Tuesday, August 31, 2010

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.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I have used ppt slides in my lesson plan for about two years. However, my class does not see the slides... I usually print them in note page format and they are for my guidance only. Seems to help keep me on track and insuring that I get all of the key points covered.