Concepts taught by the Teacher:

1. How to teach a class (format outlined above) %

2. Ways to interact with students.

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A. Let me ask you a question? How did Jesus teach? Was it always in plain words or did he use images to better convey a meaning? Did Jesus also ask questions when He taught? Think about it for a few seconds before responding.

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A good teacher helps the students come to the answer themselves. The teacher guides, by asking questions and by having the students turn to Bible passages to find answers. A good teacher does not lecture, he has the student discover the truths, through his guidance. Don't tell the students anything, that they can see for themselves. Guide them to the answers. 

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Walk them through the scriptures. Have the students answer their own questions by turning to Bible passages you give them. They learn more effectively by this method.

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Students are more likely to believe it, act upon it, and do it, when they learn it for themselves. 

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What does the Bible say?: 

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When they ask a Bible question, take the emphasis off of you. "Say that's a good question,  what does the Bible say?" And have them turn to a Bible passage that answers that question. When you do this you put the emphasis on God and His Word and off of yourself. You don't want the student to think that's the teacher's opinion. But that the details they learn are coming from the Bible's authority/God alone.

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Types of questions: 

(Source: Resources and Techniques for Evangelism - Tim Wilkes II)

a. When asked a "curiosity question," and you don't know, don't be afraid to say, I don't know. You can always get back to them later after you research the answer or get help from a Bible friend/teacher. You can always respond, "that's a great question, I don't know, let me get back to you on that." :)

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d. When asked an "important question," like what is the mark of the beast, but it is not pertinent to the material presently being conveyed...though it is Biblical it is irrelevant to the content being presented. You can say, something like this, "that's a great question, I'm glad you are interested in this topic, when we are done with this lesson material, let's study on that."

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e. When someone asks a "premature question." Examples: When someone asks, right off the bat, "do I need to be baptized," yet you have not covered, the Bible verses on Jesus' death/resurrection, the need for belief, repentance, and confession. Or they ask, "Are instruments in worship wrong?" When the class has not covered Bible authority and the end of the Old Law, (OT used instruments/NT does not), etc.  If certain elements are not covered first, they have no context for the one-word answers you will give. You can say “That is a good question let's see what the Bible says.” Then starting at the beginning, during that class or another class, you can go over (from the Bible) the foundational verses to help that person understand the questions that they are asking. Whenever answering a Bible question, have them turn in the Bible to the passage that has the answer to answer their own question for themselves.  

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3. Why ask for the "Salvation Story."

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A. Before sharing the Bible's teaching on salvation, you can ask the student to share their "salvation story."

You can have the student(s) write down how they were saved. Tell them to list everything they did for salvation. Where they were saved and when they were saved.

When they write one of your questions down, ask them to share that question with you and the class. After you've finished teaching the plan of salvation, you will know their "salvation" history. You'll know if they were sprinkled, baptized as a baby, had the Holy Spirit baptism, confessed their sins, said the sinner's prayer, etc.

I had a lady who said "I was baptized," after teaching her the plan of salvation. But I remembered before the lesson, she said she had prayed the sinner's prayer to be saved. Then was baptized 3 days later. I reminded her of what she said. I had her look at what she wrote, where it said she was saved by saying the sinner's prayer, then was baptized 3 days later. The lady recognized she was not saved. She was baptized for the right reason that very hour.

You can download the card here (WORD/PDF) to use with any salvation curriculum you want to use. The good part of doing a variety of lessons is that you can pick your favorite materials to use.

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4. The importance of grounding/inclusion/training

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A. Retention of new converts comes through grounding them weekly. Even up to 3 times a week is fine. A new Christian should be grounded in homes (also great for showing hospitality as well) or other social settings for at least 3 years, if possible. You, your preacher, or other evangelism team workers/teachers can help with this.

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B. Inclusion matters for retention, encourage the leaders at church to include new converts in worship or duties like helping with teaching kids, making the Lord's Supper bread, etc. Include them in spiritual activities outside of the church, like Bible studies, singing devotionals, etc. Include them in evangelism events, meetings, etc. Inclusion builds bonds and that leads to the 3rd point...

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C. Training, helps to cement their bonds as a group with the Lord's people. Being included in God's work helps them feel like they belong and are a part of something. When a new convert invests their time, energy, and emotions into His work, they are more likely to grow strong, than to grow weak and fall away. Train them to become teachers, to do evangelism events, to share Jesus, to be hospitable, to actively attend church, and help in spiritual work within and without worship.

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We will go over ways and scenarios to apply these concepts within this group. For more details on new convert mentorship please see my strategy page.