Tuesday Teaching Tip 212

Do you want your audience to listen – or learn? Then make your messages interactive.

This is the ninth class in the series: “They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (Psalm 145:11)

Introduction
* You have chosen your text
* You have explored it
* You have mined other resources
* You have found the point
* You have chosen a structure
* You have planned how to start your lesson
* You have planned how to end your lesson
* You have added your illustrations
* Today – congregational involvement
* Tuesday Teaching Tips, Episode 193: “Secrets of the interactive sermon” – focussed on the use of Questions
* Today: some more principles and practicals

1. Value
 * Engagement
* Kinetic learners
* You find out what they are actually thinking!
* Jesus did it: if he thought it was a good idea, we probably should also.

2. Context
 * Size of congregation
* Shape of room and layout
* In person or online
* Chat box / Unmute

3. Ask Questions
* Jesus: Matthew 16:13ff
* “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 16:13–17 NIV11)
* Preview the question – give people time to think about it, let them know it’s coming
* On pre-sent handout
* On promo video
* See previous video for more on questions

4. Be interruptible
* Jesus: Luke 11:27-28
* “As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”” (Luke 11:27–28 NIV11)
* Flexibility of length of sermon
* Dealing with heckling
* Don’t get involved
* Keep calm tone
* Offer to talk afterwards

5. Group Work
 * Jesus: Matthew 21:23-27
* “Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” (Matthew 21:23–27)
* Purpose clear?
* Discussion, or, asking for an answer to a question
* Time limit clear
* Materials – talking, flip chart, texting in, post it notes etc

Conclusion
Lk 7 passage
* Question: How does it feel to be helped? Why do you think Jesus stopped this funeral and not others? What do you think the bearers were thinking?
* Group work: Do you think “Don’t cry” is insensitive? Why or why not. Could have a debate.
* Physical demonstration: ask people to be the characters in the story

* Question: “What have you seen done well with congregational involvement?”

* Next time: How to prepare yourself to speak
* Need questions for the concluding summary class the week afterwards

* “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4 NIV11)

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, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John