If you’re a Bible teacher or preacher, please read “An Open Apology Letter to My Class” by Randy Gariss in the November 4, 2007, issue of Christian Standard (they have it online here). It’s written from the somewhat-humorous perspective of someone who is in a fictional rehab center, but it made a few deadly serious points.
During the author’s first “group session,” the facilitator told the group of preachers and teachers: “You hold up the Word of God because it is true, but you don’t hold it up as something alive and powerful in your life.” That’s a huge shot at many Bible teachers and preachers, but it’s very likely an accurate assessment. I have to admit that there are far too many lessons and sermons in my repertoire that are simply regurgitated facts from my most frequently used textbook from college: the Bible. I know that I’d fight tooth-and-nail defending the authenticity and value of the Scriptures, but I also know that there are many times when I’ve taught “the Truth” while living in denial of the same facts.
The facilitator asks further: “We easily stand in front of a class, but did the preparation of that lesson or text bring us before God?” No, the preparation has often only brought me to the front of the class, at the last moment in many cases. Many times the last minute preparation has brought back memories of what professors or preachers said while I was a student, rather than bringing me face-to-face with God.
Gariss writes: “The goal of Scripture is not information but transformation! And we are frauds to teach texts that are not transforming us!” So, I’ll join with Gariss and apologize to my classes for defrauding them.
Forgive me, Lord. I am eternally grateful for the transformation you’ve worked in my life. Embolden me to revel in that transformation as I prepare to preach and teach and as I hold out the Word of Life to others that they may be transformed as well.