|
I. Audience Analysis (To be used in conjunction with Audience Analysis
tape).
Successful communication requires an understanding of what your audience is
thinking and why they think that way. You never just speak; you speak to an
audience.
The following chart is designed to help you think through how to adapt a
lecture to your particular audience. This chart is not meant to be exhaustive,
but it should stimulate your thoughts concerning how to communicate more
effectively.
| CHARACTERISTICS OF
AUDIENCE |
SUGGESTED APPROACH
|
| A. Major Religious Groups |
|
| 1. Carnal Christians |
a. Use a fresh approach to the
Christian message.
(Many are immune to "Christianese")
b. Emphasize a personal relationship with God
and freedom in Christ (as opposed to legalism).
c. Emphasize the power to live the Christian life
(as opposed to self-effort).
d. Use the three circles to describe natural,
carnal and spiritual persons.
e. Stress absolute and continual forgiveness.
|
| 2. Catholics |
a. Clearly communicate the
gospel.
(If possible, use fresh terminology.)
b. Stress a relationship with God, not religion.
c. Emphasize a positive view of God
(personal, caring, knowable).
d. Emphasize Jesus' human and loving attributes.
e. Stress forgiveness and security
(by asking Jesus Christ into your life once and for all).
f. Quote Catholic Christians: Pope, Bishop Fulton Sheen, Mother Tersea.
|
| 3. Jewish People |
a. Use Old Testament quotes and illustrations.
b. Encourage them not to base life on mere tradition but to ask questions.
c. Use the messianic prophecies concerning Jesus.
d. Avoid "red flag" words: Christ (use Jesus), convert, cross, church, Old
Testament (use: Hebrew Scriptures), Jew (use Jewish person). |
4. Members of Eastern Religions
Note: Many turn to this illogical
approach to life because they have
given up trying to make sense of
their
world, or they are curious, looking
for something new.
|
a. Appeal to the logical order of the universe.
b. Show consequences of their illogical system of philosophy: caste
system, low status of women, poverty.
c. Show Christianity as progressive, stimulating, popular; include
testimonies of converted mystics (e.g., Roby Majaraj).
d. Emphasize historicity
e. Emphasize God’s holiness, sin issue, need for payment.
f. Show that Jesus was uniquely deity (trilemma, resurrection).
g. Emphasize absolutes. |
5. Members of Cults
Note: Many choose cults because
the simplicity of having someone
else define their lives; or, they
are looking for a group to be a
part of (looking for love, security, etc).
|
a. Emphasize the
family group of Christians.
b. Emphasize that God helps one know life and how to make decisions.
c. Emphasize the solid structure of Christianity.
d. Emphasize security, friendship and forgiveness.
e. Don't argue minor points; keep the focus on Jesus. |
| 1. Low Intellectual Level |
a. Can draw more conclusions and make more
decisions for individuals.
b. Can be stronger on opinions.
c. Can be more direct.
d. Appeal to peer groups and relationships and be more personal in approach
(but maintain academic excellence). |
| 2. High Intellectual Level |
a. Present a high level of research and
presentation
(including more quotes).
b. Salt audience with evidence (let them draw their own conclusions).
c. Avoid strong, absolute statements.
d. Be intellectually stimulating. |
3. Free-thinking Attitude
(as in California, Where almost any opinion is accepted as a good one.)
|
a. Be more persuasive concerning the exclusive validity of
the
Christian view.
b. Contrast other points of view to show the superiority of Christianity.
|
| 4. Intellectually Prejudiced
Attitude. |
a. Use sources with which
audience clearly agrees.
b. May have to attack their currently held view successfully before
presenting alternative view. |
| 5. Social/Traditional (intellect
is incidental) |
a. Maintain intellectual credibility but concentrate on personal areas (see
low intellectual level). |
| 1. Apathetic
(doesn't want to be stimulated, bothered, or responsible). |
a. Show that becoming a
Christian is easy.
b. Ask for a minimal commitment (not heavy challenges)
c. Avoid "change the world" emphasis.
d. Show how Christ can make life happier and more peaceful , etc. |
| 2. Radical (highly involved)
|
a. Present "Jesus, the Revolutionary."
b. Use the "come help change the world" appeal – heavier challenge.
|
| 3. Self-centered |
a. Focus on what Christ can do for a person – give
happiness, etc.
|
| 4. Materialistic |
a. Emphasize how they can become a success through, Christ.
|
| 5. Idealistic |
a. Tell how one can help other people and better our world.
|
| 6. Self-indulgent |
a. Stress that Christ forgives, gives good self-respect and power to live as a Christian should.
|
7. Making mark on society
(grades, position) |
a. Quote leading Christians e.g., media, sports, political, etc.)
b. Emphasize how God can help a person reach his potential.
c. Show that God can help with pressure. |
| 8. Peer Group—oriented |
a. Focus on the contemporary and popular rise in
continued adherents to Christianity.
b. Use the "bandwagon" approach ("everybody is becoming a Christian").
c. Show that Christianity is socially acceptable; quote Christian leaders in
media, business, politics, sports, music, etc. |
| D. Needs (illustrate if possible)
|
|
| 1. Self-esteem |
a. Stress a person's value and importance to God.
