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Creative Bible Teaching
Are you a bridge builder? Communicating the Scriptures is much like building a bridge. However, instead of ravines or rivers, the teacher must span both cultural boundaries and great gulfs of time between the present and the past of Moses, David, Jesus, and Paul. This bridge must reach even further. The student must be able to cross both into the past and into his own future. God's Word is "living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). It is contemporary, relevant. But it is the teacher who has the task of helping the student to see its vast treasures. This is no easy task, but it can be done through creative Bible teaching.
Together, Richards and Bredfeldt have written a book on bridge-building that reveals a detailed five-step process by which Christian educators can construct a bridge across time, geography, and culture.
Together, Richards and Bredfeldt have written a book on bridge-building that reveals a detailed five-step process by which Christian educators can construct a bridge across time, geography, and culture.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 1995
112 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence O. Richards
233 books30 followersB.A., University of Michigan; Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Northwestern University
A native of Michigan, Richards entered the world on September 25, 1931, to faith-affirming parents. His father served as an elder in their Presbyterian church, and Richards grew up immersed in religious education classes. However, he lost his interest in religion, later decided to enroll at Antioch College, and lacking any guiding factor in his life, he enlisted in the Navy.
Stationed in New York City, Richards encountered Donald Grey Barnhouse who led him to rededicate his life to the Lord. This forever changed Richards who finished his Navy time and went back to school to receive his bacherlor's degree in philosophy. After getting married, Richards attended Dallas Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1962. Moving to Illinois he worked as an editor for Scripture Press Publications and as an associate pastor. His role of overseeing the church education program and teaching a Bible class concerned him. Richards believed that Christian education, practice, and theory needed to be changed and reevaluated.
While teaching as an Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Wheaton College Graduate School, Richards also applied himself to Ph.D. studies. His dissertation research provided him with the framework for his Sunday School PLUS curriculum, and a summer seminar with Wheaton faculty resulted in a book called A New Face for the Church. The impact of this book led Richards to become a full-time author and speaker at conventions and seminars. A prolific writer, Richards has penned over 200 works with much of his writing having been translated into 24 languages.
With his emphasis on the theory of Christian education, Richards has created many changes in the church environment, but he also has taken some criticism. As a researcher and writer, Richards hasn't put his theories to the test in the church or the classroom as he once did. Some practitioners have disagreed with his ideas based on their troubles implementing them. However, other people have found that Richards has found a way to teach Bible content productively, and his approach to teaching Sunday school is the one most used by curriculum publishers.
Currently Larry, who is a member of the International Society of Deliverance Ministers, writes on biblical demonology on the blog www.demondope.com. He conducts FREEDOM WORKSHOPS in churches and communities around the country. These workshops and any personal ministry are offered at no charge to individuals and to sponsoring groups.
A native of Michigan, Richards entered the world on September 25, 1931, to faith-affirming parents. His father served as an elder in their Presbyterian church, and Richards grew up immersed in religious education classes. However, he lost his interest in religion, later decided to enroll at Antioch College, and lacking any guiding factor in his life, he enlisted in the Navy.
Stationed in New York City, Richards encountered Donald Grey Barnhouse who led him to rededicate his life to the Lord. This forever changed Richards who finished his Navy time and went back to school to receive his bacherlor's degree in philosophy. After getting married, Richards attended Dallas Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1962. Moving to Illinois he worked as an editor for Scripture Press Publications and as an associate pastor. His role of overseeing the church education program and teaching a Bible class concerned him. Richards believed that Christian education, practice, and theory needed to be changed and reevaluated.
While teaching as an Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Wheaton College Graduate School, Richards also applied himself to Ph.D. studies. His dissertation research provided him with the framework for his Sunday School PLUS curriculum, and a summer seminar with Wheaton faculty resulted in a book called A New Face for the Church. The impact of this book led Richards to become a full-time author and speaker at conventions and seminars. A prolific writer, Richards has penned over 200 works with much of his writing having been translated into 24 languages.
