Malcolm Cox

S2 Ep2155: Teaching Tip 350 | “Plain Speaking - Having a goal” | Malcolm Cox

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Teaching Tip 350 | “Plain Speaking - Having a goal” | Malcolm Cox


Introduction

Here is your 2-minute tip based on chapter 2 of the book, “Plain speaking: How to preach and teach effectively" by David Bercot. 


  • Every meaningful activity has a goal. The nature of the goal will vary, but the goal will be clear to those involved. Bercot uses the illustrations of playing volleyball and building a house. There is no point gathering to play or build without a goal in mind.
  • Is this applicable to speaking in church? Yes, because God’s word is ‘alive and active’ — it does things. Our hope in speaking about God is surely to be effective (Acts 14.1).
  • No, we are not reducing preaching to a formula, but we are recognising that a lesson aimed at nothing is sure to hit it. 

    • Let me illustrate with a personal example. At the time of recording I am preparing a lesson on Abraham. It is part of the “A New Thing” series (Isaiah 43). The topic is “A New Thing”, the character used to illustrate God doing a new thing is Abraham, the goal is to help my listeners learn from the faith of Abraham as he embraced God doing a new thing in him with the hope that they will embrace whatever new thing God has in mind for them. The lesson content will be shaped by the theme, therefore I will be focussed on the instances of ‘new things’ in Abraham’s life, such as his departure from Harran (Genesis 12:5).


    Conclusion

    How do you feel about discerning a goal for your lesson?

    What helps you to discover a goal for a lesson?


    Has today’s tip been worth two minutes of your time? I hope so.


    Next week: building your sermon 


    Consider joining AIM UK&Ireland to develop your understanding of Scripture: https://aimukandireland.com/. Our next module is Spiritual Life.


    Contact us here with enquiries: [email protected]  


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    Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 


    Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). 


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    Remember to keep calm, and carry on teaching.


    God bless, Malcolm

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