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. If we followed it, we would miss no ride or attraction, meals would fall at just the right time and in the best location (and for the right price too), and the day would end with a tired but happy family, thankful to God for the wonderful day and celebrating their father for devising an efficient and effective plan for fun.

Well, not halfway down Main Street my plan fell under serious attack!

“Daddy, let’s go here first.” “Daddy, can I have. . . .” “Daddy, I have to go. . . .”

The strength of those requests quickly revealed that my good plan, so carefully and lovingly prepared, had not allowed for any changes, substitutions, or diversions. It emphasized efficiency over effectiveness—over fun. As I had envisioned it, the plan practically guaranteed a day of fun! However, as seen in the eyes of my family, the plan practically guaranteed frustration and even resentment—and very little fun. It involved too much planning and too little room for spontaneity.

Thankfully reason (in the form of my family) won over efficiency. We drained the plan of its excessive efficiency and replaced it with the wishes of those who best enjoyed the wonders of the park.

Is it possible to over prepare for Bible study? I believe it is.But before I pursue that idea, let me mount my hobbyhorse for a few sentences and push the need for sound and adequate preparation for Bible study. I believe the Bible teacher has an obligation to the Lord to be as well prepared as reasonable. God’s Word is not a light and casual matter, so presenting it before others is not to be taken lightly.

The teacher has a similar obligation to the adults who come for Bible study. They have needs, and the Bible has answers to those needs. Learners’ needs and Biblical answers are more likely come together through a well-prepared lessen. The teacher, too, gains confidence and dispels anxiety when entering the classroom or small group spiritually fit for teaching and sufficiently ready to lead the study. Yes, I push preparation! (Okay, let’s get back to the question.)

Is it possible to over prepare for Bible study? I state again, I believe it is.Over preparation occurs whenever the teacher—well intentioned or not—prepares to such a degree that the lesson efficiently covers the material and completes the lesson plan but does not connect with the learners because of the leader’s zealous or unwarranted commitment to the plan. (It is possible, however, that the lesson will not connect with the learners for reasons other than the plan.)

The teacher may have thought seriously about those who would attend the class. He or she may have even designed the lesson with the learners’ needs in mind. But the plan did not work. How can the teacher plan well but not over plan?

Guidelines to Avoid Over Planning

1. Consider the “me” and “them” balance.

So while remembering that the truth does not change, I need to consider that how my learners may want to approach, acquire, apply, and practice the truth may differ from what I have planned. I need to seek a balance between what I must plan and what they will bring to the study.

2. Remember, different lessons call for different levels of planning.

Some Bible passages or topics require more careful study and lesson planning. For example, presenting a lesson on messianic passages in the Old Testament may call for more in-depth study and rigorous lesson planning than a devotional on prayer from Philippians 4:6. Let the text and the topic guide your level of planning.

3. Expect and welcome the Holy Sprit’s ministry as One Who may influence or even change your plans.

The teacher is in partnership with the Holy Spirit in teaching God’s Word. The teacher who, for whatever reason, fails to adequately prepare for teaching presumes upon God the Spirit. But just as serious is the teacher who squeezes out any change of the Spirit’s influence through excessive planning and strict attention to that plan during the Bible study.

Prepare, but also anticipate the Spirit’s possibly redirecting some portion of the lesson. Is it possible to over prepare for Bible study? Sure, but a little common sense and consideration of these three guidelines can help the teacher prepare well without over preparing.