b. Give testimony (if applicable). |
| 2. Friendship |
a. Stress love in the Christian community.
|
| 3. Need to be Needed |
a. Explain how you can be a part of the solution.
|
| 4. Meaning, Purpose |
a. Emphasize that the person can understand what life is
about and how he fits in. |
| 5. Hope |
a. Focus on eternal life, present direction, promise of abundant living, etc.
|
| 6. Security |
a. Stress that God is with him, helping, protecting, giving direction, etc.
|
| 7. Direction |
a. Show how God gives wisdom for
decisions, help in working out personal problems, help in choosing a mate,
vocation, friends, etc. |
| 8. Love |
a. More sure your manner and presentration reflect an attitude of love and acceptance.
b. Present God's love. |
| Note: If your testimony or the story of a friend is relevant, this would be a
great help in illustrating these areas. |
| 1. No absolutes |
a. Establish absolutes by
illustrating some they could accept (nature, death, school rules, etc.)
b. Show consequences of living as if there are no absolutes (chaos,
meaninglessness of life, etc.). |
| 2. Absolutes Intact |
a. Appeal to absolutes they hold
to.
b. Appeal to consequences of false absolutes. |
| F. Issues |
a. Use campus and national issues for illustrations.
|
| G. Heroes |
a. Quote people (Christian and
non-Christian) whom they respect.
b. Use quotes of heroes to establish and prove your thesis. |
II. Topic Selection
A. Consider several factors in choosing a topic. Ask yourself:
1. Do you have a personal interest in the subject? (This will help you maintain enthusiasm in your preparation and delivery.)
2. Will the topic best utilize your background and research resources?
3. Will the topic be of interest to your audience?
Is it contemporary?
Is it controversial?
Will the outcome of the topic meet a personal need in your audience?
4. Can the topic be related to a number of courses? Can it be altered to use
for team meetings, LTC, College Life, etc.?
B. Follow these guidelines to help you choose a topic.
1. Pray. Ask God for direction.
2. Consult University Classroom Lecturing (containing a wide selection of
different lecture outlines).
3. Secure a university course catalog and examine the course descriptions.
Try to select a topic that could relate to several courses.
4. Brainstorm with others (students as well as staff) on suggested topics.
5. Talk with a professor of a particular course to see what subject he would
like to have discussed in his class.
6. Read widely. Ideas do not grow in a vacuum. The more
widely read you are, the more ideas you will have for a topic. (Read Time, U.S.
News and World
Reports, Psychology Today, Christianity Today, college textbooks, bible study,
etc.).
7. Consider the following list of talks that have been used
most often in past CTL’s. (But please do not feel limited to these. Your topic
may never have been tried before!)
a. Resurrection with a focus on miracles, life after death, atheism,
historical basis of Christianity, etc.
b. Above Beyond Freedom and Dignity (A critique of B. F. Skinner).
c. Christian Perspective on Racism.
d. Leadership.
e. Biblical Therapy for Anxiety.
f. Christian View of Sex.
g. Biblical View of Women.
h. Psychological Influences of Poverty: A Biblical View.
i. Marriage.
j. The Jesus Movement as a Modern Phenomenon.
k. Biblical View of the Family.
l. Self-image.
m. Creation vs. Evolution.
n. A Biblical View of Human Nature.
Note: Some of these talks may be listed by other titles in University Classroom Lecturing.
8. Once you have chosen a topic and turned it in to the
classroom coordinator, please do not change it. You will be scheduled to speak
on
that subject during CLT week.
9. A partial list of sample topics and descriptions is given below.
Developing an Adequate Self-image
– A discussion of methods for achieving self-worth and self-acceptance and an
analysis of a
practical
method for achieving a healthy view of oneself.
A Biblical Therapy for Anxiety
– Four major causes for anxiety are considered. A biblical solution is examined
to determine if it can
demonstrate valid
therapeutic merit.
Above Beyond Freedom and Dignity
– An analysis of psychologist B. F. Skinner's view of human nature (as presented
in his book,
Beyond
Freedom and Dignity).
His
perspective will be contrasted with the Biblical view of human nature and
comments on the validity of each will be presented.
A Biblical View of Human Nature
– What is a human being? An insignificant automaton in an infinite universe
or a creature of dignity
and worth?
A Christian perspective of Racism
– Does Christianity promote racism? It is a "white person's religion"? This
consideration will
deal with the
perspective of Biblical
Christianity on these issues.
A Biblical Perspective _on homosexuality
– What do the biblical documents teach about morality, practicality, and
sociological
implications
of this increasingly widespread
practice?
A Christian View of Sex –
Is the Bible down on sex? Why wait until marriage? A look at the
practicality of the Christian position and
its
implications for a dynamic sex
life.
A Biblical Perspective on Sex, Love, and Marriage
– In today's world of varying views, do the biblical documents have anything
of
practical
value to say on these important
subjects?
A Biblical View on the Family
– A look at the current status of the family and a consideration of the
biblical view of the
responsibilities of parents in raising children.
Consideration will also be given to the place of teaching children about God.
Women: A Biblical Look
– Is the Bible against women? What did Jesus have to say about women and
their role in society? Does
Christianity
view women as inferior?
