In today’s multicultural, get-anything-you-want world, one might pose the question, "why
teach the basics?" Once a person has become a believer, can they make it on
their own simply by going to Christian meetings and reading their Bibles? Or, if you have
led someone to Christ, is simply going through some initial follow up and plugging them in
somewhere, enough?
The answer to these questions is sometimes yes and sometimes no,
depending on the person and what kind of ministry they get involved in. While felt needs
and emotional needs simply cannot be ignored, neither can the firm foundation of basic
teaching in an individual’s life.
The Apostle Paul seemed to have a good idea of the "basics" when he encouraged
the Hebrews to "leave the elementary teaching about the Christ and press on to
maturity." If students are press on to maturity in Christ, they must know the basics
inside out. It is unwise to just assume that they have a firm grasp of these fundamental
truths.Why have you chosen this curriculum over others?
While we all learn in different ways and have various needs, there are some basic truths
which need to be communicated to every "newborn" Christian. Some may argue that
it really does not matter how or when you communicate these truths, as long as you
communicate them. I have personally followed that approach for several years and found
that while kids seem to grasp some things well, many times they will have no idea or are
essentially confused on the basic essential truths of their faith. This observation,
coupled with the fact that we only have a limited amount of time to impart spiritual truth
in teenagers' lives, caused me to ask a couple of key questions. Three questions came to
mind:
- What would be the best material to teach them?
- What would be the best way to communicate these truths?
- What would I want my disciple to know after having spent one year with me in Bible
study?
In answering the first question, I began to look at other materials used by other youth
organizations and found many similarities in what I call the "Basics." In each
of the teaching curriculum I analyzed, certain basic truths were emphasized as being
essential to lay good groundwork in a new believer’s life.
Having made this observation, I composed a list of essentials which, if taught
properly, should lay a solid foundation in any teenager's life. These lessons are meant to
simply to get all the building blocks in place so that in later years, an in-depth study
and relationship with God can be formed. Obviously, I do not claim to have the perfect or
exhaustive list on which truths to teach, but I think my list is pretty thorough.
In some individual cases, a discipler may need to teach other more pertinent and timely
topics. Also, because every group is different, the amount of time spent on each lesson or
subject will differ. However, if you stick to this plan and communicate these basic
truths, you will have equipped your students for a lifetime of getting to know God.
I concur with the Apostle Paul that each man should be careful how he builds upon the
foundation of Jesus in each believer’s life (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). We have
accountability before God as to what we teach and how we teach and model our faith.
Understanding the one-page format
After much trial and error, I have discovered that a one-page format for Bible study has
been quite effective. It is not nearly as intimidating to new believers when they see that
the study only consists of one page. In addition, the material can be easily transferable
and passed down to be taught again.
Getting away from the materials-only approach to discipleship
It is very tempting to think, "If I get my group through this material, then they
will be discipled." However, that is an erroneous assumption. Discipleship requires
personal relationships and flexibility and can only be individually tailored to meet
individual people. No matter how good the material you teach or how knowledgeable and
gifted you may be, you will never be discipling someone by simply teaching a Bible study.
You must be able to personalize the program and answer questions which are not included
and meet needs no one can anticipate. Just as Jesus was personally involved in each of his
disciples’ lives, so we must go the extra mile in our teaching through personal
relationships.
Realizing this will cause you to see that these
lessons are only a tool to use in your discipling. They should never be a substitute for
spending time with the person or group of people and letting them see your Christian faith
in action.
Our goal should be to present every one of our students complete in Christ (Colossians
1:28) and while that may not be attainable in high school, we can certainly get them
started on the right track. No doubt they will learn more in-depth apologetics, topical
studies, and practical ministry training through a wide variety of sources. However, as
with any work, the success and height of the structure will be determined by the
foundation. Might we excel in becoming a master foundation layer in our students’
lives.
by Steve Huerd
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