With his emphasis on the theory of Christian education, Richards has created many changes in the church environment, but he also has taken some criticism. As a researcher and writer, Richards hasn't put his theories to the test in the church or the classroom as he once did. Some practitioners have disagreed with his ideas based on their troubles implementing them. However, other people have found that Richards has found a way to teach Bible content productively, and his approach to teaching Sunday school is the one most used by curriculum publishers.
Currently Larry, who is a member of the International Society of Deliverance Ministers, writes on biblical demonology on the blog www.demondope.com. He conducts FREEDOM WORKSHOPS in churches and communities around the country. These workshops and any personal ministry are offered at no charge to individuals and to sponsoring groups.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 24, 2008
This book has great explanation of teaching and preaching, but it only gives one method and the information on actually studying the bible isn't really that great. It seems to slightly discredit topical preaching (which is important too) and favor exegetical based, nothing wrong with that, just that their are more views on this and they could have been mentioned more and covered.
July 15, 2017
Pretty helpful book in helping to prepare Bible studies for different ages. It gives recommendations on teaching styles that are necessary for young children to adults. The book is quite practical in laying out steps, suggestions, and teaching methods for different audiences. Diagrams and sheets in the book are helpful in providing a systematic approach to teaching.
March 25, 2020
I skipped the bibliography and the questions at the end, but finally finished with this one for a class!
It’s a very helpful resource to use as needed, but a book that is slow read straight through. Grateful to have it for future reference!
It’s a very helpful resource to use as needed, but a book that is slow read straight through. Grateful to have it for future reference!
March 18, 2025
Not sure why the cover isn't syncing but I'm reading the revised and updated version. I'm really enjoying it so far. Doing a preliminary read and then hope I can go through again and take the time to answer the questions and do some of the exercises.
Update: 3/18/25 - I really enjoyed this book. It is an excellent tool to improve the handling and teaching of the Word of God. It is most appropriate for those who are meeting quite regularly - like weekly or every other week - for a Bible study. I don't teach that frequently, however, I plan to incorporate as much as I can into my teachings that I do get to do.
Excellent resource.
Update: 3/18/25 - I really enjoyed this book. It is an excellent tool to improve the handling and teaching of the Word of God. It is most appropriate for those who are meeting quite regularly - like weekly or every other week - for a Bible study. I don't teach that frequently, however, I plan to incorporate as much as I can into my teachings that I do get to do.
Excellent resource.
July 10, 2020
The preface for this rich resource on teaching the Bible begins with a four word theme, a decades old memory device in considering the instruction of God’s word: “Hook, Book, Look, and Took” (p. 11). This simple beginning introduces a work that is a powerful and practical approach to bringing the truth of the Bible to all ages. After comparing biblical instruction with the metaphor of a bridge between the wisdom of God’s word and the student, a five step model is offered in the structure of the book: Studying, Focusing, Structuring, Teaching, and Evaluating. These five sequential actions form the core of the book.
As the steps are expanded through the book, the practicality and experiences of years of God-honoring instruction is evident. At no point is the realization of the Divine authorship and transformational power of the Bible given less than its preeminent position. The relationship between styles of literature and application of biblical principles is described as a person to person task. There is a rich collection of figures and tables throughout the book to provide graphical representations of topics covered. When worksheets are offered, completed versions are included to guide the reader in their used. Practical application of methods and activities are provided. For example, after introducing the practice of inductive Bible study a completed study of a passage of Scripture is included. Motivational theories are presented and the transfer of learning is discussed in detail. The developmental and spiritual needs of students at all ages are provided, showing the relationship between needs and the ministry focii that address these issues.
The focus on spiritual growth is emphasized as the readers progresses through this eminently practical book. Biblical teaching for life change is given constant attention, including such useful resources as vocabulary selection in lesson development, selection of curriculum, and motivational concerns for each age of student. As the process of teaching is presented in more detail, practical insights are provided from adult learners to pre-schoolers. Strategies are presented for each age level to introduce techniques to engage students in the learning process.