This lecture examines these and other related issues.
Abortion: – Humane or Profane?
– A careful look at both logical considerations and biblical teachings
concerning this highly debated
topic.
Is it Rational to Believe in God?
– Is it reasonable for a thinking person to believe in God today?
Historical, sociological and
scientific
evidence for the existence of God will
be explored.
Atheism: A Realistic Option?
-- A careful look at some of the presuppostions of atheism to determine if
it is philosophically tenable.
Evidence for
the theistic view will also be
considered.
Philosophical Perspective on Modern Thinking
-- A comparison and critique of several major philosophical world views, with a
discussion of
their practical implications.
Ethical Actions: Is there a Basis
--A discussion of some methods for determining right and wrong. This lecture
includes a critique of
relativism
and a discussion of the value and
place of absolute ethical norms.
The Quest for the Historic Jesus
-- An historical analysis of some evidences for his true identity, including
implications of the
significance
of these findings.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ--Fact or Fiction?
-- What is the evidence behind the assertion that Jesus Christ rose from the
dead?
This analysis
will survey the confirmed
historical evidences.
Are the New Testament Documents Reliable?
-- A look at bibliographic, internal and external evidence to determine the
reliability of
the existing
documents. Accepted
methods of historical analysis will be used.
Contemporary Cults in America
-- A survey of characteristics common to most popular cults contrasted with the
doctrines of
orthodox
Christianity.
The Jesus Movement as a Modern Phenomenon --
An examination of some of the distinctives of this current movement. Basic
beliefs,
behavior and
socio-cultural aspects of
the "Jesus People" will be discussed.
The Problem of Ethics in Business
-- Can a person be honest and still succeed in business? A look at current
trends toward more
unethical
practices in business and an
evaluation of several proposed solutions to the problem.
Marketing an Intangible Product
-- A consideration of marketing and decision-making principles as they
relate to both tangible and
intangible
products. The consumer decision process is illustrated with the marketing of an
intangible concept, the message of Jesus
Christ.
Characteristics of a Leader
-- Some of the factors that bring about strong leadership will be discussed. The
contribution that faith can
make to
leadership will also be
considered.
Evolution Reexamined
-- A look at evolutionary theory in light of some current findings of geology,
anthropology, physics,
mathematics
and biology. The difficulties
in reconciling evolution with these discoveries will be considered.
Miracles and Science
-- Are miracles and the supernatural possible even though science may never
observed them? An objective
look at some
of the evidence.
Is There Life After Death
--Philosophers, scientists, theologians and ordinary people have struggled with
this question for centuries.
This lecture
will examine evidence for
the possibility of the life after death and will include an analysis of "out of
body experiences."
Persuasive Speech -- A speech from a Christian perspective in persuasive
style.
(See University Classroom Lecturing for descriptions of a wide range of
topics.)
III. Determine Objectives of Talk
A. Keep in mind that the greatest "felt" need of your audience becomes your
starting point. Try to determine the greatest felt need on your particular
topic. For example, in a lecture on the resurrection, speak to the need to know
if God exists and if we can know Him today. Other general examples of felt needs
for college students are: self- awareness and acceptance; purpose and meaning in
life; how to compete and succeed academically, athletically, socially,
vocationally, etc.) Write out the greatest felt need of your audience for our
topic.
B. Write down the one thing you want your audience to know as a result of
your lecture. (For example, Jesus rose from the dead and is alive today.)
C. Write down the one thing you want your audience to do as a result of your
lecture (For example, "Put your faith in the resurrected Christ because He is
God and is alive today.")
IV. Research and Gathering of Information
A. Ask God to provide ideas and clarify your thinking on the subject.
B. Utilize basic sources of information.
1. Consult University Classroom Lecturing for recommended reading on each of
the topics.
2. Use the library (ask a librarian for help if necessary).
a. Use the card catalog to find relevant material in books.
b. Consult the
Reader's Guide for relevant articles in periodicals.
3. Consult a Christian bookstore manager, pastor, or other well-read Christians for ideas on Christian books and periodicals.
4. Ask the advice of a college professor who teaches a related subject.
a. Don't worry if you don't know him or he's an unbeliever.
b. Keep in mind that most profs seem to love to give advice.
c. Call for an appointment or drop in.
d. Be sensitive to an opportunity to set up a possible classroom meeting.
5. Consider the following sources for apologetics.
a. Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell, Vol. I and II, Here's Life
Publishers.
b. History and Christianity, John Warwick Montgomery, Inter-Varsity Press.
c. Runaway World, Michael Green, Inter-Varsity Press.
d. Christianity: The Witness of History, A Lawyer Sifts The Evidence, J. N.
D. Anderson, Tyndale House Publishers.
e. The Evidence for the Resurrection, J. N. D. Anderson Inter-Varsity Press.
f. Christianity for the Tough-Minded, J. W. Montgmery, (ed.) Bethany
Fellowship.
g. The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?
F. F. Bruce, Inter-Varsity
Press.
h. Christ and the Modern Mind, Robert Smith, (ed.) Inter-Varsity Press.
i. Christianity on Trial,
Colin Chapman, Tyndale House Publishers. (Excellent source for various
non-Christian philosophies on
basic issues such as epistemology, existence of God., human nature etc., Loaded with documented quotations.)
j. Know Why You Believe, Paul Little, Inter-Varsity Press.
k. Probe
Ministries International (12011 Coit Road, 107, Dallas, Texas 75230) Provides a
wealth of resource material and tapes.
