Teaching to Change Lives: Seven Proven Ways to Make Your Teaching Come Alive

by Howard G. Hendricks

One of the most effective and influential Christian teachers of this century reveals how all teachers -- from parents to Sunday school leaders, from pastors to professors -- can make the most of their priceless opportunity to inspire, to instruct, and to permanently impact lives for the kingdom of God. Based on seven proven, easy-to-grasp laws any teacher can apply, Howard Hendricks's classic teaching manual is a must-read for anyone who wants to teach with power and passion, excitement and excellence.

Genres: Teaching, Education, Christian, Leadership, Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1987

Reviews

[Haley Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this might be a little off in some points, this is a book that will stick with you and really stick with you if you’re a teacher in any facet. Highly recommend

Robert’s Cover Review: pretty good. The title tells you exactly what it is, and the apple is iconic. But it also conveys the fact that a teacher needs better fruit. 10/10

[Érika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Práctico, agradable, realista y reflexivo.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor and make a list of great movies about teachers...I'll wait.
Are you finished? Ok. I wonder how many you could list.

Dead Poet's Society
To Sir With Love
Dangerous Minds
Freedom Writers
The Karate Kid (I might be stretching it)
Sister Act 2...well, maybe "great" is loose term

I've always watched these movies and been inspired; however, when was the last time that you sat in a classroom where the teacher or professor even knew the meaning of the word "inspiration"? I've had one of two teachers in my life time that had a spark of what it means to be a truly great teacher, but by and large our Sunday School teachers and small group leaders only know how to get through the material. What if you were sitting in a classroom on a Sunday morning drinking your coffee and munching your doughnut when the teacher walked through the room whistling and out the door, then leaned back in and said, "Well, come on." Class field trip! In my 35 years of going to church, that has never happened.

Perhaps that is the reason I was near tears the other day, mourning the loss of a master teacher that I never had the chance to meet. Dr. Howard Hendricks is one of the finest communicators I've ever heard. Years ago, when I was in high school, I watched a seven part video series on teaching called "The Seven Laws of the Teacher"--a teacher's training based on this book and taught by Dr. Hendricks himself. As I read this book, I could hear his voice coming through loud and clear. That's a good thing.

If I had the money, I would by this book by the case and give a copy to every Sunday school teacher, small group leader, and pastor with which I came into contact. Heck, I would give it to people who were even interested in teaching or communicating with people.
We believe that the Church is the most revolutionary force on the planet, but our teaching is anything but revolutionary. The message we are sending with our trite questions and pat answers and lack-luster delivery is that the Gospel is boring. God is mundane. The Holy Spirit tame and nearly ineffectual to change our lives--let alone the world. THIS IS A SIN. As Hendricks says, "If all those involved in Christian teaching had to become salesmen and saleswomen to make a living, most of them would starve to death. We're teaching the most exciting truth in all the world--eternal truth--and doing it as if it were cold mashed potatoes" (73).

This isn't a big or difficult book. It's even easy to read. However, it is important. Hendricks gives seven principles (LAWS) of teaching that, if understood and used, have the power to change the way you teach forever.

1.The Law of the Teacher
2. The Law of Education
3. The Law of Activity
4. The Law of Communication
5. The Law of the Heart
6. The Law of Encouragement
7. The Law of Readiness

Sadly, Dr. Hendricks died in Febuary of this year (2013). I always wanted to meet him. But I do know that he has still impacted my life through his writing and speaking. One day I hope people can say the same of me. Life is too short to waste people's time in bland classes when we could be helping to transform their minds. I challenge you to read this book and put it into practice. One of my greatest hopes in life is to see the untapped potential in our churches become a revolutionary force of whole-hearted disciples that have been changed from the inside out. That is why I keep watching movies about teachers who make a difference. It is also why I love this book.

[Trae Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a short book, but full of rich and helpful thoughts on the task of the teacher. The acronym TEACHER is a helpful memory devise for remembering Hendricks' 7 ways of change. Also, Hendricks is an enjoyable author to read -- witty, clear, and practical insights.

[Ben Chubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

No book has made me want to do ministry with excellence as much as this one. Wish I could’ve sat under Howie when he was here, I love this book.

[Bella Snapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD! everyone should read this book🙌🏼 Favorite quote: “You can impress people at a distance. But you can impact them only up close.”

[John Uit de Flesch · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best teaching books for believers. Excellent principles from a student of learning. I still pull this out and read a chapter as a refresher. It stays on my desk! Highly recommend.

[Nay Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for one of my theology classes and I enjoyed most of this book on how to teach more effectively as a whole person. I am giving this a 4.5 star rating. The gems in this book were so amazing. Dr. Hendricks definitely shared some new things that I plan to take into my own teaching of the Word. I would recommend it to anyone who teaches the Bible and wants to learn how to connect more with their students as a teacher. Even if you aren't a Bible teacher, this is still a great read on teaching in general. The reason I can't give it a 5 star is because as much as I enjoyed the gems, I found my mind wandering sometimes when reading this book.

