God’s plan is Eternal, Ephesians 1:1-14

This summer I was able to hear two pastors teach the Bible from the pulpit and also listen to a former pastor teach a Bible study. I was impressed by not only their message, but also by how they taught. All three were easy going, confident and serious about the passages they taught.

I taught last Sunday in my class, but I did not use PowerPoint as a presentation tool. Sometimes I think the slides get between me and the people I want to reach. Their focus is on the slides and not on what I am saying.

Last Sunday, I used a one-page handout formatted with a title and four numbered sections followed by a line containing a key thought (or summarizing truth). Each section had a one-line statement designed to generate interaction and the Scriptures pertaining to it. The statement included one and sometimes two blanks in the sentence that class members could fill in as I talked, or as they figured out what words best filled the blanks.

I passed the handout (with blanks inserted) to class members before class and they filled on the page as I taught. It was refreshing to me to get away from the rut for awhile. It allowed me to see the crutch PowerPoint had become. I’m sure I will use it again in the future, but hopefully, the slides will be supportive rather than an in-class reading assignment.

Consider what presentation tool best complements you this week as you prepare to teach, “God’s plan is Eternal,” from Ephesians 1:1-14.

Relationships: The Improvement Factor, 2 Corinthians 10:1-13:13

I'm back off my summer travels, but this Sunday I am teaching a special lesson from 1 Peter, so I won't post on the ETB lesson, "Relationships: The Improvement Factor," based on 2 Corinthians 10:1-3, 15-18; 12:14-21.

However, Mr. Faithful, Gary Payne, did post his PowerPoint slides for the lesson, "Relationships: The Improvement Factor." Aren't we thankful for Gary!?!

Relationships: The Long Distance Factor, 2 Corinthians 7:5-9:15

Due to lack of Internet access, Gary Payne was not able until today to post his PowerPoint slides for the lesson, Relationships: The Long Distance Factor, based on 2 Corinthians 7:5-9:15. Sorry about that!

Relationships: The Reconciliation Factor, 2 Corinthians 5:11–7:4

Gary Payne published his PPT slides for the lesson, "Relationships: The Reconciliation Factor," based on 2 Corinthians 5:11–7:4. I appreciate Gary's faithfulness!

Relationships: The Faithfulness Factor, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6; 4:1-5, 15-18; 5:8-10

I call your attention to Jeff Meyer's lesson plan for "Relationships: The Faithfulness Factor," based on 2 Corinthians 3:1-5:10. His comments and thoughtful questions can be easily converted into PowerPoint slides if that is the format you prefer. Keep your audience in mind as you construct your slides and try not to use long textual blocks as your bullet points. Class members generally will not read dense text on a slide.

Gary Payne also posted his PowerPoint slides for this lesson.

Remember to look at the question based lesson plan offered by First Baptist, Chester, IL. It requires the least amount of preparation for a discussion leader.