Dialogue: Key to Adult Education

I had been struggling for many years attempting to find a meaningful way to engage adults in Bible study. The tried and true methods of biblical interpretation under the supervision of the “knowledgeable” authority (minister) just didn’t inspire the folks. Perhaps a few wanted to know “about Jesus” , but  most yearned to know more of “what Jesus was about.”  It dawned on me that participants were seeking ways to engage with the gospels, not just hear about them; they wanted to know what difference the scriptures made in their lives in their time and in their place.  As a consequence, I quickly learned the magic tool of learning engagement – Dialogue. Adults don’t want to admit that they don’t know something. Rather , they are at their best when they can offer and opinion, strike a resolution, share an experience or describe an encounter. All of these kinds of responses     are  ferreted out through encouraging dialogue. Suggestions: Don’t focus on teaching adults what’s in the gospels; rather ask them how the gospels impact their lives.