Putting the Cookies on the Bottom Shelf: The Art of Effective Bible Teaching
Putting the Cookies on the Bottom Shelf: The Art of Effective Bible Teaching
J Neil Daniels
In today's fast-paced world of theological academia and complex biblical commentaries, there's a timeless piece of wisdom that still rings true: put the cookies on the bottom shelf where everyone can reach them.
This simple yet profound advice, popularized by beloved Bible teacher J. Vernon McGee and shared with me by a brother I count as both a friend and mentor, captures the essence of effective Bible teaching. It's wisdom I am striving to better apply in my own writing. Despite passing away over three decades ago, McGee's print and radio teachings continue to resonate worldwide precisely because he mastered this principle of accessibility.
The Heart of Accessibility
What does putting "cookies on the bottom shelf" actually mean in practice? It's about making profound biblical truths accessible to everyone, regardless of their theological background, education level, or familiarity with church language. The most effective Bible teachers recognize that their role isn't to impress their audience with intellectual prowess but to communicate God's Word in ways that transform lives.
When we examine the ministry of Jesus himself, we see this principle in action. He consistently employed everyday examples—seeds, fish, bread, sheep—to communicate profound spiritual truths. He met people in the familiar contours of their daily lives, speaking to fishermen about casting nets and becoming “fishers of men” (Matt 4:19), to farmers about sowing seed on various types of soil (Matt 13:3–9), and to shepherds about a lost sheep sought by a caring shepherd (Luke 15:3–7). He likened the kingdom of God to a mustard seed (Matt 13:31–32), to yeast hidden in dough (Matt 13:33), and to treasure buried in a field (Matt 13:44). When speaking to a Samaritan woman drawing water at a well, he revealed himself as the giver of “living water” that quenches spiritual thirst forever (John 4:10–14). To hungry crowds, he declared himself the “bread of life” (John 6:35), and in the midst of temple ceremonies, he cried out that anyone who believes in him will have rivers of living water flow from within (John 7:37–38). In all these cases, Jesus took the ordinary and illuminated the eternal. His use of familiar objects and scenarios not only clarified deep truths but also invited listeners of all backgrounds to see themselves in the story of redemption.
Practical Ways to Lower the Shelf
For those who teach the Bible, here are several intentional strategies to make your teaching more accessible without compromising its depth:
1. Use everyday language. Clarity begins with vocabulary. While theological terms are essential for precision, they should never become a barrier. Define them patiently, and illustrate them with real-life analogies. Ask yourself, “Could a new believer or a twelve-year-old grasp what I just said?”
2. Tell stories that stick. Jesus didn’t merely dispense doctrine; He painted pictures with words. Stories, metaphors, and analogies are powerful tools to lodge truth in the imagination. Whether from Scripture, your own life, or history, well-chosen narratives can make abstract truths tangible and unforgettable.
3. Apply as you explain. Teaching that informs but does not transform falls short of its biblical aim. Pause regularly to ask, “So what?” Invite listeners to reflect on how this truth intersects with their relationships, anxieties, work habits, or decisions. Application turns information into formation.
4. Adopt a warm, conversational tone. While reverence for Scripture is non-negotiable, sounding overly formal or academic can unintentionally erect walls. Speak with pastoral warmth, as if addressing someone over coffee, not defending a thesis. A conversational tone fosters connection and invites engagement.
5. Incorporate visual aids and concrete examples. Just as Jesus pointed to lilies, coins, and fig trees, effective teachers anchor truth in the visible world. Whether through illustrations, diagrams, or object lessons, let your teaching be seen as well as heard. Visuals help abstract concepts take root.
6. Anticipate confusion and clarify proactively. Good teachers predict where the listener might get lost and offer bridges before they do. Ask, “Where might someone trip here?” Then walk with them through the terrain.
7. Slow down and emphasize key truths. Don’t be afraid to repeat a central point in different ways. Repetition is the mother of retention. Highlight what's most important by saying it again, with variation and weight.
In short, lowering the shelf requires humility, clarity, and an empathetic awareness of your audience’s needs. It is not a call to dilute truth but to deliver it in a way that welcomes, rather than overwhelms.
Depth Without Distance
Making teaching accessible doesn't mean watering down biblical truth. The goal isn't to simplify the message but to clarify it. As Albert Einstein reportedly said, "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
The most profound teachers can explain complex concepts in straightforward ways precisely because they've mastered those concepts. They have done the hard work of understanding so their audience doesn't have to struggle unnecessarily.
The Lasting Impact
J. Vernon McGee's legacy proves that accessible teaching stands the test of time. Decades after his death, his straightforward explanations of Scripture continue to guide believers worldwide. His approach reminds us that effective Bible teaching isn't measured by scholarly citations or theological jargon but by changed lives.
Conclusion
In an age where information abounds but wisdom seems scarce, Bible teachers have a sacred responsibility to make eternal truths accessible. By putting the cookies on the bottom shelf, we don't diminish the value of those cookies—we ensure that everyone gets to enjoy them.
Whether you are teaching a Sunday School class, leading a small group, or preaching to a congregation, remember that your goal isn't to showcase your knowledge but to help others grow in theirs. When we teach like Jesus taught—with clarity, relevance, and accessibility—we fulfill our calling to make disciples who understand and apply God's Word in their everyday lives.
After all, the most profound biblical insights are not those that impress our minds but those that transform our hearts and lives. And those transformations happen most readily when we can easily reach the cookies.
Select Bibliography
Quiggle, James D. Christian Doctrine: The Theology of Christianity. Amazon KDP, 2024.
Allison, Gregg R. 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith: A Guide to Understanding and Teaching Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2018.
Wilhoit, James C., and Leland Ryken. Effective Bible Teaching. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2012.
Most excellent, and very illustrative of the principle.
ReplyDeleteI live in East Germany which was under 40 years of socialist rule. Most people have never been exposed to the Bible. Your points are helpful in engaging these people; for me, it's mainly in my work place.
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