Young evangelicals and teaching the Bible
Young evangelicals and teaching the Bible.
Teleios surveyed adolescents and millennials regarding their perceptions on what they define as teaching the Bible, and their own Bible teaching habits. The survey suggests that young evangelicals generally recognize the importance of verse-by-verse teaching to others and want to learn how to instruct others. Nonetheless, young evangelicals are often reticent to teach fearing they are not capable or are not able to answer questions.
Teleios Research recently surveyed adolescents and millennials regarding their perceptions on what they define as teaching the Bible, and their own Bible teaching habits. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 230 respondents the majority were: female (63%), <35 years old (86%), from the United States (68%), and evangelical (73%).
The results showed that about 27% of participants indicated they teach directly from the Bible at a pre-arranged time at least once a week. In contrast, 40% responded they never instruct others in scripture.
For those who do not teach at least once a week the most common reasons were: that they do not know enough scripture (42%); do not know how to teach (but would like to learn, 37%); or might make a mistake (34%). Interestingly, only 11% answered ‘they already teach once a week or more’ (in contrast to the 27% noted above when asked directly if they teach) indicating that there may be 16% (27% -11%) who perceive they teach when asked directly but then give reasons why they do not teach. This finding indicates some Christians might overestimate their frequency of teaching when asked directly.
For those who do teach at least once a week, their preferred method was verse by verse (32%). In addition, their favorite venue in which to instruct was in a small group, in person (27%); or one-on-one, in-person (19%).
Participants indicated that additional potential valid informal ways to teach scripture were: to write encouraging notes or letters (62%); strengthening others verbally with scripture verses (62%); and living a godly lifestyle (71%). However, 70% agreed that verse by verse teaching had more value than informal techniques.
In total, 81% of respondents said the Bible was completely true. In general, respondents had good wellbeing (4.5/6.0 with 6.0 being the best wellbeing). However, those who regularly train others in the Bible (4.8/6.0) reported better wellbeing than those who infrequently (4.1/6.0) or did not (4.4/6.0) teach the Bible (P= 0.003).
The survey suggests that young evangelicals generally recognize the importance of verse-by-verse teaching to others and want to learn how to instruct others. Those who teach experience better wellbeing than those who do not. Nonetheless, young evangelicals are often reticent to teach fearing they are not capable or are not able to answer questions. Further, some may overestimate how frequently they teach the Bible.
All the findings of the survey can be found here as well as other findings from Teleios Research are on our website.
WC Stewart, JA Stewart, LA Nelson
About Teleios – Teleios is a non-profit foundation that seeks to demonstrate the truth of scripture and the Christian faith through scientific methods by providing evidence for the positive results of a biblically-based lifestyle. Prior studies conducted by Teleios have shown that the practice of the Christian faith (praise, prayer, fellowship, service and Bible study) and security of salvation increases well-being while reducing guilt.
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How to Teach Scripture? A Biblical Explanation
Thank you for your interest and/or participation in Teleios surveys. Teleios’ most recent survey explored ways people teach scripture. There were 230 responses. Below are explanations of biblical importance.
The Bible only states that believers should instruct others regarding God’s word, such as in the following verses (KJV).
1Ti 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
1Ti 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
2Ti 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2Ti 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
These verses indicate a need for direct instruction of God’s commandments by the teacher to the student. The venue and how this is done is left to teacher in faith to perform as they determine best. Scripture does not limit who instructs others in the faith and the potential is given to all believers.
One critical point… We have found in a number of Teleios studies that people who teach scripture have better wellbeing!
In our experience in teaching one-on-one students almost all have been “churched” as young people. Yet their own knowledge of the Bible is limited generally to specific verses for which they have become familiar, poorly conceptualized theological truths, and some Old Testament “stories”. In our research most Christians simply read the text when they “study” scripture. Their knowledge is insufficient to help them navigate their lives spiritually or practically.
Most Christians need better Bible instruction!
We generally encourage the following in teaching other believers (our recommendation, not scripture):
- Arrange a predetermined time for which the student is responsible to attend physically or electronically.
- Start with a short initial commitment of about 4 weeks to determine if both parties like the arrangement.
- Provide a definite goal to the study so the student knows what to expect.
- Invite any student based on a predetermined assessment of their need for which the study goal should meet.
- Give a clear, non-ambiguous invitation to the student and describe how the study will help them.
- Teach directly from the Bible if able, as it is more efficient and powerful than videos or books about the Bible.
- Whatever the teaching arrangement allow time for the student to respond and ask questions so you can judge the student’s success and progress in the study. It is important to provide the student a chance to verbalize back to you the truths they learn.
- Students should display a responsible attitude, attending any session offered and perform any homework assigned (showing respect for your time).
- No teacher knows everything and it is okay to say “I do not know, but I can find out!”
Teaching is one of the great joys of the Christian life. It is critical to help those coming along behind you to enjoy success in their Christian walk.
Stay tuned for future survey results!
You can find the complete data for this survey here
Teleios Research Surveys Young Evangelicals About Teaching the Bible
GOOSE CREEK, SOUTH CAROLINA, USA, August 7, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ — Teleios Research recently surveyed adolescents and millennials regarding their perceptions on what they define as teaching the Bible, and their own Bible teaching habits. The survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 230 respondents the majority were: female (63%), <35 years old (86%), from the United States (68%), and evangelical (73%).
The results showed that about 27% of participants indicated they teach directly from the Bible at a pre-arranged time at least once a week. In contrast, 40% responded they never instruct others in scripture.
For those who do not teach at least once a week the most common reasons were: that they do not know enough scripture (42%); do not know how to teach (but would like to learn, 37%); or might make a mistake (34%). Interestingly, only 11% answered ‘they already teach once a week or more’ (in contrast to the 27% noted above when asked directly if they teach) indicating that there may be 16% (27% -11%) who perceive they teach when asked directly but then give reasons why they do not teach. This finding indicates some Christians might overestimate their frequency of teaching when asked directly.
For those who do teach at least once a week, their preferred method was verse by verse (32%). In addition, their favorite venue in which to instruct was in a small group, in person (27%); or one-on-one, in-person (19%).
Participants indicated that additional potential valid informal ways to teach scripture were: to write encouraging notes or letters (62%); strengthening others verbally with scripture verses (62%); and living a godly lifestyle (71%). However, 70% agreed that verse by verse teaching had more value than informal techniques.
In total, 81% of respondents said the Bible was completely true. In general, respondents had good wellbeing (4.5/6.0 with 6.0 being the best wellbeing). However, those who regularly train others in the Bible (4.8/6.0) reported better wellbeing than those who infrequently (4.1/6.0) or did not (4.4/6.0) teach the Bible (P= 0.003).
The survey suggests that young evangelicals generally recognize the importance of verse-by-verse teaching to others and want to learn how to instruct others. Those who teach experience better wellbeing than those who do not. Nonetheless, young evangelicals are often reticent to teach fearing they are not capable or are not able to answer questions. Further, some may overestimate how frequently they teach the Bible.
All the findings of the survey can be found on Survey Monkey as well as other findings from Teleios Research are on our website.
WC Stewart, JA Stewart, LA Nelson
About Teleios – Teleios is a non-profit foundation that seeks to demonstrate the truth of scripture and the Christian faith through scientific methods by providing evidence for the positive results of a biblically-based lifestyle. Prior studies conducted by Teleios have shown that the practice of the Christian faith (praise, prayer, fellowship, service and Bible study) and security of salvation increases well-being while reducing guilt.
Lindsay Nelson
Teleios Research
8439180201
