RBP Adult Ministries

Be Your Best

abauman — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:09:53 +0000

Every year an Iowa newspaper hosts a bike ride, RAGBRAI, across the state. While a pastor in Iowa, I chose to take part in RAGBRAI with a group from our church. Our purpose was to make the trek and share the gospel. I could get away for only one day, so I chose the day with the shortest route: sixty miles. (more…)

Preparation Should Not Prevent Sponteneity

abauman — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:56:53 +0000

Some years ago my family and I visited a theme park for a day of fun. From my view, we would gain the maximum fun by following a prescribed and strategic plan aided by a map and a schedule. It was a good plan. (more…)

No Such Thing as a Stupid Question?

abauman — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:15:01 +0000

“When is your baby due?” Have you ever asked that question only to deeply regret it moments later? My wife and I have made it a point never to ask a seemingly expectant mother when her baby is due. Everyone is embarrassed when the “mother-to-be” replies that the baby is now at home with Dad. (more…)

Moving Truth into Daily Life

abauman — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:14:33 +0000

“How did it go this morning?” Jeremy’s wife, Alice, asked as they sat in the church auditorium after Sunday School.

“I think I did fine,” Jeremy responded. “The class seemed interested in the topic. But I still struggle with challenging the learners to practice Bible truths. I have trouble connecting the truth of God’s Word to their day-to-day lives.” (more…)

They Didn’t Get It!

abauman — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:08:45 +0000

Every teacher has experienced the frustration of sensing that his or her learners didn’t get it. That is, they either failed to connect with the lesson at all, or they disconnected from the lesson sometime during the study. In either case, the caring teacher wonders, What happened? What went wrong? Why didn’t my learners get the lesson?

(more…)

PowerPoint: The Sunday School Power Tool

abauman — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:21:58 +0000

Tools are great! They make difficult jobs simpler, and using them usually results in a much better product. The key is being comfortable enough to use the tools. Power tools aren’t just for woodworking and building anymore. Even in a Sunday School classroom, “power tools” can help a leader communicate Bible truths more effectively.

What to Do When YOU Are That Rock in a Hard Place

abauman — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:01:01 +0000

The honest teacher may need to face the reality that he or she, not his or her learners, is the “rock” causing the teaching to be a hard place. Teachers, like learners, can have a cold countenance, callused heart, closed mind, or critical spirit. In this case, learners suffer the most, but the teacher suffers too. (more…)

Teaching in a Hard Place

abauman — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:05:49 +0000

Many regions of the U.S. are beautiful to live in (especially during the fall season), but gardening is sometimes difficult in even the most magnificent areas. The ground often seems to have more rocks than soil in it! Every push of the shovel is met with a sudden stop against a rock. Do you ever find yourself spending more time picking rocks than planting seeds? (more…)

18 Tips to Avoid Teacher Burnout

abauman — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:43:03 +0000

1. Attend an Impact Teaching Seminar. Learn how to be a more effective teacher and “ignite your passion” for ministry. (more…)

Six Bs That Increase Creativity

abauman — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:28:23 +0000

Some teachers seem to be naturally creative. With no apparent effort they regularly stun the rest of us with their ideas, solutions, and the neat things they make. Indeed, God has blessed some people with creative talent. (more…)