A few months ago, I got invited to do a podcast interview for At the Table with Jacki King, a part of the ministry of the SBC Women’s Leadership Network. Super excited and honored, I agreed and we began working to schedule a time to chat. When I received the questions for the interview, I was actually quite surprised. I’m not sure exactly what I expected, but most of the questions were geared toward being a Bible teacher. I guess it surprised me, because there are so many women she could have asked to talk about this topic that are more seasoned than me.
One of the questions she asked was about the barriers I’ve faced as a woman Bible teacher, and through the process of preparing for that question, I’ve realized that my biggest barrier has been me, myself, and I. The self-doubt and limitations I’ve placed on my own calling and ministry in so many ways. Even the fact that I was surprised that Jacki would want to chat about these things with me points to this reality.
Yet the more I prepared for the interview, and the more we chatted, I realized I do have something of value to say and maybe I’m not as green and inexperienced as I think I am. Now, I certainly want to err on the side of caution and humility over thinking I have it all together. But I am excited for this episode to arrive. It is very different than most of my podcast interviews. It is geared for a specific audience: women of the Southern Baptist Convention, but will apply to any woman who has considered the calling to teach the Bible to other women.
You can catch the full episode here.
Here is an excerpt.
What are some of those first steps to really developing as a Bible teacher?
It absolutely starts with learning how to study the Bible and walking with God on your own.
If you’re thinking you want to get on a platform and teach the Word you better know how to study the Word. Teaching is a heavy responsibility. Gratefully, we have the Spirit of God within us and I fully believe He changes words that come out of my mouth when needed. None of us is perfect. But teaching the Word effectively has to start with learning how to study the Bible. If you don’t feel like you know how to go to the Bible, open to any page, and know the steps to take to study correctly, then I feel we have no business putting ourselves out there as a Bible teacher.
As far as sharpening our skills, for me it is watching my husband. I’ve been watching him preach for over 10 years and my teaching style very much matches his because I learn so much from him. Watch the people that you learn from and mimic their structure as a starting point.
One book I’ve read that was helpful early on as I was learning the skill of crafting a teaching talk, is [earnist_link ref=”preaching-with-bold-assurance” id=”20987″]Preaching with Bold Assurance by Hershel York[/earnist_link]. You’ve got to figure out your own system, but it helps to have a starting point. There are tons of books out there that actually teach you how to teach the Word. I think some seminaries also have classes on teaching the Bible that you can audit, so that could be an option. It would be a much bigger commitment than reading a book, but you’ll learn a lot more from a seminary class.
I’ve figured out my own system over time. The more you do it, the more you’ll figure out what works for you and what your style is.
Listen to the full episode here.
Are you interested in taking the next steps toward speaking, writing, and/or leading online communities? I will be piloting a coaching course in 2020. Head here to get on the waiting list.