The final section of the book is directed towards the process of evaluation, describing the focus of review around four key variables: “the leaner, the teacher, the curriculum, and the environment” (p. 311). As is the case throughout the work, a specific model is offered in such evaluations, comparing expected with actual outcomes. The important of critical analysis of teaching, although challenging, is emphasized as the authors seek to inspire each teacher to continued growth and improvement. Along with an extensive bibliography, questions and discussion points are provided at the end of the book for further study.
As helpful as this book is, the sheer number of figures and tables included can be overwhelming to the reader. As a resource for the Bible teacher who aspires to continued learning and growth in dealing with the wisdom contained in God’s word, it has much to offer. The best way to apply the insights in this book may be to focus on key topics of interest such as insights on specific student populations, motivating learners, and evaluating the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
September 10, 2023
If you're new to teaching the Bible, this is a fantastic resource to studying, then teaching the Bible. It was encouraging for me to read the author's Hook Book Look Took method of teaching and see I've been teaching in that same manner!
The book also looks at different age groups to teach - adults, teens, and children. My only dislike was in the chapter about children. The author says, "The Bible really is an adult book, written by adults and for adults. Major sections of the Bible, such as the prophets, most poetical books, and much the closely reasoned teaching of the New Testament are beyond a child's understanding. Who can imagine teaching seven-year-olds Zephaniah, verse by verse! And so, teaching children the Bible presents a problem." He goes on to say, "Children can't delve into deep theological truths, but faith is more natural to them than to adults."
I disagree. I think the Bible was written for everyone, I think a child can understand it and have deep theological truths. Not in the same ways as an adult, but they can with a creative Bible teacher (I'm looking at you Mom and Dad. No seminary required! Theology is the study of God, what we think about God so we all are theologians! ). The Gospel Project teaches deep theological truths to children.
But! Otherwise this is a great book with great methods. My other thing I disliked was that it sometimes reads like a textbook BUT it's a textbook! So that's ok but sometimes was hard to stick with.
The book also looks at different age groups to teach - adults, teens, and children. My only dislike was in the chapter about children. The author says, "The Bible really is an adult book, written by adults and for adults. Major sections of the Bible, such as the prophets, most poetical books, and much the closely reasoned teaching of the New Testament are beyond a child's understanding. Who can imagine teaching seven-year-olds Zephaniah, verse by verse! And so, teaching children the Bible presents a problem." He goes on to say, "Children can't delve into deep theological truths, but faith is more natural to them than to adults."
I disagree. I think the Bible was written for everyone, I think a child can understand it and have deep theological truths. Not in the same ways as an adult, but they can with a creative Bible teacher (I'm looking at you Mom and Dad. No seminary required! Theology is the study of God, what we think about God so we all are theologians! ). The Gospel Project teaches deep theological truths to children.
But! Otherwise this is a great book with great methods. My other thing I disliked was that it sometimes reads like a textbook BUT it's a textbook! So that's ok but sometimes was hard to stick with.
May 9, 2017
Provides recommendations for developing the approach and methods for structuring and effectively constructing and teaching bible lessons. Results are evaluated as well.
Three domains of learning: (1) Cognitive -Content aim thinking and knowing (2) Affective-Inspiration aim, Values and attitudes (3) Behavioral-action aim, Actions and Skills. Hook - Gain student’s attention, Book - Clarify content meaning, Look - Relate content to their life, Took - Lead the student to a specific action.
Three domains of learning: (1) Cognitive -Content aim thinking and knowing (2) Affective-Inspiration aim, Values and attitudes (3) Behavioral-action aim, Actions and Skills. Hook - Gain student’s attention, Book - Clarify content meaning, Look - Relate content to their life, Took - Lead the student to a specific action.
May 11, 2020
This book is powerful! It connects the heart of the reader to the heart of Jesus! It highlights how to teach the Bible in a beautiful and creative manner! I especially love the section on how to teach children and teens. My heart was encouraged by what I read! I’m thankful for the tools I gathered from the reading and hope to put them into practice one day in my own classroom.💛
April 19, 2021
Instructional Manual for Teaching
This is one of the better “textbooks” I have ever read. The content was clear to understand with tangible tools to immediately use in the classroom. The skills found in this book are not only useful for the creative Bible teacher, but for any educator.
