The Equipping Ministry, Student Workbook, SW15

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T H E E Q U I P P I N G M I N I S T R Y

2. Use the Scriptures as an opportunity to worship and acknowledge God’s sovereign direction.

3. Don’t miss a wonderful teaching as an opportunity to praise God for his veracity and truth, Rom. 11.33-36.

A Holy Nuisance: Stirring Up a Revolt of the Laity

D. Keep it simple–have them take home a “doggie bag.”

Nonprofessional ministers in the gathered church must insist that the life, teaching and training of the church should be directed toward the marketplace, home and society rather than to the church. “The first duty of the layman in his local church,” say Gibbs and Martin, “is to be a nuisance ... in asking questions: ‘Why do we do this or that in church?’ “ These authors develop this idea of a holy nuisance further. The generally accepted idea that the life and activities of a congregation revolve around the minister and that it is he who determines what the members do and think has to be overturned.... This revolt can be carried out only by the laity. ~ Ibid. p. 16.

1. Encourage them to keep the dialogue going: with God, with others, with themselves.

2. Encourage students to memorize the Scriptures connected to the teaching.

3. Communicate through interaction and dialogue; view teaching as a conversation that explores the dimensions, outlines, and beauty of the truth of God and his will.

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IV. Practical Suggestions for Your Lesson Design

A. Build your entire lesson around a single lesson aim (“residual message”), and connect all that is said and done to that single message.

B. Outline your ideas; decide what you want to say and in what order you want to say it.

C. Be open to communicate in new ways; use images, stories, symbols, and drama to enhance your teaching.