It is helpful to make a distinction between the Bible curriculum and the Bible teacher. The curriculum addresses what is taught, while an understanding of the teacher will address how it is taught. The focus of a statement of our philosophy of Bible instruction is on the curriculum itself. What is the content of our formal Bible instruction? When do we teach various aspects of Scriptural truth? Those are the questions which are addressed by such a statement of philosophy.
However, that does not downplay the role of the teacher in our Bible instruction. The best course of study imaginable would be worthless if the teacher were not teaching it in the right way. This is actually the case in all subjects, not just Bible. For example, we recognize that it is not sufficient simply to have a superior math curriculum – we must have qualified, effective teachers, or the students are not going to learn math. Many studies have shown that the single most important factor in student learning is the quality of the classroom teacher. If an outstanding teacher is compared to a mediocre teacher, that has a much greater effect on student learning than does the same teacher using a superior versus a mediocre curriculum.
This is even more true in the Bible class. The Bible teacher must not only consider which teaching methods are most effective (the same as teachers of other subjects), but must also consider how to press the truths of Scripture on the hearts of the students, calling them to faith and repentance. If that is not done, the most effective Bible curriculum imaginable will not be successful. We cannot here present a complete manual for effective teaching methods in the Bible class. But there are some characteristics of Bible teachers which should be mentioned.
The teacher needs to display passion – for the Lord, for His Word, for faithfulness to Him, for His people. This passion, joy, and zeal for Christ must be communicated to the students regularly. We realize that the personality differences between teachers will mean that passion may come to expression in different ways. Not all teachers are going to be wildly exuberant – some will be more quietly joyful. But teachers must still pray that their own love and passion for Christ will be evident to the students.
Teachers also must remain constant in prayer for their students, both inside and outside of class. In particular, the teacher needs to be burdened to pray for the hearts of his/her students. This life of prayer will also result in evident care and concern for the students. Our students are not just brains to be filled with Bible knowledge, but are living souls in need of a Savior. That love and care for the students must be displayed regularly to the students.
In addition, the teacher needs to be aware of the decline in our culture – in particular, the increasing indifference to Scripture. The school’s focus upon Scripture, both in Bible class and in other classes, runs contrary to the prevalent culture around us in which the Bible is seen as, at best, irrelevant to life or, at worst, a definite hindrance to life. Unfortunately, this indifference to the Bible has even crept into the professing Christian culture, as we see that Christian families very seldom look to the Word of God as their only infallible guide, but often treat it as a book of suggestions for the successful life. The idea of an authoritative Word of God as found in the Bible is all too often a foreign concept in our society, and our teachers need to be aware of that fact as they teach.
Finally, the Bible teacher (as with all teachers) needs to establish and maintain an environment in the classroom which will allow and encourage students to ask questions openly and without fear. Many of our students may be woefully ignorant of Biblical teaching, and they should experience the classroom as a safe place to get questions answered. The teacher needs to do this by being honest, winsome, and loving as he/she deals with student questions and concerns, and by assuring students that their grade will not be affected adversely by sincere and honest questions and even disagreements.
(This is a portion of my current school's statement of philosophy dealing with the Bible curriculum.)
However, that does not downplay the role of the teacher in our Bible instruction. The best course of study imaginable would be worthless if the teacher were not teaching it in the right way. This is actually the case in all subjects, not just Bible. For example, we recognize that it is not sufficient simply to have a superior math curriculum – we must have qualified, effective teachers, or the students are not going to learn math. Many studies have shown that the single most important factor in student learning is the quality of the classroom teacher. If an outstanding teacher is compared to a mediocre teacher, that has a much greater effect on student learning than does the same teacher using a superior versus a mediocre curriculum.
This is even more true in the Bible class. The Bible teacher must not only consider which teaching methods are most effective (the same as teachers of other subjects), but must also consider how to press the truths of Scripture on the hearts of the students, calling them to faith and repentance. If that is not done, the most effective Bible curriculum imaginable will not be successful. We cannot here present a complete manual for effective teaching methods in the Bible class. But there are some characteristics of Bible teachers which should be mentioned.
The teacher needs to display passion – for the Lord, for His Word, for faithfulness to Him, for His people. This passion, joy, and zeal for Christ must be communicated to the students regularly. We realize that the personality differences between teachers will mean that passion may come to expression in different ways. Not all teachers are going to be wildly exuberant – some will be more quietly joyful. But teachers must still pray that their own love and passion for Christ will be evident to the students.
Teachers also must remain constant in prayer for their students, both inside and outside of class. In particular, the teacher needs to be burdened to pray for the hearts of his/her students. This life of prayer will also result in evident care and concern for the students. Our students are not just brains to be filled with Bible knowledge, but are living souls in need of a Savior. That love and care for the students must be displayed regularly to the students.
In addition, the teacher needs to be aware of the decline in our culture – in particular, the increasing indifference to Scripture. The school’s focus upon Scripture, both in Bible class and in other classes, runs contrary to the prevalent culture around us in which the Bible is seen as, at best, irrelevant to life or, at worst, a definite hindrance to life. Unfortunately, this indifference to the Bible has even crept into the professing Christian culture, as we see that Christian families very seldom look to the Word of God as their only infallible guide, but often treat it as a book of suggestions for the successful life. The idea of an authoritative Word of God as found in the Bible is all too often a foreign concept in our society, and our teachers need to be aware of that fact as they teach.
Finally, the Bible teacher (as with all teachers) needs to establish and maintain an environment in the classroom which will allow and encourage students to ask questions openly and without fear. Many of our students may be woefully ignorant of Biblical teaching, and they should experience the classroom as a safe place to get questions answered. The teacher needs to do this by being honest, winsome, and loving as he/she deals with student questions and concerns, and by assuring students that their grade will not be affected adversely by sincere and honest questions and even disagreements.
(This is a portion of my current school's statement of philosophy dealing with the Bible curriculum.)