Adult Bible Class Myths: Class is for Class

Myth #3. Class is for class.

Some of my favorite classes weren’t classes at all.

For example,

• Two year ago, we had the classes bring brunch to celebrate the end of a very successful 40 Days of Purpose sequence. All we did during class was eat and talk. Many of us visited friends in other classes as well. We loved it! I wouldn’t want to do this every week, but it was a special opportunity for some of our newer, less-well-known members to meet and mingle and be brought into our community.
• Sometimes, I’ve led a class in a “business” meeting where we planned a year’s worth of social events, small group sessions, and such. We spurred one another on to good works, and students learned about being hospitable, all without a class.
• Occasionally, in times of tragedy, we call off class and pray. We don’t do this often enough. But it’s a valuable use of the time and togetherness.
• A friend of mine led a class for an entire quarter simply asking the students to tell their stories–to give testimony. The class grew and people were challenged, all the while being drawn closer together and to Jesus.
• I know a class that spent its entire time in writing notes to visitors–and the church grew because of it.

The Bible does not require that class be for class. We should take a moment now and then and consider how to be more flexible and creative in our use of class time. After all, especially among the older students, they’ve already studied Acts and their time could be better spent doing something else. More importantly, the different needs I mentioned in the previous post can often be better met in different formats.