Five Keys for Building Classes that Reach Adults

Written by Richard E. Dodge

Reaching lost adults for Jesus and teaching them to grow spiritually can be as hard as trying to start a large boat motor with the pull rope: Close to impossible. Without the proper motivation, game plan, and spiritual charge, many classes spin their wheels with ineffective outreach and growth efforts.

Remember first that no one wants a teacher to succeed in leading a Bible study group that reaches lost adults more than God Himself. His Spirit is ready and able to empower every teacher - and other leaders and members for that matter - to succeed. Reaching unchurched people is an uphill battle, but skilled and informed teachers can become God’s instruments for reaching lost adults. Teachers need to develop several important characteristics and habits. 

Model flexibility. No teacher can be effective in teaching lost adults without a high level of flexibility and adaptability. Whether the class is held in the church or in someone’s home, remember that participants are not familiar with how most classes usually function. Be ready for anything. If you plan to reach young adults, for example, be prepared to accept the way they dress and speak. 

See the real picture. Reaching unchurched people requires a heart tuned to the true reality of being lost. Teachers who guide Bible study for lost adults must teach with dedication to assuring that each person will hear and see the gospel in clear and uncompromised ways. Teach the Bible with sensitivity to the person, but also with a compelling commitment to presenting the gospel for each person each week.

Teach with passion. Body language and verbal expression both contribute to the message we hear. In fact, with appropriate passion expressed in our teaching, learners can feel the passion and concern we have. Develop the ability to teach with passion and excitement. Learn how to use good gestures and verbal techniques in teaching.

Learn to be creative. Not far from passion is the ability to use creative teaching methods that address each learner’s preferred learning approach. Each of us prefers to process new information in different ways. Some like a verbal presentation while others like to learn through music. I prefer a visual method, but others prefer relational or group learning. Learn how participants prefer to process information - learn - and then develop skills that help you address those ways of learning.

Develop a team approach. Classes with only a teacher often struggle to survive, not because the teacher is not motivated, but because the teacher cannot do everything needed. Teachers key leaders who focus on outreach and ministry to help get the work done. Newcomers seldom want to be the only other person in the group.

God’s plan is and has been that lost people will come to Him through the efforts of those who already know Him. Our task as Sunday School leaders is to see lost people with the eyes of Jesus. He approached the multitudes in ways different from the religious leaders of His day. We cannot reach lost people unless we rethink how we reach, teach and lead them.

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