This is one of the better “textbooks” I have ever read. The content was clear to understand with tangible tools to immediately use in the classroom. The skills found in this book are not only useful for the creative Bible teacher, but for any educator.
October 20, 2018
Great book for students, teachers, ministry leaders, and pastors. I used this book in an undergraduate course on studying and teaching the Bible. It was very engaging. I recommend it to basically any Christian.
March 8, 2021
This book was very engaging and practical. It is more a handbook than just a book. If you are a Bible teacher of any level whether church, school, college or seminary, I would highly recommend this book.
January 23, 2018
Read this for undergrad. Solid book on Bible teaching.
July 27, 2021
Exceptional! Every leader MUST read this! Every teacher must read this book! Phenomeal! I am so inspired!
November 2, 2021
I really learned a lot from how practical this book is and how much emphasis there is on the importance of teaching God's word.
April 9, 2022
A classic with Hook, Book, Look, Took. A must-read for every serious teacher.
October 9, 2022
Really helpful. Just took me a while to read. Good book.
March 8, 2023
I remember reading this for my Studying and Teaching the Bible class at Moody Bible Institute. Some very good points are made
May 30, 2023
Most helpful for planning and organizing notes for teaching a small group.
October 26, 2023
Also for class! Loved this book. Some chapters were skips, but the ones I needed to read were very insightful.
8/10, four stars.
8/10, four stars.
April 29, 2024
Buen libro, pero necesita ser actualizado un poco.
May 24, 2024
It's a pity they go into modern psychology by referring to Maslow, etc. Otherwise very practical.
October 5, 2016
De los mejores libros que he leído. Si en verdad estás comprometido con la enseñanza bíblica debes leer este libro. Tiene ayudas muy prácticas.
August 6, 2012
Creative Bible Teaching introduces much educational psychology and theory that would take too many classes to cover if a student was trying to develop and assimilate the skills piecemeal. It is written in an accessible style with a minimum of technical complexity, though it provides comprehensive tools for developing a competent method.
The book centers around a general lesson outline dubbed: “Hook, Book, Look and Took” (recommending a short, attention getting introduction, a biblical based lesson, an abstract application of the lesson to current situations, and a practical application the student can practice on her own). The book looks realistically at the particular challenges of teaching various age groups and offers helpful guidelines to developing each stage of the lesson. The authors also encourage a succinct, strongly student-based objective.
Although the recommended lesson pattern is consistent with long-standing biblical presentation conventions, it is a bit formulaic. The authors observe the relationship of the method used by Paul in Acts, but do not compare it with other biblical examples (particularly those of Jesus which would not so easily fit their pattern). It does not take a post-modern culture into account. In addition, though the methodology is theoretically very well considered and generously illustrated with anecdotes, it is not substantiated with studies that demonstrate its use and effectiveness. In other words, though the ideas may be good, researched, and well illustrated, they are not empirically validated. Finally, the authors admit that the Bible being a book written by adults for adults, their methodology is focused primarily upon teaching adults and older youth and must be adapted to younger children’s classes.
In general I like Creative Bible Teaching and the methodology espoused and I would recommend it as a resource. It is not accessible for the average Sunday School teacher who is not college educated or accustomed to reading textbook style materials. Nevertheless, as a person with an AA in Religion from a Christian University, I would have found a course using this textbook at that level challenging, but appropriate and helpful.
The book centers around a general lesson outline dubbed: “Hook, Book, Look and Took” (recommending a short, attention getting introduction, a biblical based lesson, an abstract application of the lesson to current situations, and a practical application the student can practice on her own). The book looks realistically at the particular challenges of teaching various age groups and offers helpful guidelines to developing each stage of the lesson. The authors also encourage a succinct, strongly student-based objective.
