Teaching That Sticks
Introduction
Welcome to the Teaching That Sticks training series. This resource is designed to help you grow as a Sunday teacher in our student ministry. Whether you’re a seasoned communicator or just stepping into this role, our goal is to help you clearly explain the text in a way that sticks, so students walk away not just informed, but transformed. Each short video will walk you through a key part of our teaching process, offering insight, examples, and practical tips. After each video, take a moment to reflect on a few questions and think about how it connects to your role.
Video 1: The Purpose of Our Teaching
In this first session, we unpack the purpose behind our teaching format. Using a nostalgic story about movie nights and VCRs, we explore why shaping content for the audience matters. You’ll learn our teaching goal: to clearly explain the biblical text in a way that sticks. This video also introduces our core values in teaching: clarity, gospel-centeredness, age-awareness, interaction, and connection to the home. Finally, we explain how the shared format strengthens us as a team and prepares us to grow together as teachers.
What is the main purpose of our Sunday teaching?
To clearly explain the biblical text in a way that sticks so students understand, remember, and apply it.This is where the description goes.
Why do we use a consistent teaching format each week?
Because clear structure helps students stay engaged and remember truth, and it also allows us as teachers to grow, give feedback, and stay unified around a shared approach.
What are the five values that shape how we teach, and why do they matter?
- Clarity – We explain truth simply and clearly.
- Gospel-Centered – Every lesson points to Jesus.
- Age-Aware – We consider the range from 6th to 12th grade.
- Interactive – We invite discussion and response.
- Connection to Home – Lessons align with family discipleship tools.
Video 2: Bible Solo Reading Time
In this session, we explore the vital step that happens before the teaching, even before the discussion: Bible Solo Reading Time. We’ll show how giving students a few quiet minutes with Scripture helps them observe the passage for themselves, setting the stage for deeper understanding and application. With only about 11% of Christian teens reading the Bible weekly, this solo reading time becomes a rare and meaningful opportunity to connect with God’s Word. By honing skills like identifying repeated words, asking questions of the text, and rewriting it in their own words, students begin to own Scripture, not just passively hear it. This foundational moment ensures our teaching doesn’t start on empty ground, and invites students into the Word before they hear us explain it.
Why is Bible Solo Reading Time so important for the lesson’s goal of “clearly explaining the text in a way that sticks”?
Because it gives students a chance to observe the text before anyone teaches it. It allows them to engage with Scripture directly, helping them understand and remember it better once the teaching begins. It also models personal Bible reading habits that can carry into the rest of their week.
How might this reading time change the way students engage with the main teaching?
It prepares their minds and hearts to listen more actively. Since they’ve already seen the passage, they track better, connect more personally, and sometimes even ask thoughtful questions. It turns them from passive listeners into active learners.
Video 3: Introductions
In this video we focus on the opening 2–3 minutes of your lesson; how to capture students’ attention and clearly present your Big Idea. You’ll learn how an intentional “hook” (a story, question, prop, meme, or scenario) sets the stage for what follows, and why brevity and clarity matter. Then we’ll walk through practical examples, show how to transition into the passage smoothly, and explain how repeating the Big Idea helps your teaching stick. With the right intro, students are more likely to stay engaged throughout the lesson.
Why is the introduction so important in a Sunday lesson?
Because it sets the tone and helps students decide if what they’re about to hear is worth their attention. A strong introduction helps them engage from the start.
What is a “hook” and what are some effective forms it can take?
A hook is a short, meaningful opening that connects to the lesson. Examples include: a short story, an intriguing question, a prop, a game, a meme, or a video clip.
What should you do immediately after the hook and why?
Present the Big Idea clearly and concisely. That one sentence summarizes the whole message and acts as the anchor for everything else in the lesson. Repeat it often and include it visually.
Video 4: Leading Table Discussions
This video walks through how to lead effective table discussions and keep your teaching interactive. You’ll learn why table time is essential for spiritual formation, how to use the provided questions effectively, and what role you play in setting up and guiding those moments. Whether it’s table conversations or open-room engagement, you’ll be equipped to create space for students to process, share, and apply what they’re learning.
