Cohort Overview
The Teaching Cohort is a six-session journey designed to help participants grow in handling and teaching God’s Word. We’ll begin with the heart and calling of a teacher before moving into the practical work of studying Scripture and faithfully understanding a biblical text.
Throughout the summer, participants will work on an individual teaching passage while reading, preparing, and meeting for feedback.
In the fall, the cohort will focus on shaping that study into a clear and compelling message through sessions on outlining, illustration, application, and delivery. The cohort concludes with opportunities to serve in real ministry environments through teaching, leading prayer, creeds, and communion alongside church leadership.
Phase 1 — Formation & Bible Study Foundations
- Session 1: Heart of a Preacher (June 10th)
- Session 2: How to Study pt. 1 (June 24th)
- Session 3: How to Study pt. 2 (July 8th)
Summer Work
Individual passage study, sermon preparation, reading, and one-on-one coaching.
Phase 2 — Communication & Message Development
- Session 4: How to Outline (Aug/Sept)
- Session 5: How to Illustrate & Apply (Aug/Sept)
- Session 6: How to Delivery (Aug/Sept)
Fall Ministry Opportunities
Teaching opportunities, communion leadership, prayer, creeds, and additional ministry development.
- Session 1: Heart of a Preacher (June 10th)
- Session 2: How to Study pt. 1 (June 24th)
- Session 3: How to Study pt. 2 (July 8th)
Summer Work
Individual passage study, sermon preparation, reading, and one-on-one coaching.
Phase 2 — Communication & Message Development
- Session 4: How to Outline (Aug/Sept)
- Session 5: How to Illustrate & Apply (Aug/Sept)
- Session 6: How to Delivery (Aug/Sept)
Fall Ministry Opportunities
Teaching opportunities, communion leadership, prayer, creeds, and additional ministry development.
Session 1: Heart of a Preacher
Before learning how to study, outline, or deliver a message, we begin by examining the heart of the one who teaches. In this session, we explore the purpose and power of God’s Word, the calling of biblical preaching, and the character required to faithfully handle Scripture. Participants will consider what it means to proclaim Christ, pursue the spiritual maturity of God's people, and teach with humility, integrity, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Assignment
For our first study assignment, work through pages 1–4 of the Bible Study Exercise using Isaiah 61 as your text. The goal is not to rush to application or sermon ideas, but to slow down and learn how to carefully observe and understand what God is saying through the passage.
Come prepared on June 24 to discuss your observations, questions, and conclusions with the group. The objective is not to arrive at all the right answers, but to practice a faithful process of studying and handling God's Word together.
Come prepared on June 24 to discuss your observations, questions, and conclusions with the group. The objective is not to arrive at all the right answers, but to practice a faithful process of studying and handling God's Word together.
This assignment focuses on the first two stages of our study process:
Step 1: Observation
Step 2: Interpretation
Step 1: Observation
- What do you see in the text?
- Identify repeated words, themes, structure, key people, and significant details.
- Ask questions of the text and make as many observations as possible before moving to interpretation.
Step 2: Interpretation
- Whole Book Context: How does Isaiah 61 fit within the message and purpose of the book of Isaiah?
- Immediate Context: How does the surrounding context help us understand the passage?
- Figurative Language: Identify and consider any imagery, metaphors, or symbolic language that shape the meaning of the text.
Session 2: How to Study pt. 1
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Assignment Instructions