted the timeless message to different situations and ethnic groups. What the reader needs, then, is a guide through these cultures in order to understand both the events of the early church and how Luke presents those events to the reader. The book I have selected that does

October 23, 2014

Christian Standard

Books for Bible Students: Four Books for Gospels Students

By Bob Mink Since Jesus was the greatest person who ever lived, and the Gospels are four of the most important pieces of literature ever written, it is not surprising that so many books have been written about them. And these books were written with a variety of purposes. The Bible student should consider these purposes when choosing a book for Gospels study. For a basic and quality introduction and overview of the life of Jesus presented in the Gospels, I recommend Paul Johnson”s Jesus: A Biography from a Believer (Penguin Books, 2010). In his introduction, Johnson describes the book

October 23, 2014

Christian Standard

Books for Bible Students: Read These Books to Understand the Old Testament

By Gary Hall The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas (Intervarsity Press, 2000) The cultural and historical background of the Old Testament is a mystery to most Christians, leading to many misinterpretations. This book begins with Genesis 1 and goes through the entire Old Testament, section by section, giving crucial sociocultural, historical, and geographical information. It is a treasury of facts that brings the text to life and enables Bible students to penetrate many of the barriers to Old Testament understanding. It is well informed, accurate, easy to use,

October 20, 2014

Christian Standard

So You Want to Write a Book: Writing a Book Takes Discipline and Drive

By Robert Rea Believe in the project because of its importance for the kingdom. This will sustain you over hurdles and discouragements. Consider taking your proposal to publishers who market best to your target audience. Be clear about the book”s thesis, chapter contents, and conclusions. Explain your book”s unique approach and contribution””how your book supplements others already published in your area, how it is similar to others, and how it is distinctive (do not say there is nothing like it if that isn”t true).  If a publisher shows interest, answer the company”s follow-up questions, and be flexible on length, style,

October 20, 2014

Christian Standard

So You Want to Write a Book: Four Good Reasons to Self-Publish!

By Anne Milam The words self-published have carried a stigma that has long implied, “You weren”t really good enough to get an actual book company to publish you.” But I am here to debunk that myth. Self-publishing isn”t a dirty word anymore. Let me give you four good reasons to self-publish: “¢ First of all, if God has put a message in your heart to deliver, then you must share it. Plain and simple. No matter what size the audience. Let the public decide whether or not your work is worthy or valid or enjoyed. When I birthed my first

October 20, 2014

Christian Standard

So You Want to Write a Book: What Matters Most

By Jamie Snyder If you want to publish your work, the first decision to make is whether to self-publish or to pursue an agreement with a publishing company. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. If you have a smaller platform of influence, self-publishing will likely be your best option. Numerous self-publishing companies have websites; first, review their information, and then contact one (or more) to begin a conversation. If you decide to pursue an agreement with a publishing company, do not be afraid of rejection. Even the most successful authors have been told no more often then yes. If you

October 19, 2014

Christian Standard

So You Want to Write a Book: A Strange Blend

By Daniel Overdorf The heights of delight and vulnerability come when you tear open the cardboard box that holds your first book. For those who wish to pursue this strange mix of glee and embarrassment, I offer seven bits of advice. 1. Check your motives. Many want to have written; few want to write. Unless you relish the process””from the monotony of research to the tedium of rewriting and editing””you will never endure the meticulous work required to author a book and to convince a publisher it”s worth their investment. 2. Read good writers. Whether you connect best with Shakespeare,

October 19, 2014

Christian Standard

So You Want to Write a Book: Three Essential Ingredients

By Dave Ferguson Since I had never written a book, I was flattered when I received an e-mail from a representative of a big publisher asking to meet me. I agreed to meet, and over coffee, we talked about me authoring a book. I was very excited about the possibilities! However, within minutes I could tell this rep had made a huge mistake. He thought he was meeting with Dr. David Ferguson, the counselor and Oxford scholar. Instead he was meeting with Dave Ferguson, the church planter. Oops! We had a good laugh, finished our coffee, and I left thinking,

October 19, 2014

Christian Standard

So You Want to Write a Book: Top Ten Ways to Writing a Book (That Gets Published)

By Arron Chambers 1. Write . . . like the wind! Practice makes perfect. If you want to be a good writer, you must practice writing. 2. Prepare for rejection. Every author I know has been rejected””many times. One of my best friends was rejected for 18 years, but he refused to quit, and he is now on his sixth book with a major publisher, which leads me to my next bit of advice . . . 3. Don”t quit. If you are serious about writing, if you have something to say, and if you have even basic writing talent,

October 18, 2014

Christian Standard

So You Want to Write a Book: My Read on the Question

By Mark Atteberry If you want to write a book, you should give it a try. But here are some things you should know going in. First, if you haven”t read lots and lots and lots of books, you”re not going to be successful. There”s no such thing as a successful author who isn”t also a reader. In my opinion, reading 20 books is more helpful to an aspiring writer than flying across the country to attend the most highfalutin writer”s conference. And cheaper too. Second, the competition is fierce. Millions and millions of people want to write a book,

October 18, 2014

Christian Standard

The Need to Read Widely

By Bert Crabbe I love books, especially old ones. I love my Kindle too, but ultimately, I”m an ink and paper guy. The great benefit of being able to travel light and still have an abundance of reading material with me keeps me tethered to my tablet when I”m away or in the air. But at home? There”s nothing quite like the feel of a book in my hands. However you”re taking in your media, “Pastors need to read” seems a widely accepted (and fairly self-evident) maxim, and for more reasons than one. If you”re a preacher, that means you”re

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