Small Group Bible Study
MAINTAINING ENTHUSIASM
Small Group Bible Study
MAINTAINING ENTHUSIASM
A spiritually devoted and dedicated teacher longs to both arouse and maintain enthusiasm for Bible study. Such a teacher personally feels this enthusiasm, so why do some teachers not inspire others? Some do this seemingly without effort, while other teachers work hard and still do not always attain it. But it can be attained far more often than one might think.
Over-protecting or sheltering a group of learners seldom makes them zealous for serious, in- depth Bible Study. Emphasizing the social features of the group, giving delightful parties, presenting a false congeniality to the group, will no doubt contribute to the teacher’s personal popularity with a certain element of any Bible study group, but such social emphasis will not in and of itself build up respect for the teacher or make eager Bible learners. Most will see through the pretense, and eventually will not regard such a teacher as the real thing.
Even the most trifling member of your group knows that Bible study should be the main object of Small Group Bible Study. The teacher whose zeal is obviously for the Bible and whose most earnest purpose is to lead souls into a love for the Word of God will be held in highest regard. Vagueness in your teaching will produce a listless group, while setting precise steps, suited to the capacity of the group, is a sure way to arouse interest in Bible study. Vary your teaching plans, put brightness into them, study from the best manuals about the art of teaching, follow the example of highly successful secular and Bible teachers, and you will soon find your Bible study group growing enthusiastic.
Your own enthusiasm will, in time, prove contagious; only do not confuse noise with enthusiasm. There is a jerky kind of teaching, loud-voiced, physically vigorous, which is tiresome in the extreme. Such teaching will make a Bible study group restless rather than zealous. A quiet ardor, a love for the Bible which shows itself in shinning eyes, a peaceful expression, and a happy voice, is inevitably winsome, and will draw a study group to your purpose while bombast and teaching gymnastics will drive them away. The teacher’s strength lies in quietness and confidence, as the Bible (best of all teaching manuals) definitely assures us.
