![]() The foundations of understanding Scripture in its context are well presented here. It looks to develop skills in handling the Bible, both personally and in the group. This is the longest chapter in the book and focuses upon the leader’s central task. Recognising the different stages and preferences for learning can assist the leader to engage all members of the group better and, hopefully, help the pragmatists not to get so frustrated with the theorists! Pragmatists are keen to get to the point where the ‘rubber hits the road’. They’re keen to draw everything together into coherent unity. Theorists are more into formulating explanations and developing principles. These people tend to take more time to come to their conclusions. They look for patterns, connections and explore things from different perspectives. Reflectors take more time to reflect and consider how things relate. Activists tend to focus on the challenge of something new and fresh. They show how people learn through stages, but also how individuals have a preference for particular stages of the cycle. Rod and Karen apply their understanding of adult learning principles and the adult learning cycle to enable leaders to suitably connect with the variety of people in their groups. The content of our teaching is so important that we must use the best possible methods to enable people to learn. This takes diligence in understanding the Scriptures and it also requires the leader to understand how people people learn and how we can assist people to learn. This will, in turn, shape all the other ministry in the group. ![]() The main task of the leader is seen to be helping people learn from the Bible. This will require leaders to focus on Christ, depend on the power of God’s Spirit, delve deeply into the Scriptures, pray humbly, teach in word and example, and call people to change in the light of God’s word. Leaders are not called primarily to impart their own wisdom, but to help the members of the group grow in their knowledge and love of God through studying the Bible. They must be Christians who trust in the saving work of the Lord Jesus. The assumption is that leaders are men and women seeking to know God and serve him in their role as leaders. While the book follows a logical sequence, any chapter can be dipped into at any stage. Leading Better Bible Studies outlines seven areas important areas for leadership development. Good small group leadership requires people to build biblically-shaped competence in a range of areas. This book is intended to assist leaders to ensure their groups are about helping people (i) grow in their relationships with God, (ii) become more like Jesus, and (iii) experience the joy of doing this in relationship with others.Ī strength of this book is its balance. There’s much more to Leading Better Bible Studies than teaching us how to lead better Bible studies, but the Bible is clearly central to the whole agenda. The authors draw together a wealth of material acquired through theological training, adult education study, and years of practical experience leading Bible study groups. Leading Better Bible Studies: Essential skills for effective small groups by Rod and Karen Morris is a compendium of valuable information on small groups ministry.
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