“But My Class Expects a Lecture” (And What to Do About That)

If you’ve taught an adult Bible class for very long, you’ve probably felt this tension. You’ve heard about teaching with questions. You may even like the idea. Discussion sounds engaging. It sounds biblical. It sounds like something that could help people interact with Scripture more personally.

But there’s a problem: Your class expects a lecture

For years, they’ve walked into the room, opened their Bible, and listened as you explained the passage. Many teachers are very good at this. The class may even enjoy it. So the thought of changing the pattern raises an uncomfortable question: What will happen if I stop lecturing and start asking questions?

Will the class feel confused?

Will they think the teacher is unprepared?

Will the room go silent?

These concerns are very normal. In fact, they’re among the most common reasons teachers hesitate to experiment with a more discussion-oriented approach. The good news is that you don’t have to disrupt the class in order to improve the conversation. Often, the best changes are small ones. He are some things you will want to consider:

Your Class probably doesn’t expect a lecture as much as you think.

Teachers often assume their class wants a lecture because that’s what they’ve always experienced.

Many adult learners actually appreciate opportunities to interact with the passage themselves.

Think about how adults engage information in everyday life. When people talk about Scripture with friends, family, or small groups, they usually ask questions:

“What do you think Jesus meant there?”

“Why do you think they reacted that way?”

“How would that apply today?”

In other words, questions are already a natural way adults process the Bible. Introducing a few questions during a lesson doesn’t usually feel disruptive to the class. It often feels refreshing.

Change the Pattern Gradually

When teachers imagine switching from lecture to discussion, they often picture a dramatic change in teaching style. But it doesn’t have to work that way. A far simpler approach is to add a few well-placed questions into the lesson you already teach.

For example:

Begin with your normal introduction to the passage.

Pause occasionally to ask a question that helps the class notice something in the text.

Allow a few responses before continuing your explanation.

This approach preserves what the class already appreciates while gently inviting them to participate. In many cases, teachers discover that just two or three thoughtful questions can change the tone of the entire lesson.

Questions Don’t Replace Teaching – They Support It

Some teachers worry that asking questions means giving up their role as the teacher. But the opposite is usually true. Questions allow the teacher to guide how the class explores Scripture. They help the group slow down and notice what the passage actually says. They invite people to connect biblical truth to real life. In that sense, good questions strengthen teaching rather than weaken it.

Instead of simply explaining the passage, the teacher helps the class engage it together.

Leadership Means Guiding the Learning Process

Teachers sometimes worry that introducing discussion will feel like losing control of the room. But thoughtful questions can actually increase clarity and focus.

A good question directs attention to the text.

It encourages participation.

And it keeps the class centered on Scripture.

In other words, the teacher is still leading the learning process. The difference is that the class becomes more involved in discovering what the passage teaches.

One Simple Step to Try

If you’re curious about teaching with questions but unsure how your class will respond, try something very small next week. As you prepare your lesson, identify one moment in the passage where a question might help people think more deeply.

For example:

“What stands out to you about this response?”

“Why do you think Jesus emphasized this idea?”

“What does this verse reveal about God’s character?”

Ask the question. Give the room a moment. Listen to a few responses. Then continue teaching. Many teachers are surprised to discover that one thoughtful question can open the door to a richer conversation about Scripture.

A Related Resource

If you’re interested in thinking more about how questions can strengthen Bible teaching, you might find this article helpful: “Best Questions for Bible Teaching” on Steve Guidry’s weekly blog. The article explores why certain kinds of questions encourage stronger discussion and deeper engagement with Scripture.

About the Author
Steve Guidry publishes Steve’s Bible Questions, a collection of discussion worksheets designed to help adult Sunday School teachers guide meaningful Bible conversations with less weekly preparation.

You can reach Steve at: [email protected]