Sitting at my desk this morning after completing my lessons for the upcoming Bible workshop, I thought it appropriate to share with you what many of my days look like. My purpose in sharing these details is to shed light on the heart attitude and the many practical details.
Much of my time is spent preparing for the opportunities that lie ahead. If you know my story, you know that I take God’s Word seriously. I desire to represent our Lord well and respect his Word as I teach and counsel. A day in the life of a Bible teacher includes humility and gratitude as I prepare for the work ahead.
God expects me to do my part, and I seek to do it well. What does my prep work look like while leading a weekly Bible study, teaching a theology class, planning a Bible workshop, and counseling two days a week?
I must prepare my heart.
My number one priority is to prepare my heart and mind. I seek God in prayer and the Word while asking his Holy Spirit to work within me. I simply cannot approach the work I do rightly if my heart is not where I can best be used.
I seek to be a part of God’s work, and it’s only because of his kindness that I am allowed to participate. I am at the mercy of God’s Spirit because He ultimately accomplishes the work. Only when this groundwork is laid can I begin to follow the practical steps in my preparation.
I’m old school.
For the most part, I’m old school. I use three-ring binders storing lesson notes, handouts, and additional help pertinent to each lesson. Using the binders helps with organization, compartmentalizing my thoughts in the prep time for each class, and provides an accessible presentation of my lesson content. I prefer using the Calibri 14 font with the text double-spaced. Most times, the printed lessons work best for me, but I have been known to read commentary from my Logos software while using their app on my phone.
I make use of digital resources.
I enjoy having tangible books, but my Logos Bible software is a game-changer regarding resources. I have built my library quickly due to their free book offerings each month and savings on many digital books versus those in print. I can also easily copy/paste to my lessons with the source credits automatically included.
After working through the passage for the Wednesday night Bible study, I consult various commentaries, systematic and historical theologies for the theology class, and books on Bible interpretation for the workshops. In addition, I can utilize the workflow section on Logos when preparing for counseling days. The Logos workflow allows me to work up a plan using my digital resources.
I make use of digital tools.
In addition to Logos, I use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint as digital tools. These tools are crucial for the theology class and Bible workshops. I create handouts and screen presentations using the main points from my completed lessons. I quickly access documents or indications from my phone using apps with One Drive.
I intentionally create space for the Holy Spirit’s input.
As time allows, I compile information from previous lessons as an introduction, which is especially helpful in Bible study class. Then, a few hours before class time, I revisit my lesson, pray, read, and think through it to make revisions for clarity. I often find myself omitting or adding to what I’ve prepared.
Most times, I include other trustworthy women in my teaching ministry.
Preparation for the workshops is a lengthy process that requires further planning and administration. I have an excellent team of ladies alongside me for the workshops, and simply put, I couldn’t do this alone. Any success in these workshops is because God is at work in women’s lives. And when I get positive feedback, I know He has been at work.
In my counseling ministry, I rely on my training, the Bible, Bible-based resources, and the Holy Spirit.
Preparation for counseling varies with each individual case. For those ladies who might be new, I use forms for information gathering (PDI). If I know why she is seeking counsel, I consider my resources and appropriate scripture.
Once our routine meetings are established, a plan is laid out, and we work together to improve the issue for which she has come. Prayer, listening, scripture, and the work of God’s Holy Spirit are vital elements to success in counseling ministry.
I am willing, but He alone is able.
Yes, I am a willing vessel to whom I believe God has given specific ministries as I function within the body of my local church. Still, as always, it is He that produces fruit. May He alone receive the glory.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. - 1 Cor. 3:6-7
Debbie Swindell 