Ideas
for Forming Small Groups
Several key
learning goals can be addressed through the use of small groups
during Bible study classes. Students will enjoy Bible study and
retain what they learn if they actively participate in reading,
interpreting and applying Scripture to their personal lives. Interactive,
small-group activities are the keys to solid and interesting study
times. Even shy students will read aloud, answer questions or take
a part in role- playing if the group is no larger than six people.
Varying the make-up of groups will broaden the relationship base
within the class by placing individual students with less familiar
people.
Normally, young
teens operate within fairly consistent and static groupings. A few
individuals may flow between two or three sets of friends. Most,
however, prefer to stay with their friends. Every young person can
and will relate to a wider base of people if the leader sets up
non-threatening criteria for dividing the large group into smaller,
random sets. Try some of these ideas.
1. Have class
members arrange themselves in order of their birthdays or by the
first letter of their first name. Count off by the number of groups
you want to create. Have all the “ones” in a group,
the “twos” in another, etc.
2. Hand out
different flavors of gum, colored hard candy, or names of animals.
Have everyone join the others with the same flavor, color or name
to form a group.
3. Form groups
based on which school they attend. Be sure to include a home-school
group if you have kids who do not attend a traditional school.
4. Place pictures
of classic cars or cool bicycles in different areas of the classroom.
Ask the students to gather under the one they like most or least.
5. Divide the
class according to clothing or physical characteristics. Everyone
having similar slacks or jeans form a group. Other groupings could
be based on types of shoes, color of eyes, height, etc.
6. Use the topic
of the lesson to suggest groups. Place placards on the wall that
indicate some sort of choice that relates to the topic of the lesson.
For example, the lesson is on spiritual gifts, place each one in
the list on separate pieces of paper and tape them in different
areas of the classroom. Ask the students to stand under the one
they like or dislike most.
"Defining
a Biblical Worldview"
In
their January 12, 2004 bi-weekly newsletter, the Barna Research
group reported that fewer than 10% of Christians who claim to
be born again possess a truly biblical worldview. The research
questioned participants about their beliefs concerning such things
as morality, the inspiration and accuracy of Scripture, the sinless
nature of Jesus, the attributes of God, and salvation by grace.
An astonishingly low number of those who identify themselves
as evangelical or fundamental Christians do not hold to the clear
teaching of God’s Word on these critical areas.
In
our recent Unit of Study, NewWineskin Publications addresses
this critical situation. We developed a lesson on each of the
topics included in the Barna poll. Each study provides the biblical
texts and discussion questions needed to discover what the Bible
teaches. It takes the students through active learning processes
that result in their stating in their own words what the Bible
has to say on each topic.
In
keeping with the learning philosophy of NWS, these materials
involve students in reading, interpreting and applying Scripture
to the practical issues and situations they face at home and
school.
Biblical
World View Click
on this link for more information, the price for this unit
of study, or to place an order. |