Wild and crazy ideas

To make this lesson interesting and perhaps unforgettable, consider inviting a non-believing friend (perhaps a work associate, or a neighbor who is open about their unbelief?) to your class and introduce him as a ‘co-teacher for the day'. Inform the class that he is a non-believer. Tell him in advance that you need his help to demonstrate how simple it is for Christians to witness to non-believers. After covering Ezekiel’s call and the key verses, ask your friend this question: “What is your personal faith?” This should open up a dialogue that you should be able to guide into a presentation of faith in Jesus Christ and why it is relevant today. Don’t be argumentative, and leave the results to God. No matter how it turns out you will have demonstrated the truth found in the focal verses.

Challenge learners to write down a simple question about personal faith they would be comfortable asking another individual with whom God is leading them to share the truth about Jesus Christ. This positive step might be all it takes for many of them to follow the Spirit’s leadership and say “With God’s help, I can do this!”

If this is too far fetched, try using the discussion starter and personal sharing approach outlined in the Supplemental Teaching Plan offered by Hampton Road Baptist Church.

Thanks to OldAggie for suggesting another alternative in his comment on yesterday’s post. His idea is to simply teach the gospel. This is very practical for insecure learners, and sharpening their sharing skills can give them needed confidence to help lead them to share the gospel. As teachers, we should be aware of the needs of our class members to an extent that allows us to target the lesson in such a way as he suggests. If OldAggie takes this approach, I’d be interested in hearing about the ensuing class discussion. I wonder if he’ll mainly hear regretful comments expressed out of guilt by those who are usually not willing to tell others about Christ?

Other very thoughtful helps to teachers using the LifeWay Explore the Bible Sunday School curriculum are posted by Dr. Sam Tullock, Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Wylie, Texas, and a professor in the History Department at Collin County Community College in Plano, Texas.