Does the room configuration match what you're teaching, and
the discussion you want to have?
Let me encourage you to be willing to change the room or
seating layout -- or even go to another place! -- if it
helps people get engaged and learning.
Here are three creative options you can explore:
1. Auditorium-style seating arrangement
Many church rooms are set up in rows and ranks of rows.
While this puts you at the center of attention, that can
actually hinder interaction and dialogue.
If the group is smaller, don't let them spread out. If you
can't move the seats around, then rope off all but one
section so people are sitting closer together. (This also
makes it easier for them to hear you, and for you to make
eye contact with everyone.)
Switch the chairs around to make a smaller grouping of
seats. In many cases, sitting in a circle promotes more
conversation and back and forth. (Work proactively to make
eye contact with everyone.) You don't have to have one
circle, either -- try putting people into 2 circles, and
ask them to work through different questions, then cross-
share as a larger group.
If you're working with a younger group and it's not
awkward, trying sitting on the floor for a while. Some
conversations just go better like that!
2. Awkward placement of home furniture
The furniture layout in some home study situations puts
people at odd angles. Joe and Shirley are sitting on the
couch, at right angles to you, and kitty corner to Sandy in
the rocking chair, and practically behind Mike and Sarah on
the love seat. Everyone politely leans around to see, and
half of you wind up with strained neck and shoulder muscles!
Be willing to pick up the couch or chairs and move them
around. Reassure the host that you don't care about the
dust bunnies and kids' toys that were under the couch :-).
Pull the furniture closer together if necessary. Get
everyone seated comfortably and fairly close together. This
can really help with good dialogue.
3. Too-familiar meeting place
If you've been meeting in the same place for a long time,
try something completely different. Go to a local
restaurant. Go to someone's house. I know one group that
went to a hotel lobby. Take a walk together and talk as
you go. Jesus did that, right? Read the Bible passage
together, and then take a walk together. If you have a
small group, take a long car ride and stop at a picnic
location.
You may find that getting into a different environment will
breathe fresh life into your group study!
I hope these three examples give you some creative ideas.
If you're willing to shake up the seating arrangement,
you'll find that people are often more receptive to the
truth of what you've been teaching.
----------------------------------------------------
Looking for more information about Bible teaching? Glenn
Brooke is the author of 3 books and has coached over 10,000
Bible teachers around the world. Get a free package of
helps for Bible teachers
==> http://www.teachtochangelives.com/gift
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