Why Not Play in Adult Bible Study?

Note: That’s why not PLAY in Adult Bible study not PRAY.

🙂

I’ve been teaching adult Bible study since I graduated from college in the Dark Ages.

I taught classes in six different states with many different women.

Some weeks we studied difficult subjects (marriage, parenthood, submission, the book of Revelation).

We cried together, argued with each other, and struggled to make sense of the text.

All good.

God himself said, “Come now, let us reason together.”

So we have.

It’s been terrific–no matter who studied with me.

But Play in Adult Bible study?

Why not?

God has a sense of humor.

For the last twenty years, I’ve taught a group of women older than I am.

Many have followed the Lord longer than I’ve been alive.

What I could possibly share or point out they haven’t read or learned about before?

Well, the Word of God is new every morning, and as a living document, enables us to see new truths every time we read it.

My motto? Why not enjoy the experience?

So, while I’ve remained true to the Gospel, from time to time I’ve incorporated fun.

Sometimes to underscore my point, other times just to celebrate them.

(We’re Lutherans, we always enjoy a good potluck).

One Valentine’s Day, I announced my husband was buying everyone a drink from Starbucks.

My reasoning?

Valentine’s Day really is for teenagers, but why not enjoy it with women who were once teenagers?

You can read about their reactions–from 2002–here.

Why not start with a fun–but true– video?

I love Bible Project videos for their ability to provide an easy-to-enjoy overview of Biblical books, ideas, and principles.

I show overviews of the book on the first day of a new Bible study.

We laugh at some of their points, but also begin to grasp what’s really going on from a new perspective.

Why remain seated if you can play in adult Bible study?

We read about the walls of Jericho tumbling down one Tuesday morning.

I saw this as a prime opportunity to play in adult Bible study and teach from a different angle.

(Remember learning styles?)

You can read details of the story here in Joshua 6:9-16.

Basically, after crossing into the Promised Land, the Israelites caused the walls of Jericho to “come a tumblin’ down.”

Several women in the study that year used walkers.

“Okay,” I said. “Everyone up. Grab your walkers. We’re going to march around our tables seven times.”

I led the way, pretending to play the trumpet.

They laughed, but followed after, silent for the first six times.

On trip seven, everyone marched until the last woman finished her lap.

Then we all shouted, “The Lord has given us the city!”

And laughed, and laughed, and laughed.

I’ve never forgotten the story–and neither have they!

Playing, or is that praying, the Armor of God?

Several weeks ago, we reached the Ephesians 6:10-17 passage about the Armor of God.

I have been praying that passage over myself daily for months, and I talked about it.

But also wanted to make it fun. Who hasn’t heard about this?

I suggested dressing up in pieces of armor if you had them.

(And promptly forgot about it).

I searched Pinterest, hunting for a female wearing the armor of God.

(Do you know how hard that was? With one exception, it’s all men in armor with the correct notations!)

I put together a coloring page to pass out. (But forgot to get the Sunday school crayons!).

It was a day full of distractions, I forgot to bring our sword, but I’ve got fun women in my class.

One of my students dressed up.

How does she look to you?

Would you like to play in adult Bible study?

What would work on whatever you’re currently studying?

We’ve moved on to Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

Dreams, flying scrolls, olive trees?

I’m putting on my helmet of salvation and thinking about how to make the study fun.

Tweetables

Creating ways to play in adult Bible study. Click to Tweet

Why not incorporate laughter and fun in adult Bible study? Click to Tweet