Especially helpful is their annotated bibliography.
6. Check through back issues of
Collegiate Challenge magazine for articles on your topic. These are-good sources
for quotes (be
sensitive to
the need to check them out in the primary sources) and for ideas on how to include the gospel in your
lecture creatively.
7. Order tapes on various classroom talks (order blanks in back).
C. As you research, keep in mind the following:
1. Scan a book or article quickly
at first to get the overview of its content. A good way to do this is to read
the first and last paragraphs
of an article
and then the first sentence of
each paragraph.
2. Research and gather information well in advance to give your mind ample
time to sort through the material.
3. Read the material more closely, taking notes as appropriate.
a. Keep the objective of your talk in mind.
b. Jot down
helpful ideas as you come to them. (Rather than using a running account of
information on an 8 1/2 x 11 paper, try using
3x5 cards. They are easier to organize and arrange.
c. Copy useful quotations verbatim and be sure to record documentation.
d. Use a
photo copier as a timesaver. As you read, keep a list of the portions you want
for your notes. Then copy those portions, cut
them out, and tape them onto cards.
e. Consider
recording your notes by topic, with a separate page for different issues. For
example, in researching a talk on "The
Christian Perspective on Sex," have a section on "Purposes For Sex," one on
"Love," one on "Trust," one on each of the arguments
people use for premarital sex, etc.)
4. Make your schedule and your surroundings an aid to your preparation.
5. Plan to gather more information than you will actually be able to use.
That way you can select the best!
V. Organization of a Rough Outline
A. Pick three or four main points that support your thesis (your objective).
B. Don't worry about wording now – simply identify the points.
C. Consider, for example, four possible main points in a resurrection talk:
1. Possibly number
the main points of your rough outline and then read through your notes and label
and ideas and quotations with the
number of the main point to which they best relate.
2. The changed lives of the disciples.
3. The empty tomb.
4. The appearances of the risen Christ.
D. Scan your notes, ideas you have jotted down, etc., to select material that will be help support your main points.
1. Possibly
number the main points of your rough outline and then read through your notes
and label and ideas and quotations with the
number of the main point to which they best relate.
2. Next, move through your outline to select the ideas and quotations from
your notes that best support each point.
3. Then develop points and subpoints.
VI. Development of Lecture
A. Be sure you narrow your talk sufficiently. One
big danger is to bite off more than you can chew. Don't raise issues or
questions in your
lecture that you can not deal with adequately in 30-35 minutes.
B. Keep your content clear and simple. This aids the audience's understanding
and retention.
C. Use repetition. Decide what you want your audience to remember and repeat
it. This can be done through making summary statements,
writing on a blackboard, rephrasing a statement, illustrating points, etc.
(Avoid repetition of negative points.)
D. Use positive words to speak of Christian things.
Associate Christianity with good things such as, love, self-esteem, peace, fun,
caring,
progress, and
purpose.
E. Speak to the person with the least amount of understanding.
F. Avoid overstatements, generalizations, and unnecessary dogmatism.
G. Avoid personal attack, sarcasm, prejudicial statements
– any thing that can be interpreted as a put-down to a person, a group or a
point
of view.
H. Remain objective. Speak indirectly –"The biblical perspective is…” rather
than “God says….”
I. Use discretion. If you feel unsure about a certain part of the talk, it is
better to omit it than raise unnecessary controversy.
VII. Approaches to Logical Development of a Lecture
A. Note that: talks often use more than one kind of approach.
B. Study these guidelines to determine which approach works best in your situation.
1. Progression Approach. The idea of
progression is to move your audience systematically from a point with which they
agree to a point
with which
you want them to agree without
raising unnecessary hostility.
a. Start with a low-key manner. Begin with a point of view with which they
agree. (For example, the lecture, "Biblical View of the
Role of Women, begins by saying, "Women have had it tough for centuries .”)
b. Stick as
close to the audience's thinking as possible. Use words, authorities, references
and points of view with which they agree
to establish your position. (In "Role of Women," Socrates and Plato are quoted.
Religion is treated as opposing women. Jesus is
presented primarily as a “good man" rather than as God though most of the lecture.)
c. Work
towards your own conclusion, but through the audience's line of reasoning. In
"Role of Women," statements about and by
Jesus, as well as illustrations of His life, are reasonable and acceptable to most audiences.)
d. Use
inductive reasoning in the progression approach. This is arguing from specific
facts to a general conclusion. The progression
is from evidence to conclusion, not vice versa. (In “Role of Women," the words
and acts of Jesus are examined. No absolute
statements are made that He is God. The audience should begin to suspect that He
was more than man by implication and
illustration before the lecturer makes a statement to that effect.)
e. To soften
transitions into new points of view, ask questions rather than make statements.
(In "Role of Women, say "Jesus' life and
teachings are unique. We could ask, 'Why did His teachings last? Why do they
still promote such good in the world? How is it that
wherever His teachings have gone, women are elevated? Was He more than a man?"
