Dialoguing

General Overview of the method:
Dialoguing is a way to talk through questions to find better questions. There are no real answers to the Bible but with discussion you can talk your way through some of the complications so you have a better understanding on where you stand. There are three kinds of dialoguing that happens. It happened between you and yourself, between you and your neighbor, and between you and God. Dialoguing is a good way to explore what it all means with people you trust and feel comfortable with. Communication is the best way to understand each other and to get a better hand on what is really going on.

Age Level:
This can work with middle school aged groups but I would recommend this for more of the high school kids and up. Adults would greatly benefit from this method of Bible study. It’s a very good tool for anyone though. Communication is the best way to understand each other and to get a better hand on what is really going on.

Specific Materials/Supplies/Handouts Required:
o Bible Commentaries
o Bible Dictionaries
o Bible
o Open mind
o Lots of tolerance because you will run into people who do not see what you see

Step by step instructions for the model:
Prepare for your class by studying the text and try to assign the text to your group so they can study it too. Before class, prepare a list of key point so you can try to keep on topic. Divide into small groups and allow all members to discuss what the passage says and it it’s an event that’s happening what exactly is going on. Have the groups discuss what it means for the people of the world today and what they think God is saying about it. After about 20 minutes have all the small groups come together to tell everyone what each group talked about. Try your best to keep everyone on topic and do not allow rudeness.

Evaluation of the model (strengths/weaknesses):
Because it is discussing, it is very easy to get off topic. This is a good approach though for all groups to get into a deep discussion about the Bible. It ca be offensive though if you let it go wherever. It is a very good spiritual growth tool.