I found a great post that could refine your approach to teaching. One of the admonitions in Scripture is to "speak the truth in love." Love is NEVER abstract or theoretical--It is always personal. When we attempt to communicate the Truth of God's Word without allowing it to impact us personally and sharing how it has impacted us, we just may be guilty of speaking the truth without love.
What do you think about these thoughts from another Christian communicator and leader? His original thoughts were focused on "preaching" but I have changed them to "teaching." I especially like his reference to the "authentic-meter."
Every year, I personally mentor a handful of young speakers. Most of the speakers I work with don’t struggle with researching the text, teaching creatively, building meaningful outlines, or pointing people toward the gospel. Most of the communicators I see struggle to bring all of themselves to a message.
When you preach or teach, you must bring you. Without you in, around, and through the message, you will not impact today’s listener.
The younger audience today has a built in authentic-meter. You can teach with passion, humor, clever points, or heart-wrenching stories. But if the scriptures haven’t touched your life, the listener will know it—and ignore your well-crafted message.
People want to know:
- How has the text affected you?
- How have you failed in the area(s) the Scripture addresses?
- What about the text makes you uncomfortable?
- What do you feel about what scripture is saying? (I know our feelings don’t trump scriptural truth, but talking about how we feel about the text can help engage others to listen at a deeper level.)
- How are you becoming different because of your study in God’s word?
Authentic and Transparent Communication at LifeChurch.tv : swerve
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