This approach is better than saying,
"Obviously Jesus was more than a man. He was God. "
f. Make sure your progression is in small easy-to-take steps. (In Role of Women," progression is in this order:
1. Women have had it tough;
2. Leading thinkers have treated women as inferior;
3. Jesus treated women well;
4. Jesus' accomplishments for women were unique in history;
5. Christ had a specific message (gospel);
6. One should consider the possibility that He was God and can have personal
relevance.
g. Study another example of progressive approach, "The Quest for the Historic
Jesus," in University Classroom Lecturing.
2. Comparison and Contrast Approach.
The idea of compare and contrast is to show the advantage of Christianity by
contrasting it against another viewpoint.
a. Begin with a contrasting view, (e.g., B. F. Skinner's view of human
nature:
1. Man is impersonal;
2. Man has no inherent moral qualities;
3. Man has no personal worth;
4. Man is a product of the environment – he is not free to choose.
b. Show the biblical view, (e.g., Christian view of human nature:
1. Man is wonderfully made (personal);
2. Man is deeply fallen (moral quality);
3. Man is greatly loved by God (personal worth);
4. Man has an option to establish a relationship with God (free to choose.)
c. Next, cite advantages and disadvantages of both points of view (e.g.,
"Skinner has helped us know a lot about how the
environment affects behavior, and some of his operant conditioning principles
have been used successfully in industry,
education, and counseling, however " Then show some problems with his view and the advantages of the Christian view.)
d. Study other examples of the comparison and contrast approach such as, "The
Ecological Crisis," "A Biblical Therapy for
Anxiety," and "How Human is
Humanism?"
3. Informational and Evaluation Approach
The idea of the informational and evaluation approach is to provide information
on a subject and then show the Christian
interpretation and the relevance of that information.
a. For example, notice that in "The Jesus Movement as a Modern Phenomenon,"
distinctives of the Jesus movement are listed:
origin, doctrine and membership. These are followed by the question "Why the
Jesus Movement?" which evaluates personal
need and spiritual workings of God.
b. Study other examples of the informational and evaluation approach; such as
"Is There Life After Death?" and "The Uniqueness
of the Bible."
4. Missing Ingredient Approach.
In the missing ingredient approach, basic ideas are presented on a subject with
which most of the audience would readily agree.
The lecture includes how the Christian view adds a vital dimension to the subject.
a. For example, note that in "Characteristics of a Leader," a leader is defined
as having: direction, personal schedule, discipline
and an ability to motivate others. Jesus is used as an example of a leader to
"salt" the audience. After the characteristics are
listed and illustrated, the lecture ex- plains how faith can enhance leadership.
b. Study other examples of the missing ingredient approach such as "Biblical
View of the Family" and "The Problem of Ethics in
Business."
VIII. Development of Specific Parts of a Lecture
A. Carefully plan your introduction.
1. Get the audience's attention.
a. Ask a startling question.
b. Use an interesting quote.
c. Relate an incident from their campus or current event.
2. Establish rapport.
a. Tell a joke.
b. Tell a story about when you were a college student.
3. Remove obvious barriers.
a. Mention how your subject relates to the course.
b. Include following statements at the start of the talk. These are very
important in helping to set the audience at ease:
"Let me begin
by saying that I'm not here to force my views on you but to present some
material for your consideration. Although I
will share
some conclusions I have reached, you are free to draw your own."
"I don't
claim to be an expert on this subject, but I would like to present some of the
things the experts are saying." "I will speak for
35 minutes and open it up for questions, so please hold your questions until that time."
"It's
impossible, in one class period, to cover every aspect of this issue, so just
because your particular question may not be
answered
during this session, don't assume that there is no answer."
"The Bible
is a book written over a period of 1,600 years by more than 40 different
authors. It is historically, archaeologically,
scientifically, medically and psychologically accurate. In spite of rumors to
the contrary, there has yet to be a proven contradiction to
the Bible.
Millions throughout the centuries have based their lives on this book and
personally attest to its positive influence on
them." (Use
if applicable.)
4. Be sure to memorize the introduction. This will help you ease into the
classroom situation.
5. Study this as a guideline for a good introduction:
Born-again Movement: "Sociology deals
with interactions of groups and cultures and the results of those interactions.
In our country today, there are many groups interacting with one another and
affecting one another. One of those groups involves those who call themselves
'born-again.' A recent gallup poll showed that 50 million Americans consider
themselves 'born-again.' Individuals such as Jimmy Carter, Roy Rogers and Dale
Evans, Roger Staubach, Bob Dylan, B.J. Thomas and Billy Graham all would
consider themselves part of this movement."
What is the born-again movement? What do these people believe? How do they
affect our culture? What I would like to do is address this subject for the next
35 minutes and then answer questions. As I lecture, let me begin by saying that
I'm not here to force my views on you " (Include the barrier-removing statements
from above.)
B. Include the gospel.
1. Keep in mind
these points that support the legitimacy of including the gospel.
a. Know the biblical basis: "For in
Him (Christ) all things were created...all things have been created through Him
and for Him. And He is
before all things, and in Him all
things hold together" (Colossians 1:16,17).
1) Since
Christ is the creator and sustainer of all that is, He has the best perspective
on every issue of life.
2) This
includes academic issues such as the essence of human nature, the existence of
God, racism, sex, miracles, evolution vs. creation,
the role of women, dealing with
guilt, etc. He has something to say on these topics.
3) Almost any
successful human attempt to understand these issues and problems must include an
understanding of what God's viewpoint is
and how He communicates to humans to
explain the issues and solve the problems.
4) God has
communicated to humans through Christ--His incarnation, crucifixion,
resurrection and His Holy Spirit. Explaining how He has
done this is explaining the gospel.
5) Thus, a
clear explanation of the gospel is essential to most of the lectures we
present in classrooms. To omit it can be omitting the key to
our arguments. How can anyone understand the Christian therapy for anxiety or
guilt without understanding the gospel? How can anyone
understand human nature without
understanding God's purpose for our creation and His provision for our problem?
How can anyone
understand the solution to racism without understanding Christ's power to change
hearts?
b. Be assured in your
own mind that your inclusion of and transition into the gospel is legitimate.
1) If you don't feel comfortable about this, your discomfort can show through
and spread to your audience.
2) Our
attitude should not be that we use a list of academic topics as a subterfuge to
gain access to a class so we can "spring" the gospel on
an unsuspecting audience. Rather, we need to understand that the gospel is an
essential part of our argument and something the audience
desperately needs to hear.
c. Have as your aim (for the gospel part of your lectures) that each listener
will leave with a clear understanding of how to receive Christ.
1) What is
the gospel? I Corinthians 15:1-6 defines the gospel as the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Be sure to include those facts
and an explanation of how one can receive Christ. Explain, if time allows, why
Christ died (as a substitute). Work hard at making the
gospel clear to your audience. (Experience has shown that many staff need to improve this aspect of their speaking.)
2) The amount
of time you spend on the gospel will vary with the topic. In a lecture on "The
Theology of the Jesus Movement," you could
devote two-thirds of its content to a clear gospel presentation. One on "Love,
Sex and Marriage" might require only five minutes for the
gospel.
3) In most
cases it is best not to have a prayer or invitation in the class in-order to
maintain your integrity with the professor. It is
acceptable to say what you or someone else prayed, but do not pray in the classroom.
d. Be sure to handle the gospel
indirectly. Say "The biblical perspective is that individuals need...," rather
than “God says you need" This
does not mean
you should not make the
gospel clear. You can be very clear without being overly direct.
e. Memorize gospel transitions word for word.
f. Use light humor if the audience becomes tense.
g. Consider using the question and answer time to expand on the gospel.
Note: If you
feel unsure about how to include the gospel in your talk, order and listen to
some cassette tapes of classroom lectures. Hearing
live
lectures can help greatly.
University Classroom Lecturing also shows how to fit the gospel into many
topics.
h. Keep in mind that in a few of the classroom lectures our staff give, it is
not always appropriate to include a complete gospel presentation.
1) Be aware
that the need for a heavy emphasis on content sometimes leaves little time for
the gospel. Also, the atmosphere in some
situations might make the transition appear contrived. Maybe the best conclusion
would be something like, "Many believe the evidence
points toward a biblical perspective and have come to a fuller
understanding of the creator through a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ."
2) Do not let the above remarks discourage you from presenting the gospel in
such a situation if God leads.
3) If you do
sense (with God's leading) that a gospel presentation is illegitimate under the
circumstances, leave it out. You can still gain
valuable contacts through the cards.
4) Be sure that any such omission comes from a genuine concern for the lost
rather than just "cold feet" or lack of preparation.
2. Study these suggested transitions and ways that the gospel relates to
various issues (see University Classroom Lecturing for other examples).
a. Use your testimony as a transition.
1) After a
talk on evidence for the resurrection, you might say, "If Jesus really did rise,
it's important to consider his basic message. Several
years ago, as I was investigating the person of Christ, I was confused about the
essence of His teaching. I found that...(weave the gospel
into your testimony)."
2) You might
introduce the gospel by saying, "Any time I hear a speaker I like to know where
he or she is coming from. Hopefully, this will
help you understand the perspective from which I speak. (Share your testimony
and explain what the message was that changed your life.
At the end of the gospel it helps to again mention why you explained this. )"
b. Define your terms. Begin with, "Socrates said, 'Define your terms.'" (In
racism talk define the word racism and the word Christian.)
c. In a lecture on human nature, "four points that give a biblical view of
human nature are...."
d. In a lecture on "Life After Death," discuss:
1) Is there life after death?
2) What is it like?
3) How can one obtain it?
e. In a lecture on "Atheism", say "If
there is a God, one logical question is 'Can He be known?' or, more personally,
'How can I know Him?'
This is a
question that the biblical
perspective deals with."
f. In a lecture on "Ethics" or
"Business Ethics," explain the need for an Absolute Being in order to have any
absolute standards. Then explain
that, from
the biblical perspective, correct ethical behavior comes not just from knowing
about the Being and His standards, but also from
knowing Him
personally. You can also explain that the biblical perspective focuses on
changing a person on the inside, not simply
imposing a
standard on the outside.
g. In a lecture on "Love, Sex, and
Marriage," explain the need for couples to relate on three levels (physical,
emotional and spiritual). Explain
how to best
relate on a spiritual
level.
h. In a lecture on "The Role of
Women," emphasize how positive Jesus was toward women and how many followed Him.
Then ask, "What
was it that
He taught that so captured
their minds and hearts?"
i. In a lecture on "Raising
Children," explain that the most important thing parents can do is help their
children establish a relationship with
God.
j. In a lecture on a social problem
(racism, war, etc.), explain the surface problem, the root problem and the
solution of changing people's
hearts. For
example, in racism, a surface problem would be job discrimination, the
root problem could be the employer's attitude, and the
solution
would begin with changing him from the inside out
through Christ.
k. In a lecture on the "Jesus Movement," explain, "This is what people in the
Jesus movement believe."
l. In a lecture on "The Uniqueness of
the Bible," explain how it is unique in its continuity, composition,
circulation, survival, impact on
literature
and in its message.
m. In a lecture on "Leadership,"
explain that a leader is someone who knows where he is going and can take others
with him. Then explain
"how I came
to know where I am going."
n. Weave the gospel into someone
else's testimony. For example, in a lecture on "Racism" or "Corruption in
Government" you cou1n use
Eldridge
Cleaver or Charles Colson as examples and then explain what they found in
Christ. In a talk on drugs, share the testimony of a
converted
drug addict.
o. In a lecture on "Dealing With
Death," explain the importance, from the Christian perspective, of dealing with
the emotional, and spiritual
apprehensions
of death. Then explain
what you a would say if you were with a dying patient.
p. In a lecture on psychological problems, (guilt, depression, anxiety,
etc.), explain that the solution starts with a relationship with Christ.
q. In a lecture on "Old Testament Prophecy" include prophecies such as Isaiah
53 and Psalm 22 and use them to explain the gospel.
r. In a talk on "Comparative Religions," explain the essentials of
Christianity and contrast them with other religions.
s. In a lecture on "Evolution vs.
Creation," explain the implications special creation has for the existence of a
Creator and how we can know
Him. Or use a
contrast approach on
the gospel: The result of evolution is:
1) no meaning,
2) no accountability and
3) no basic worth.
The end result of creation is:
1) meaning,
2) accountability and
3) worth.
Then explain the simple gospel.
t. Refer to conversations with
students on campus. For example, say, "The other day I was talking with a
student about Christian marriage and
he asked,
'What do you mean by
Christian?'" or "In a class, a student asked, 'How does one become a Christian?'
"
u. Use results of the Collegiate
Challenge survey. Say, "According to this survey, 85 percent of students, when
asked, did not know how to
become a
Christian. Here's how."
v. Explain the tern "born again" by
saying, "Many today wonder what the term born again means. This is what the
biblical documents mean
when they
talk about being born again."
3. Prepare a gospel presentation.
a. Explain the Four Spiritual Laws.
b. Draw the three circles of the natural, carnal, spiritual/man (good for
racism lecture).
c. Illustrate man's body, soul and spirit.
d. Explain soul and spirit (used in "Biblical View of Role of Woman," and
"Biblical View of Family," University Classroom Lecturing).
e. Tell how man is "wonderfully made,
deeply fallen, greatly loved and has the option" — these four points correlate
with the main points in
the Four
Spiritual Laws.
See the
outline on "A Biblical View of Human Nature" in University Classroom Lecturing
for an example of this approach.
4. Relate the gospel to your talk. Whatever method of gospel
presentation you use, it should not appear to be tacked on. To avoid this,
relate
each point to your talk. For example, in a talk on marriage:
a. The biblical perspective is that God loves you. This is important in a
marriage. When people know they are loved they perform better.
b. The biblical perspective is that people have sinned. Many feel that
self-centeredness is the number one problem in marriage.
c. The biblical perspective is that
Jesus Christ is God's provision. If a man and a woman are linked up to God, they
have His resources to
produce a
maximum marriage.
d. Individuals can receive Christ. "My husband and I feel that this is the
most significant contribution to our marriage."
C. Conclude your lecture.
1. Summarize your talk. This aids retention.
2. Possibly conclude the lecture with the statement, "I've done most of the
talking. Now I'd like to hear from you. Are there any questions?"
D. Ask for Questions.
1. Think ahead to possible questions that students might ask and prepare for
them.
2. Repeat the question. To make sure that everyone has heard it correctly.
(This also gives you time to think of an answer.)
3. Expect about 80 percent of the questions to usually refer
to the spiritual aspects of the lecture. (How do you receive Christ? What about
the
heathen who has never heard?) Many of these questions are
included on a special handout in this manual.
4. Show respect to the person asking the question.
5. Treat each question as a good one. "Well, that's a good question. I've
wondered about that myself."
6. Be alert for opportunities to give your personal testimony during question
and answer time.
7. Don't get sidetracked. Steer your answers back to the person of Christ.
8. If there are no questions, have a few prepared. Say, "One question that
students often ask on this subject is..."Then ask the question and answer it.
9. If you don't know the answer to a question say, "That's a
good question. I'm not sure I'm prepared to answer it right now. But I'd be glad
to do
some more research and meet with you over coffee to discuss
it." Do not bluff. Students will respect your honesty.
