Helping Your Congregation Study

Pastors often receive biblical and theological questions from members and attenders of their congregations. I have always believed pastors should aspire to be the best theologians possible and prepare for questions from the congregations we serve. We must never stop learning, and, as shepherds of the flock under our care (1 Peter 5:2), we should do our best to “feed” the flock of God. However, wise shepherding occurs not only when we feed the flock but teach the flock to feed themselves. Here are three ways you can help your congregation grow in their study of the Word of God:

1) Don’t Answer Questions Too Quickly

In my earlier years of ministry, I answered biblical or theological questions from members with little regard for equipping them to study independently. I just felt answering their questions was part of my job description, and if I didn’t know the answer to their inquiries, I was derelict in my duty. Since those earlier years, however, I have understood that I am hindering their spiritual growth unless I teach members to study the Word for themselves. I do not want to create a congregation that fails to dig deeply into the Word or wrongly depends on their pastor for answers to questions the Spirit may have guided them to receive through their study of God’s Word.

2) Support The Family’s Spiritual Leader

If a couple is married, the Apostle Paul teaches men are to be the family’s spiritual leaders (1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:22-33). Consequently, when women or children approach their pastor with biblical or theological questions, pastors have an opportunity to respond in a way that supports God’s design for families and helps spiritual leaders grow. For example, rather than simply providing an answer to a family member’s question, consider responding this way: “That is a great question! I want to encourage you to ask your father/husband and see what he thinks.” This approach honors the man as head of his family and allows him to grow spiritually. You may even suggest the father/husband of the family contact you if he would like to discuss the question further.

3) Provide Helpful Resources

Automatically answering biblical questions without allowing members to discover the truth on their own is a disservice to the people God has called us to shepherd. It is always helpful, therefore, to provide trusted resources for members and attenders of our congregations. In addition to recommending good study Bibles and books, there are online resources we may suggest to our members. I have found many popular questions answered satisfactorily by the following evangelical websites:

The Gospel Coalition
Answers In Genesis
Got Questions
Probe Ministries

These websites are just a few of many available online resources. Each pastor, of course, must determine which sites he may confidently recommend to members and attenders. In any case, helping our members study the Word for themselves will bless them more profoundly than we ourselves could ever hope to bless them.

“God, help me remember to point my listeners to You as they seek to grow in their faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.”