Why are table discussions an essential part of Sunday teaching?
Because they give students a chance to engage personally with the lesson, connect with peers, and apply what they’re learning in age-appropriate, leader-guided ways.
What are some ways the teacher can set up table time for success?
By clearly explaining the instructions, restating the Big Idea, reading and repeating the questions, modeling answers, and encouraging table leaders during the discussion.
What should you do after table time ends?
Reconnect the room by asking 1–2 groups to share what stood out, which builds unity and reminds students that they are learning and growing together.
Video 5: Giving Applications from the Front
In this session you’ll learn how to help students move from hearing the Word to living the Word. We focus on giving clear, specific applications from the front; guiding students toward real‑life steps rooted in the passage and tailored to their world. You’ll discover why fewer is better (just 2‑3 strong applications), how to use “relational circles” (family, friends, school, online, activities) to make truth practical, and how to speak into their real decisions so the lesson touches their actual lives. We also look at the cultural reality that many teens don’t know how scripture connects to their world and how our application teaching helps bridge that gap.
What are “relational circles” and how do they help students apply the Word?
Relational circles are the areas of students’ lives where they live out truth; like family, friends, school, activities, online, or church. When you pick 2‑3 circles and show what obedience might look like there, students can picture how the truth applies to their week.
Why should you limit yourself to 2‑3 applications per section instead of offering lots of options?
Because giving too many options creates confusion. Choosing just 2‑3 helps each application flow directly from the text, fits the Big Idea, is relevant to students’ lives, and gives them a clear step to act on.
What does it mean to speak into students’ “real world” and why is that important?
It means getting inside their world; the decisions, tensions, fears, or pressures they face, and showing how the truth applies in those moments. Students are more likely to connect and respond when they hear something that sounds like them.
Video 6: Using Illustrations
In this session we dive into the art of using illustrations (stories, images, jokes, props, videos) that help truth stick without pulling students off course. You’ll learn that the purpose of an illustration is to make the Word memorable and clear, not just to entertain or fill time. We’ll cover when and how to use illustrations, what types tend to work well in student ministry, what to avoid (including political hot‑takes, inappropriate content, and distracting pop culture references), and how to always tie your story back to the Big Idea and text. When used wisely, an illustration will reinforce what students need to remember and live out.
What is the main purpose of an illustration in your teaching?
The main purpose is to support the Big Idea and help students remember truth. If it doesn’t clarify the message or point to the text, it becomes a distraction.
What are two or three questions you should ask before using an illustration?
You should ask:
‑ Does this illustrate the main idea of the passage?
‑ Will students talk about the truth or just the story after I use it?
‑ Is it age‑appropriate and spiritually meaningful for a 6th‑12th grader?
Why might some illustrations end up distracting rather than helping?
Because they may highlight the wrong thing (e.g., your favorite movie clip, a controversial topic, a story unrelated to the text) instead of reinforcing the biblical truth. If students remember the story more than the truth, the illustration failed its purpose.
Video 7: Using Transitions
Transitions are the unsung heroes of every great teaching. In this video, we learn how short, intentional phrases can connect the different parts of a message and help students stay engaged. Whether moving from Scripture to story, from teaching to table time, or from application to conclusion, transitions keep the message flowing and reinforce the Big Idea. You’ll learn how to write clear, simple transitions and practice mapping them out as part of your preparation. With the right transitions, your teaching will feel like one seamless, compelling conversation.
What is the main purpose of using transitions in a Sunday lesson?
Transitions help connect different parts of the message so students stay engaged, understand how each part fits together, and keep the Big Idea in view.
What are a few examples of good transition phrases?
Examples include “Now that we’ve seen…”, “That brings us to…”, “Let’s go deeper…”, or “Let’s take a few minutes to talk about…”—these help link thoughts and guide the room smoothly through the message.
