In teaching College bible study with anywhere from 5 - 60 students depending on the sunday, if school is in, who is dating who, etc.... it is sometimes difficult to do a progressive bible study. One thing that I have learned is that not everyone has to be present for the study to be considered a "success". This mindset of mine is different now than it was previously.
Ideally, every person would be present for the length of a study and every person would also read outside material to bring into Sunday morning to enrich the conversation. Well, the ideal world is not the real world. Instead, the teacher should change their mindset of how to work with the series around the individuals who are present. So without further hesitation, I present to you the unofficial list of necessary items and mindsets for a successful teaching series in college ministry:
- Brining donuts (or fruit for the health nuts) helps to get sugar in the young minds. This sugar turns into talking, which is always good on a rainy sunday morning!
- The series is not about recapping each week and moving on. Each week should present a take-a-way point that a first-time, nonbeliever AND the every-week, believer can chew on for 6 more days.
- The series should not build over time until the grand finale at the end of the time. Every week should have a climatic aspect that engages the students, promotes interaction, and sometimes challenges thoughts and beliefs to make each individual stronger.
That's it! Simple right? haha. The hard part is not the college students. The hard part is putting yourself into perspective each week, every day while studying the lesson to ensure that God is in control. Do not be prideful. Do not worry about reactions or interactions. Cast your worries upon the Lord and make the time as fun as physically possible!