Although the recommended lesson pattern is consistent with long-standing biblical presentation conventions, it is a bit formulaic. The authors observe the relationship of the method used by Paul in Acts, but do not compare it with other biblical examples (particularly those of Jesus which would not so easily fit their pattern). It does not take a post-modern culture into account. In addition, though the methodology is theoretically very well considered and generously illustrated with anecdotes, it is not substantiated with studies that demonstrate its use and effectiveness. In other words, though the ideas may be good, researched, and well illustrated, they are not empirically validated. Finally, the authors admit that the Bible being a book written by adults for adults, their methodology is focused primarily upon teaching adults and older youth and must be adapted to younger children’s classes.
In general I like Creative Bible Teaching and the methodology espoused and I would recommend it as a resource. It is not accessible for the average Sunday School teacher who is not college educated or accustomed to reading textbook style materials. Nevertheless, as a person with an AA in Religion from a Christian University, I would have found a course using this textbook at that level challenging, but appropriate and helpful.
December 13, 2015
I vehemently hated the first half of this book.
I appreciate some of the second half of this book.
Overall, I think this book needs to be updated in a very serious way. It's 15+ years old, and it reads like it. It doesn't have a clear enough flow and methodology. It's a lot of information dumped in different categories. The chapters on how different age groups learn was its redeeming quality for me. The creative Bible study method pales in comparison to Grasping God's Word's Interpretive Journey. And It's HBLT (Hook, Book, Look, Took) teaching method was also not very strong to me compared to the clear system presented in Preaching God's Word. So those two books get my wholehearted recommendation. This one... not so much.
It needs:
-to be more concise
-to be more clear
-to have one step-by-step process from Bible study through Bible teaching
-to have updated language and cultural references
Three stars seems pretty generous to me. REALLY generous.
I appreciate some of the second half of this book.
Overall, I think this book needs to be updated in a very serious way. It's 15+ years old, and it reads like it. It doesn't have a clear enough flow and methodology. It's a lot of information dumped in different categories. The chapters on how different age groups learn was its redeeming quality for me. The creative Bible study method pales in comparison to Grasping God's Word's Interpretive Journey. And It's HBLT (Hook, Book, Look, Took) teaching method was also not very strong to me compared to the clear system presented in Preaching God's Word. So those two books get my wholehearted recommendation. This one... not so much.
It needs:
-to be more concise
-to be more clear
-to have one step-by-step process from Bible study through Bible teaching
-to have updated language and cultural references
Three stars seems pretty generous to me. REALLY generous.
May 1, 2008
I feel this book accomplished what it set out to do, in that it had a clear and detailed focus on teaching the Bible. Where it ran a little shy was the process of studying the Bible (which is a crucial prerequisite to teaching it) thankfully the course supplemented this by also requiring us to read 'Living by the Book'. If anyone wished for a reference that would develop ideas for teaching the Bible to a wide range of age groups, this is probably it. Every age from preschoolers to adults, it outlines a fair assessment of needs in regards to activity and presentation of the lesson.
I can see myself using this book sometime down the road, but I think a more interesting twist would be to see what kinds of differences teaching in/to other cultures would make on a lesson format (because this was quite exclusively an American context). Just an idea to chew on.
I can see myself using this book sometime down the road, but I think a more interesting twist would be to see what kinds of differences teaching in/to other cultures would make on a lesson format (because this was quite exclusively an American context). Just an idea to chew on.
February 12, 2008
pretty good. gives tried-and-true teaching methods to effectively encourage learning of the bible. Not really that creative, but doesn't need to be. Offers a lot of ideas and information about how to get people engaged in learning rather than having them be passive.
December 9, 2008
Well this book is a little bit stilted, dated and corny it is a helpful resource for preparing Bible Studies
December 19, 2009
Was a good book to learn how to set up a lesson plan and set it up for the age group you are teaching
July 28, 2011
good to check out every now and then.
July 1, 2012
For the most part its pretty good and gives some good ideas of how to teach. The HBLT method is actually a pretty good method in developing a lesson plan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews