simplifying theology

[erin74]

Hi,

I was talking to dh about the big words thread I started, and it got me thinking about a few things.

I don't know about you guys but every church I have belonged to pretty much has been very middle class, with a lot of the people there being at the very least university graduates or students. It is something that we have struggled with - reaching those outside of the middle class, professional world. I think a lot of it is the complexity of the doctrine we have, and that we can't seem to communicate it in a simple way.

So - how do we teach our doctrine in a simple way, that doesn't confuse people who may not have the same educational level? Cause that is something that people have criticised our churches for - they don't understand what the bible studies are on about - and the sermons are difficult too. How do we teach the truths we know to be important in a way that is simple (not simplistic, but simple)?

anyone got any good experiences?

erin

 

[Jon_]

Hi,

I was talking to dh about the big words thread I started, and it got me thinking about a few things.

I don't know about you guys but every church I have belonged to pretty much has been very middle class, with a lot of the people there being at the very least university graduates or students. It is something that we have struggled with - reaching those outside of the middle class, professional world. I think a lot of it is the complexity of the doctrine we have, and that we can't seem to communicate it in a simple way.

So - how do we teach our doctrine in a simple way, that doesn't confuse people who may not have the same educational level? Cause that is something that people have criticised our churches for - they don't understand what the bible studies are on about - and the sermons are difficult too. How do we teach the truths we know to be important in a way that is simple (not simplistic, but simple)?

anyone got any good experiences?

erin

Sadly, my experiences have been pretty much the opposite. Most of the churches around here teach very little doctrine at all. Instead, they preach "touchy-feely" sermons that are intended to be non-offensive and make everyone feel good about themselves. There is nothing "feel good" to a sinner about, "repent or burn," nor should there be. Moreover, most of these churches are full of baby Christians still nursing milk, even after being converted for most of their lives.

But as to your problem, I think it really helps to get the doctrinal teaching down to the small group level. What is sooo important is that the teachers are evaluated extremely critcally. Again, most of the churches around here will sign up anyone that wants to be a small group leader and then send them to a two hour meeting before putting a dozen souls in their hands. I think that's the wrong way to shepherd God's children. But good, sound, blessed teachers who know biblical doctrine and how to apply it are wonderful. God uses men such as these bring his children to a greater understanding of him.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[5solas]

I suggest this title:

Sam Doherty, How to Teach Bible Doctrines to Children
Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc. - Specialized Book Ministry, November 1996

have a look here - you can perfectly use it for adults as well!




edit: just in case the other website cannot be reached
How to Teach Bible Doctrines to Children
By Sam Doherty
Published by the author. 193 pages. Available free of charge from the author at 53 Thornleigh Drive, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT28 2DA, Northern Ireland

edit again:
another recommendation:
Sinclair B. Ferguson
The Christian Life
The Banner of Truth Trust, Edinburgh EH12 6EL, U.K.
(Description: The Christian Life expounds such key biblical themes as grace, faith, repentance, new birth, and assurance with clarity and contagious enthusiasm.)

 

[Paleoconservatarian]

I'm with Jon. That description sounds like my church. I used to love the small groups (which were great for doctrinal teaching on all education levels, by the way), but now they've gone fluffy. We have small groups on the Prayer of Jabez and 40 Days of Purpose and *gulp* Dispy premill theology.

Still, I think small groups, and discipleship, are good ideas, and very profitable to those who find theology to be too complicated.

 

[ClementofRome]

Simplified Theology:

GOD RULES!

(not sort of, not partially, not whimsically, not cooperatively...but, absolutely/sovereignly)

 

[Rolf Ernst]

Hi,

I was talking to dh about the big words thread I started, and it got me thinking about a few things.

I don't know about you guys but every church I have belonged to pretty much has been very middle class, with a lot of the people there being at the very least university graduates or students. It is something that we have struggled with - reaching those outside of the middle class, professional world. I think a lot of it is the complexity of the doctrine we have, and that we can't seem to communicate it in a simple way.

So - how do we teach our doctrine in a simple way, that doesn't confuse people who may not have the same educational level? Cause that is something that people have criticised our churches for - they don't understand what the bible studies are on about - and the sermons are difficult too. How do we teach the truths we know to be important in a way that is simple (not simplistic, but simple)?

anyone got any good experiences?

erin

That is one big reason we should teach catechism.

 

[CoffeeSwirls]

That is one big reason we should teach catechism.

Speaking as someone who had never heard of a catechism until a year or two ago, I must say that I couldn't agree more. I have been stretched this year, going through the Heidelberg Catechism each Lord's day, and have seen certain topics that are generally assumed or glossed over in my experience. This is fundamental stuff that should not be taken for granted!

If some church distrusts a catechism as being extra biblical, that's their business, but they should at least look to them for subject matter that children need to understand. We waste so many years with children, having them color pictures and glue cotton to paper, then we wonder why they don't honor the Lord as soon as adolescence hits!

 

[Jon_]

That is one big reason we should teach catechism.

Big agreement here. I think catechal instruction should be the core of the discipling of new Christians. Once the catechism is completed, then the natural progression into systematic theology is much easier for them to make.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[erin74]

Ok - can someone explain to an anglican what this is, and how you do it.

You've got me thinking on teh kids bit. we are using excellent material at the moment, but as my class is 3 and 4 year olds, colouring in is still kinda acceptable - that's kinda how they are learning things at pre-school at this stage anyway! It's worked to teach my 3 year old simple memory verses - so that's good. Not sure what the older groups do - I've only just started teaching sunday school this year.

We are revamping our youth ministry though. Reading a book called "Youth Evangelism" by Ken Moser. He is questioning the funnel method of teaching basically. Why do we expect if we run games and stuff that that will get kids in and then they'll move to heavier bible study stuff and become christians. They never move on to the heavier stuff. If you offer them games, that's what they think you are on about. Too much to explain here though. But certainly has me rethinking how we do youth ministry.

But what about the adults.... tell me more on these classes.

 

[5solas]

You've got me thinking on teh kids bit. ......
But what about the adults.... tell me more on these classes.

It's a systematic theology with examples and questions and ideas how to prepare a lesson. The best thing would be to order the book, it's really great (very systematic, structured, God-centred etc.).

perhaps you could e-mail the Child-Evangelisation-Fellowship to get more information, possibly they have some *.pdf files?

I've got the book in German and it was recommended to me by a reformed pastor - and I was surprised by the quality of the book.

 

[erin74]

Do you mean by systematic theology aka biblical theology. As looking at the OT an NT, and how it is an unfolding revelation of God. eg following the promises to Abraham through the bible and seeing how they are fulfilled, same with the promises to David, etc, etc.

Cause not only do I love studying biblical theology, I would be very happy to find something that does this in a simple way. We have a childrens enhanced CD that does this - "the king, the snake, and the promise" EMU Music, but I haven't seen a lot that does it really well. If there was something that was aimed at adults but in simple language, without enormous amounts of reading it would be great to have a look at.

Generally I find anything on biblical/systematic theology is very wordy and off putting for people who are not good readers or have english as a second language, and are in english speaking chruches. It is a shame, because it shouldn't mean because someone isn't so eager to study a really long bible study or book, that they should have to suffer poor theology. Just because people are not intellecual should not mean that they are neglected in being taught good theology.

Why are so many churches with poor theology so full - not just because of empty promises I don't think, but because they are doing something right when it comes to communicating clearly. I think we have got something to learn, but we need to work out how to incorporate this with good theology.....

thoughts?

 

[5solas]

Do you mean by systematic theology aka biblical theology. As looking at the OT an NT, and how it is an unfolding revelation of God. eg following the promises to Abraham through the bible and seeing how they are fulfilled, same with the promises to David, etc, etc.........

thoughts?

Here you find an example how the book is structured (it's not Doherty's book, but his is structured in a similar way)

click here

 

[JJB]

Hi Erin,

The church I go to uses AWANA during the mid-week as a teaching tool. I have been a small group leader for several years. A big emphasis is put on games, but it has a two-fold purpose: 1. to burn energy 2. they're fun

I think there is value in the program in that it encourages bible memorization and brings in unchurched kids and parents. While kids are at AWANA, parents are in some kind of class: parenting, bible study, etc., etc.

God uses bible memorization greatly. The Puritans memorized whole books, persecuted Christians memorize as much as they can "just in case the Bible becomes banned", I'm sure there are other examples of people that memorize large passages of the Bible. God can help you to recall these verses in daily life so that you may walk in His path. And we believe it is the way to Hide God's word in our hearts (including children's hearts).

While I do have issues with the program overall it benefits whole families the way our church uses it. Our society pulls families apart by putting children in different grades, emphasizing extra curricular activities, homework and the like, that a place where a whole family can go and stay on campus at the same time is quite a blessing!

Sorry, if I am veering too far off topic but I noticed your church is revamping its youth ministry. THought I'd throw out some insights that our church has found successful and may help in furthering some ideas for your church. Not promoting AWANA per se, but things to consider: keeping families together, bible memory work, fun, burning off energy (kids have lots as you know)

 

[JJB]

I suggest this title:

Sam Doherty, How to Teach Bible Doctrines to Children
Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc. - Specialized Book Ministry, November 1996

have a look here - you can perfectly use it for adults as well!




edit: just in case the other website cannot be reached
How to Teach Bible Doctrines to Children
By Sam Doherty
Published by the author. 193 pages. Available free of charge from the author at 53 Thornleigh Drive, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT28 2DA, Northern Ireland

edit again:
another recommendation:
Sinclair B. Ferguson
The Christian Life
The Banner of Truth Trust, Edinburgh EH12 6EL, U.K.
(Description:The Christian Life expounds such key biblical themes as grace, faith, repentance, new birth, and assurance with clarity and contagious enthusiasm.)

5solas, thanks so much for the info on Mr. Doherty's book. I'm planning on ordering one. My to do list today includes a letter and trip to the PO. I tried to find it online to save him some postage, but was unsuccessful in my search.

Facing the teen years to come with our child, I look forward to using the book to, prayerfully, instill a deeper sense of following God in our own child.

 

[5solas]

5solas, thanks so much for the info on Mr. Doherty's book.

you are welcome

just in case the other website will be changed I save the short resume here:

Sam Doherty has over 40 years' experience of ministry to children with the Child Evangelism Fellowship. Now retired, he spends his time writing down systematic manuals for children's workers of which How to teach Bible doctrines to children is the third.
He writes with a passion for Bible doctrine, and a concern that too often our Sunday Schools and children's clubs are content to teach Bible stories with little idea of the concepts behind the stories. This book is for anyone involved in children's work who wants to know how to redress that. It would be an excellent place to start if you wanted to devise your own syllabus.
It is also a superb book of simply-taught systematic theology in its own right, breaking up all the main topics into manageable and teachable portions, cross-referencing Bible stories and giving ideas about the way into a teaching session.
At the back of the book is a list of questions for a self-examination on doctrine, e.g.: 'Give six reasons why you know the Bible is truly God's Word. Name the nine aspects or parts of the saving work of Jesus Christ. What are the four things which the Holy Spirit has done in the life of every believer?'. Are you convinced yet that you need this book?

 

[JJB]

http://www.cefbookministry.com/

Mr. Doherty's books can be mailed within the USA from the above site.