[Zachary Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good. Not profound, but very helpful.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, challenging resource. Our church’s Sunday school teachers did a book study this summer through each chapter.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who want to learn or inspire learning in others, this is a brief, to the point book about how to learn and teach effectively with a faith perspective in mind. Hands down. One of the best books I’ve ever read.

[Patrick S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing and inspiring book. From the prologue, it grabs you right away. Hendricks personality really shines through in his thoughts and examples and you can tell that he is a person who exudes the type of teaching he is describing. Don't go into this thinking the "7 Laws" are this type of "get rich quick" type teaching. They are build on solid, biblical doctrine and they are there to inspire you to be a teacher (of any subject) that can inspire generations. If you are mentoring, teaching Sunday school, going to give sermons, or just teach on any subject in general (formal and non-formal) this book is more inspiration and drives you to be a person who makes a difference. Hendricks is an amazing person and teacher and I will definitely be checking out more of his material in the future. This book is highly recommended. Final Grade - A+

[Omar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written for teachers, but it is also a great, motivating book for students! As he says, a good teacher is a perpetual student.
I appreciate his stress on the portable of the teacher and the student being "on the same team."
As a Pastor/Missionary/teacher, I found this book very helpful and I highly recommend it to all teachers and students
.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book for improving your gift for teaching. Very practical.

[Lauren Tomlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. Quick and easy, too!
Anyone who teaches the Bible (in large group settings, small group settings, classroom settings, professional settings, one-on-one discipleship, etc.) should read this book. Practical tips and application for how to improve your teaching to make an impact.

I also loved that this book was written in the 80s and besides maybe one or two mentions of a tape player, there was nothing outdated! Teaching the Bible is truly a timeless task!

P.S. No matter the age of the people you are teaching the Bible to, these tips apply!
And these tips don't just apply to teaching the Bible -- really they can apply to any aspect of teaching students to learn!

[Kelly Bunch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has really helped to prepare me for stepping back into the classroom environment. It has challenged me to see Teaching in a new and better way as a facilitator of learning and not just a fact pusher. The goal is not so that my students will know all the right answers but that they would become lifelong learners who know how to find the answers they need. I feel like this is a great teaching primer and one I know I'll revisit in the future.

[Aaron Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book that really packs a punch! Combining both big picture vision and practical steps for teaching/leading believers, not a single word is wasted and so much ground is covered in so little space.

This is a great book to read for those in ministry, teach formally in institutions or for Sunday school teachers, clergy leaders, and other church teachers.

One of the best books I’ve read on teaching and leading, highly recommend!

[Jason Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was helpful and thought-provoking, and motivates me to be much more creative and thoughtful when it comes to teaching. The examples/stories he gives are so tailor-made that they’re a little unbelievable, which started to distract me toward the end from the (good) messages of the book.

[Braxten Mecham · Rating 5 out of 5]

genuinely one of my favorite books i have ever read. could not recommend this more to someone who wants to teach the Word, Pastor, or is already a teacher of the Word and wants to improve as a teacher. love this book, so much to digest.

[Alyssa Ingoglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Formative to my developing philosophy of education! Hendricks is witty, clever and refreshing; pouring hope and needed insight for change in our current and increasingly dull and un-enchanting educational system.

[Claxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this, but I know I should read it again, preferably with other teachers, to really benefit my students.

[Scott Petty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and engaging. It made me think. Definitely in my "To read regularly" stack.

[Míriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahora sé cómo enseñar mejor. Enseñar de verdad, simplemente.
Mala traducción y maquetación, autor claramente profesional y con don de docencia.

[Luke Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you lead a small group at your church, through Younglife, or anywhere, this would be a worthwhile book to read. It has provided me with great tools and motivation. I feel convicted that I have not treated that job seriously enough.

[Roman James · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% recommend

[Ryan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any teacher should read this book. Will be looking back on this one to guide me while I learn and grow in teaching youth students. Cuts to the core of teaching and after every chapter I read I want to go back and edit my youth message haha!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really thought provoking. Am eager to apply some of these principles in my role as a home educator. I loved the challenge to always be a teacher that is personally learning and growing, for “if you stop growing today, you stop teaching tomorrow.” “The good teachers greatest threat is satisfaction - the failure to keep asking, “how can I improve?” The greatest threat to your ministry is your ministry.”

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beginning was motivational. Assigned to me as summer reading as a classroom teacher. The focus of the book is church teaching. Seems to repeat itself in later chapters.

[Eric Fulwider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that I'll keep going back to for a while. Super easy read. If you want to learn how to inspire people or just want some good wisdom, read this book.

[Kaitlyn Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It intertwined my passions of teaching and ministry. Highly recommend for any educators or people in ministry