Tools for the Teacher's Soul

If your Bible study classes or groups break for the summer, now is a good time to be thinking about your personal devleopment as a teacher or leader. Summer breaks provide a great opportunity to foster your own growth and development apart from preparing for next fall.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking about what you might work on over the summer. I've used most of these in trainings with Bible study teachers or have used them for my own study and can recommend them all. I've grouped these suggested resources by type or subject area. Enjoy!


RESOURCES FOR SKILL TRAINING:

• Speaking with Bold Assurance by Bert Decker (book or audio tape series)
• A Pebble in the Pond: The Ripple Effect; Leadership Skills Every Woman Can Achieve by Julie Baker (book)
• Communicating with Bold Assurance (Video training series) by Bert Decker
• The Seven Laws of the Learner by Bruce Wilkinson (book or video training)
• Teaching to Change Lives by Howard Hendricks (book)
• Speak Up with Confidence by Carol Kent (book)

BOOK RESOURCES FOR BIBLE SURVEY AND OVERALL BIBLE UNDERSTANDING:

• Understanding the Bible by John Stott
• 30 Days to Understanding the Bible in 15 Minutes a Day! by Max Anders
• 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders
• What's in the Bible: A One-Volume Guide to God's Word by R.C. Sproul and Robert Wolgemuth
• Learn the Bible in 24 Hours by Dr. Chuck Missler

BOOK RESOURCES FOR BIBLE STUDY METHODS:

• Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks
• Personal Bible Study Methods by Rick Warren
• The Navigators Bible Studies Handbook
• Discipleship Journal's Best Bible Study Methods
• How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur

BOOK RESOURCES FOR RENEWAL:

• The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
• The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer
• Be Still My Soul: Resting in The Greatness of God and His Love for You by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
• The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life by Os Guinness
• Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
• Humilty by Andrew Murray
• Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
• Prayer by Ole Hallesby
• Christ's Call to Discipleship by James Montgomery Boice

I suspect that's enough to get you started. In later posts I'll list resources for doctrinal development, personal devotions, and other topics of interest.

I hope you'll take time this summer to allow God to renew your soul and to increase your knowledge and understanding.

'Til next time,

Joan