What is one thing you can do this week to improve how you use transitions in your lesson?
Write out your transitions during prep, one for each major section (Scripture, Application, Table Time, Conclusion), and keep each one short and connected to the Big Idea.
Video 8: How to Conclude the Lesson Well
In this session we explore how to wrap your lesson in a way that gives students clarity, conviction and a takeaway they can carry into their week. A strong conclusion isn’t just “we’re done”. It’s your final chance to restate the Big Idea, reconnect to Scripture, issue a clear challenge, and help students continue the conversation long after Sunday. You’ll learn why conclusions matter, how to move from the room to “ride‑home” discussions, and a simple framework for ending well: restate the Big Idea, remind them of God’s Word, ask “what’s one next step?”, and invite ongoing conversation.
Why does the conclusion of a lesson matter?
Because if you teach well but fumble the ending, students walk away uncertain. A strong conclusion helps them remember what matters, know what to do, and feel the weight of the message.
What are the key components you should include in a strong conclusion?
You should:
‑ Restate the Big Idea so it comes full circle.
‑ Reconnect to the Scripture so it’s not just your words but God’s Word.
‑ Issue a clear, simple challenge (one next step).
‑ Invite students to continue talking about it at home, in the car, with friends.
How can you help students discuss the lesson after they leave the room?
By giving them language they can share (“We talked about…”) and inviting them to pick a relational circle (family, friends, school) and apply the truth there. This could set up a “ride‑home” conversation instead of silence.
Video 9: Accountability and Growth
In the final session we talk about the responsibility and growth required of us as teachers. You’ll be challenged to embrace accountability to God, to students, and to one another. We explore why our aim each week remains simple: “To clearly explain the text in a way that sticks.” Then you’ll watch a demonstration of how this format, from our curriculum and our teaching rhythm, comes together, complete with a Teacher Development Form for peer review and team growth.
👇 Download the PDF or come and grab one from the NextGen office 👇
👇 Download the PDF or come and grab one from the NextGen office 👇
What is the foundational aim for every Sunday teaching session?
The aim is to clearly explain the biblical text in a way that sticks, so that students understand, remember, and live out what they heard.
How does peer‑feedback and accountability help the teaching team grow?
Peer observation using the Teacher Development Form turns teaching into a process of sharpening one another. It’s about encouragement, improvement, and shared growth, not evaluation alone.
What are you asked to do while watching the demo lesson?
You should print or grab the Teacher Development Form, watch the lesson using it, notice where the format worked and where it could be clearer, and then hand your completed form to the teacher for feedback and growth.
Lesson: Delighted in You (1 Kings 10:1-10)
In this final session we put it all together: structure, creativity, clarity, and responsibility. The teacher will walk through a full lesson from the curriculum (The Gospel Project) on the passage 1 Kings 10:1‑10 titled “Delighted in You”. The Big Idea: If we know Christ, then it should be evident to others.
You’ll watch how the format is applied in real time (introduction, text reading, explanations, illustration, applications, transitions, conclusion) and how it all works in a 35‑minute teaching window.
Once you've completed the video and turned in your Teacher Development Form, that lets me know you’re on board with the vision and the format. From there, we can start talking about which lessons you’d like to be scheduled for. Before each one, we’ll sit down together to walk through the passage, the direction of the lesson, and make sure you feel confident and prepared. You’re not doing this alone, we’re in it together.
👇Peep my manuscript to the lesson here👇
You’ll watch how the format is applied in real time (introduction, text reading, explanations, illustration, applications, transitions, conclusion) and how it all works in a 35‑minute teaching window.
Once you've completed the video and turned in your Teacher Development Form, that lets me know you’re on board with the vision and the format. From there, we can start talking about which lessons you’d like to be scheduled for. Before each one, we’ll sit down together to walk through the passage, the direction of the lesson, and make sure you feel confident and prepared. You’re not doing this alone, we’re in it together.
👇Peep my manuscript to the lesson here👇