Alva Review-Courier -

This morning, I taught from Genesis to Revelation in slightly under three hours. Of course, I skipped all the stuff from Genesis 11 to Revelation 15. It’s the last week of the semester and we are completing our studies in “Introduction to the Old Testament” and “The General Epistles and Revelation” at NWOSU (ride, Rangers ride). As an instructor, I always find myself looking back at the semester and wondering how I might have done things differently. I also find myself examining ways to make the course better, should they call on me to teach it again.

I have one ace in the hole, so to speak. At the conclusion of every final exam, I ask the following question. “If you were offered the opportunity to teach this class, what would you do differently to make the information more accessible to future students?” Some of the comments have proven pretty useful. They often ask for more communication about projects or more use of “electronic” connections. I’m not a digital native like the majority of my students, but I try. To date, after 20 semesters of asking that question, I’ve never received a scathing reply or insult. Just encouragement and positive suggestions.

I wonder what would happen if we (positively and “encouragingly”) gave feedback to the preachers and teachers among us. I don’t know how things are done in your congregation, but at College Hill, the preacher always stands in the doorway as people exit the auditorium (you may call it the sanctuary) and shakes the hands of the congregants as they exit. The greetings are casual and quick, as we don’t want to block the exit or stop the progress to the fellowship area (we share a communal meal after morning worship each week). Most of the comments concerning the sermon are positive, but predictable. Basically, I’m very handsome and my preaching is amazing.

Here’s a project for you. After shaking hands and saying nice things to your preacher (always appreciated), send them a text, call them on the phone, drop ‘em an email and ask questions or make suggestions concerning the lesson. If they don’t enjoy input, you can always stop; but you might just be surprised! See you Sunday