Why Doesn't My Teaching Connect With My Men?

from Pat Morley

Volume 182
May 29, 2006

QUESTION: Pat, I teach the Bible. I know that my content is good and orthodox, but I don't seem to be connecting with my men. Any suggestions?

ANSWER: There are four areas you may want to consider...

First, you may not be "arresting attention" very well. You need to exegete (if you need to, look it up) your men as well as your text. Ask yourself, "What are the real problems my men are wrestling with that this text addresses?" Arrest their attention by first proving to them, "I know what you're going through," then tell them, "Today's text will show you how to deal with that problem." Create some tension at the beginning.create gravity.let me feel the weight of an unsolved problem. In fact, make me want to scream, "Okay, what can I do?".then tell me how this message will address the issue you have made me "feel."

Second, you may not be creating enough "application." Teachers and preachers frequently present too much history and theology, not enough application. From the very start (and this syncs with arresting attention), show your men how this applies to their lives. I already know that Jesus died for my sins, show me how this text will make a difference on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. when the phones are ringing and the customers are complaining. Give me more "news I can use." It's the So what? issue. You can triple your impact by addressing the So what? from your very first sentence.it is central to arresting-and keeping-attention. Do not tolerate people fidgeting in their seats-do this by keeping their attention through alternating between humor, insight, emotion, and stories.

Third, make a single point. What is the one thing you hope they will remember on Tuesday?

Fourth, make a weekly preparation outline. This will help you ask the right questions when you prepare each week.

Want more? I've written two articles How To Prepare a Dynamic Men's Bible Message which you can find at: http://www.maninthemirror.org/alm/alm127.htm and http://www.maninthemirror.org/alm/alm128.htm.

To God be the glory for the great things He has done and continues to do!

Pat Morley

Each week, Pat shares biblical insight and encouragement on leading issues impacting men on Man2Man Express with Brian Doyle and David Beguerie. Click here to listen to Pat's latest broadcast.