Getting More from Your Current Lessons: How to Help Your Teachers Use Supplements

Your Teachers Already Have the Right Materials-Now What?

If your church uses Bible Studies for Life or Explore the Bible, you're in good company. These Lifeway resources are trusted, familiar, and often included in the church's annual planning and budget. But having the right curriculum doesn't guarantee great teaching - or even consistent use.

As a church leader, you might find yourself asking:

• Why do some teachers stick to the book while others barely crack it open?

• How can I help them get more out of what we're already providing?

• Is there a way to support both experienced and newer teachers without adding to their workload?

This post is designed to help you answer those questions.

Why Some Teachers Struggle with Curriculum

Even solid materials like Lifeway's Bible Studies for Life or Explore the Bible can be underused if teachers:

• Don't feel confident leading discussion

• Prefer to "wing it" or reuse old lessons

• Feel overwhelmed by commentary-heavy guides

• Aren't sure how to adapt the content to their group

That's not a failure of the material - or the teacher. It's an opportunity for encouragement and support.

Tip 1: Start with Conversations, Not Criticism

You don't have to launch a formal training initiative to make progress. Instead, check in with a few of your lead teachers. Ask:

• What parts of the materials are most helpful?

• Where do you usually start when preparing?

• What makes some lessons easier - or harder - to teach?

Often, just talking through the materials together opens doors to better use and deeper engagement.

Tip 2: Show Them the Power of Questions

Lifeway lessons are designed with strong content - but sometimes teachers miss the chance to make them truly interactive. That's where a question-based approach comes in. Encouraging teachers to lead with open-ended questions - especially early in the lesson - can:

• Get more people talking

• Help shy members feel comfortable contributing

• Drive home the spiritual applications of the passage

A simple adjustment in teaching style can breathe new life into a familiar format.

Tip 3: Use Supplemental Tools That Work with your current materials

If your teachers want more help creating conversation-based lessons, you don't have to build something from scratch.

At StevesBibleQuestions.com, our weekly discussion guides:

• Align with Lifeway scripture passages for both major curriculum lessons: Explore the Bible and Bible Studies for Life.

• Offer open-ended questions designed for adults

• Require minimal prep while encouraging deeper thought

These Worksheets aren't a replacement for Lifeway - they're a supplement. Something that helps your teachers get more out of what they're already teaching.

Tip 4: Celebrate What's Working

When a teacher tries something new and sees results, celebrate it. Highlight the change in a staff meeting or ministry email:

"I asked one question from the handout, and we ended up in 25 minutes of great discussion."

Sharing these moments builds momentum and shows others what's possible.

Tip 5: Equip Without Overloading

No teacher wants to be buried in resources or assignments. But a well-timed handout, one-page summary, or simple worksheet can make all the difference. Here's what we suggest:

• Offer a quick "starter" resource each quarter

• Suggest one optional follow-up idea a month

• Provide encouragement that focuses on outcomes, not compliance

It's about offering support, not pressure.

Conclusion: Partner with Your Teachers

Most of your adult Bible teachers want to serve well. They want to lead faithful, engaging lessons that help people grow. But they may need a nudge - or a new tool - to make the most of what they already have.

When you approach the conversation with encouragement and practical help, you strengthen your whole adult discipleship ministry.

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Sample Worksheet