TEACH is designed for those teaching medium to large groups, typically from a standing position. This approach is an adaptation of the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) format, focusing on deepening understanding and engagement through multiple layers of asking key questions and providing answers. and answers. See the Steps and sample below.
STEP 1: ASK AND ANSWER TWO PRIMARY QUESTIONS
Choose a Passage: Select a passage and ask: "What does this passage reveal about God?" and "What does this passage reveal about people?" The goal is to understand God's insights about Himself and humanity. If your audience is disciple making movement (DMM) practitioners, you might ask, "What does this passage say about making disciples?"
Focus on Significant Terms: For instance, in Luke 7:36-50, concentrate on the nature and scope of forgiveness in Luke 7:47: "I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven..."
Construct a Principle or Timeless Truth from the answers: Sometimes the text is already in principle form, like John 3:16: "God loves the world." At other times, rephrase it to derive a principle, such as from Luke 7:47: "Jesus offers forgiveness for all our sins, regardless of their extent or quantity."
STEP 2: DEVELOP FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
Select Answers to Explore: Choose two or three answers from Step 1 for further exploration.
Use Effective Question Starters:
- What: Clarifies and leads to further questions.
- Why: Reveals rationale; vital in a Western-based culture.
- How: Provides examples or strategies.
- When/Where: Focuses on time and location.
- Who: Highlights individuals involved.
Craft Follow-Up Questions: Address the most obvious inquiries listeners might have. For example, from Luke 7:47: "Why is it important to understand that Jesus forgives our sins regardless of their extent or quantity?"
Follow the "ten-second" rule for formulating questions. If it takes longer, move on. Avoid yes-or-no questions to encourage deeper discussion. If they are used, ask for an explanation.
STEP 3: ANSWER FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
This is the heart of the message. Thoughtful answers to engaging questions capture interest, enhance understanding, and inspire commitment. The Holy Spirit uses these discussions to generate belief, prompt obedience and tigger disciple making.
Extract Answers from the Passage: Use the text from the passage for answers before moving to broader Scripture. For example, restate the above question as, "What does the passage say about why it is important to know Jesus forgives our sins regardless of their extent or quantity?" Answers might include:
- It liberates those enslaved by their sins (Luke 7:38).
- Jesus forgives even the most shameful sins (Luke 7:39).
- Once forgiven, we experience genuine peace (Luke 7:50).
Illustrate Answers with Examples: Use diverse examples from personal experiences, everyday situations, and the Bible. Avoid over-reliance on personal anecdotes from your family.
Maintain a Conversational Tone: Engage the audience through dialogue, rhetorical questions, and interactive discussions. For example: "I'd like to share three reasons why it's important that we know Jesus forgives our sins regardless of their extent or quantity."
STEP 4: CONCLUSION
Prompt a Response: Ask, "In light of what you've just learned, what does God want you to do?" Provide space for participants to document their response, whether on paper or a personal device, and encourage them to express their responses as an "I will..." statement.
Follow-Up: In the next meeting, collect updates on participants' "I will..." commitments from the previous session. Depending on the group size, use different methods to share these reports, such as open mic sessions, reading prepared statements, conducting interviews, or presenting videos.
SAMPLE
Read Mark 2:1-12
What does this passage say about God and man?
Answer: People can powerfully experience Jesus Christ in homes. Mark 2:1-2
Answer: Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. Mark 2:5
Answer: Jesus placed a greater priority on forgiveness than healing. Mark 2:5
I will...
Based on what you experienced, how does God want you to respond this week? What should you do and/or who should you tell? Encourage the listeners to write down their personal act of obedience in response to the message. Ask for responses the following week.
Answer: People can powerfully experience Jesus Christ in homes. Mark 2:1-2
- Follow Up Question: Why is home-based ministry so important?
- Follow Up Answers: List three reasons why home based ministry is so vital.
- Illustration: Enlist someone to talk about the impact of home based ministry.
- Follow Up Question: Why does God involve believers in the process of our salvation?
- Follow Up Answers: List three reasons people are involved in the salvation process?
- Illustration: Describe the role others played in your salvation.
- Follow Up Question: Why is it so important to allow Jesus to interrupt us?
- Follow Up Answers: List three reasons why it is so important to let God interrupt us?
- Illustration: Read Acts 16:13-15
Answer: Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. Mark 2:5
- Follow Up Question: Why is it important to allow Jesus to forgive our sins?
- Follow Up Answers: List several reasons.
- Illustration: Read Psalm 32:1-5 or have someone give their testimony.
Answer: Jesus placed a greater priority on forgiveness than healing. Mark 2:5
- Follow Up Question: Why would Jesus place a greater priority on forgiveness than healing?
- Follow Up Answers: List three reasons why this might be so.
- Illustration: Share a time when you saw God forgive without healing.
- Follow Up Question: How does Jesus prove his identity today?
- Follow Up Answer: State three ways Jesus proves his identity to people today?
- Illustration: Tell how Jesus proved his identity to you.
- Follow Up Question: Why is it so important to be amazed by Jesus on a regular basis?
- Follow Up Answers: Give three why it's imperative to be amazed by Jesus regularly.
- Illustration: Do a word search on the term "amazed" in connection with Jesus on Bible Gateway and share a couple of relevant Scriptures.
I will...
Based on what you experienced, how does God want you to respond this week? What should you do and/or who should you tell? Encourage the listeners to write down their personal act of obedience in response to the message. Ask for responses the following week.