May 15, 2025
Teaching Sunday school or leading a Bible study is both a profound responsibility and an incredible privilege. On the one hand, you're speaking for God—teaching and explaining the deep truths of Scripture. On the other hand—you are speaking for God. That reality brings with it an overwhelming responsibility we must not take lightly, and an awesome honor we should gladly embrace.
Consider these questions: Why do you do it? What inspired you to become a Bible teacher? And perhaps most importantly—what evidence shows that your teaching is making a difference?
One of the primary reasons we teach is so others can learn. But how do we define successful Bible teaching and learning? Ask yourself: Can we truly say we’ve taught if our students haven’t genuinely learned? And can we say they’ve learned if their lives haven’t changed?
Here’s the core idea: Our purpose in Bible teaching should be transformation. Teaching the Bible isn't just about passing along information—it’s about nurturing life change. Transformational teaching goes beyond imparting knowledge; it seeks to affect learners at the heart level, helping them apply God’s Word to everyday life and grow in their relationship with Him. The evidence of effective teaching should be seen in the changed lives of our learners.
Transformational teachers foster spiritual growth, prioritize discipleship, and encourage personal application of Scripture. The Apostle Paul writes, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). This passage highlights both the authority and the purpose of God's Word. Transformational teaching doesn’t merely aim for behavior modification—it seeks a shift in belief that results in a transformed life. It’s a heart change that leads to life change.
This kind of teaching is a partnership with the Holy Spirit. God ultimately brings about transformation, touching the mind, will, and emotions. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword... discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” As learners are exposed to God’s living Word and as their hearts are opened by the Spirit, transformation begins. Though it’s ultimately God’s work, we play a vital role in the process. We must teach in a way that facilitates transformation and create environments that invite spiritual growth.
Discipleship requires a deep and personal investment in the lives of those you teach—one that extends beyond class sessions. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
Deep relationships are foundational to effective discipleship. When bonds of trust form, they create opportunities for accountability, encouragement, correction, and spiritual modeling. As these relationships deepen, your group will become a space for greater transparency and spiritual growth.
Shift Summary: Lead by example; discipleship starts with personal connection.
Without love and understanding, transformation is stifled. It’s often said, "People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." Colossians 3:12 instructs believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
As a Bible teacher, your interactions should reflect these qualities. Be attentive to your learners’ needs, encourage them during struggles, celebrate their victories, and create a safe environment where they can be real and open.
Shift Summary: Your compassion is the bridge to their transformation.
Alan Taylor, in Six Core Values of Sunday School, writes, “The Word of God is not a product we use on Sunday mornings; it is a power we allow to work in the hearts of our people.”
The Bible is the ultimate source of truth and direction. We must passionately proclaim its truth and present it as the supreme authority in all matters of life. Jesus taught with authority—so must we. While we are not divine, when we teach God's Word, we must do so with clarity, conviction, and confidence.
Shift Summary: Teach with authority because you speak God's truth.
Matthew 28:19-20 gives the church’s mission: make and multiply disciples. As a transformational teacher, the gospel must remain at the heart of all your teaching.
Always point your learners to the cross. Whatever the passage, draw a direct line to God's redemptive plan. Teach with urgency and clarity, and call your students to respond. The Bible is not a collection of disconnected stories—it’s one unified story of redemption.
Before you teach, ask: How does this text point to the gospel, and how will I call my learners to respond?
Shift Summary: Every lesson is an opportunity for gospel transformation.
Transformational teaching is not just about information—it's about inviting change. Jesus, Paul, and Peter all called for a response.
James exhorts, “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves…” (James 1:22-25). Every lesson should clearly highlight what the text calls us to do and offer learners a tangible opportunity to act on it.
Shift Summary: Faith without action is dead; teaching without response is incomplete.
Transformational teachers consistently reflect on their effectiveness. The best teachers are also the best learners.
Evaluate not just your methods, but the outcomes. Are lives truly being changed? Ask yourself:
Though it’s hard to let go of those you’ve invested in, multiplication is part of God's plan. New groups reach new people, develop new leaders, and create more opportunities for transformation. Growth is measured not just by who stays, but by who multiplies.
Ask yourself: If Jesus were leading your group, would He start a new one?
Shift Summary: Measure success by transformation, not attendance—evaluate growth, foster multiplication, and pursue spiritual impact.
Teaching the Bible is a high calling. It’s about more than sharing knowledge—it’s about making and multiplying disciples through transformational teaching. Reflect on these six shifts and craft a practical action plan. What will you do differently the next time you teach?
Looking to grow in transformational teaching?
Consider attending one of the six SPARK Conferences hosted by the Georgia Baptist Mission Board this August and September 2025. These dynamic events are designed to inspire and equip church leaders like you.
Explore conference dates and locations: thesparkconference.com/2025_dates
For personalized support, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Regional Discipleship Consultants—they’re ready and eager to assist you. https://gabaptist.org/ministries/discipleship/
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Matthew Gibbs is the regional discipleship consultant for East Central Georgia of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. He can be reached at matthewgibbs@gabaptist.org.