10. If opposition occurs during question and answer period, keep these points
in mind (adapted from Tim Downs):
a. Confront opposition sensitively.
b. Avoid returning a personal attack.
c. Camouflage (temper) any necessary counter attack.
1. Agree in principle.
2. Don't blame him for being wrong.
3. Admit that many agree with him.
4. Agree in part, if possible, with his reasoning.
5. State your desire to agree if you could.
6. Examine his idea, proving your respect for it.
7. Agree, then raise objections.
8. Restate his idea, in a form acceptable to you.
9. Praise the individual but attack the idea.
10. Attack your own ego before deflating his.
E. Use comment cards.
1. Some time during the question and answer session, have the students fill
out cards. You might say something like this:
"Let's pause a moment and I'd like
you to help me with something. (Assistants distribute cards.) "In nearly every
class we speak in we like to
ask the students for some feedback. I
think the best way to do this is to ask you to jot down your honest evaluation
of what I've said – positive
or negative – on a 3xs card that one of my friends
will hand you. Please be honest. If it was helpful, indicate that; if it wasn't,
indicate that. If
parts needed clarification, say so." As soon as everyone has a card, make sure you have the students' attention
and say:
"Here's what I would like you to put
on the cards: I'd like you to put a comment and I'd also like you to put your
name, address and phone.
Now you don't have to, but here's why
I'd like you to do that. An associate of mine has written a pamphlet that I feel
explains very clearly how
an individual can enter into that
relationship with God through Christ that I've been describing. I'd like to make
it available to you at no cost
for you to consider. You may not
agree with it, but I can almost guarantee it will stimulate your thinking."
"I'll ask a friend to
give you a call on the phone or bring it by your dorm room and show it to you.
It will be yours to keep and if you'd like,
they would be glad
to discuss it with you."
"Don't worry, they're
not going to club you over the head with their Bibles or print your names in the
school paper as the most religious
students on campus."
This approach often results in 50
percent (or more) requests for follow-up and allows the use of the Four
Spiritual Laws or virtually any other
Campus Crusade literature.
2. We strongly urge speakers to Memorize this closing
word-for- word. Even experienced speakers have found that their standard
comment-card
appeal (That they might use in a team
meeting, college life, etc.) does not work well in the classroom. However, this
closing has been tested
and found extremely effective in the classroom, as well as for team meetings, etc.
3. Note that while this technique on the closing is very helpful, rapport is
also key in getting contacts.
4. Try to get referrals to other professors by saying the
following: "One other thing: Often we find that other professors teach classes
in which a
lecture of this nature – or a
biblical view of another subject – might be appropriate. We want to be available
to other classes. If you know of a
professor or class like that, please put the details on the card so we can contact you or
the professor about it."
You can take the referral cards (or maybe the student) to line up classes
with other professors.
5. Have them fold cards and turn them in to you or a helper as they leave.
F. Add interest to your talk.
1. To have an entertaining as well as a logical lecture, go back through your
speech and add some of the following:
-personal illustrations--dramatic, humorous, embarassing
-anecdotes
-humor
-definitions
-historical illustrations
-current events
-analogies
-statistics
-illustrations or diagrams (draw on chalkboard)
-stories of college days
-stories of college students
-quotations (Keep them short and to
the point. Give attribution often, so the audience knows you've done your
homework. Also, write the
quotation verbatim in
your speaking
notes to smooth your presentation.
2. Ask yourself, "What questions will each listener have about this
statement?" Attempt to answer them in your talk.
a. Speak directly to the points on the listener's mind when they are on his
mind, to keep his interest.
b. Don't worry if you can't fit answers to every question into your 30-minute
talk. Ask God for wisdom regarding what to include.
G. Consider these additional ideas.
1. Discuss your outline with a friend to get his or her ideas. "Without
concu1ation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed"
(Proverbs 15:22)
2. Scan your talk to:
a. Make sure each subpoint relates to its main point.
b. Make sure each main point relates to the thesis.
c. Make sure there is no unnecessary overlap between points.
d. Make sure you've included presentation of the gospel.
3. Let it sit.
a. Leave your nearly-finished talk for a week or two. Often additional ideas
will come to mind.
b. Include these ideas where appropriate.
H. Write a title and description.
1. Choose a title which will arouse interest and communicate at least a
general idea of your topic.
2. Think through the various courses there are in which
you can use the talk and the different titles you can use. Your lecture may lend
itself to
several titles and courses with little or no change in content.
3. Develop descriptions for your talk.
a. Make them academically sound and appealing to a professor.
b. Consider these examples:
1. "The
Uniqueness of the Bible" -- An investigation of the composition, continuity,
circulation, survival and message of the bible to
determine what makes it unique in literature. Emphasis will be given to factual credentials.
2. "Are the New Testament Documents Reliable?"
-- Is the New Testament we have today worthy of consideration as accurate
history by
the intelligent observer? A look at the bibliographic, internal and external
evidence, using accepted methods of historical analysis, to
determine the reliability of the existing documents.
3. "The
Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Fact or Fiction?" What is the evidence behind the
assertion that Jesus Christ rose from the dead?
This analysis will survey confirmed historical evidence.
(See University
Classroom Lecturing for descriptions of a wide range of topics.)
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