Are you making dangerous assumptions when you are teaching?

When it comes to preaching and teaching the truths of the Bible we can all be guilty of making assumptions. I have been reminded of this often this year in my own teaching a preaching.  In particular, there are two words we often use than can be dangerous for our teaching and preaching.  What are they?

“You Remember…”

Sure, they seem harmless.  They are not meant to do damage.  In fact, many times they are mindlessly used as a filler or transition to what we are teaching.

The reality however is that most of those listening…do not remember.  For many they have never known the story you are referencing.  By suggesting that they should remember three things can happen:

1.  You make those who do not know or remember feel embarrassed

Most of the students you have will never admit that they do not know or remember what you are referring to.  They do not want to look stupid, so they sit quietly playing along as if they do.  Some are lost and have no way of knowing what you are talking about.  By assuming they remember, you alienate them to what you are teaching and unintentionally belittle them.

2.  You fail to communicate as clearly as you think you are

Because you are largely teaching from a position that assumes knowledge on the part of your students, you will not explain things as clearly as you think you are.  Your students will have a much more difficult time understanding what you are teaching and you can become frustrated that they “just aren’t getting it.”

3.  You miss the opportunity to REALLY teach and equip

Making the assumption of knowledge shortchanges both the learner and the teacher.  In many ways it can completely undermine the entire teaching process.  If you are “teaching,” but no one is learning you are really just talking to a group of people.

How often are you guilty of using the words, “you remember?”  Do you feel like you are missing an opportunity to really connect?  Do you agree that this hurts your efforts to teach?  Leave a comment and share below:

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