I am trying something new: working to try to integrate a class by starting with the Bible rather than with the class material. Instead of trying to show how my class material connects with the Bible, I will try to show how the Bible connects with my class. This is a subtle shift, but it may prove significant. We will see. In this post, I will explain why I chose to interact with Mark’s Gospel for my class. And I will discuss how Luke’s Gospel might work well for history classes. Finally, you can see a draft of the first chapter of Mark for Worship Leaders. It’s still a work in progress, but it might help you to think about how you might apply these principles in your class.
Finding the Right Book for Me
Mark for Worship Leaders makes sense for many reasons, but my primary reasons for choosing to engage with Mark were: 1) Jesus’ description of leadership and 2) Mark’s descriptions of Jesus’ awesome words and ways. Mark 10:42-45 says,
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark’s Gospel naturally, intentionally, and implicitly teaches much about leading like Christ. I want my team to serve like that. We also see Jesus demonstrating his power, wisdom, knowledge, and love. All of these things should press readers toward worship. In other words, it seemed to be a perfect fit for worship leaders. That is why it will likely work well for me and my class.
Finding the Right Book for You
The Gospel of Mark could certainly be used fruitfully for students of other subjects as well. But in this method of integrating, finding a section of Scripture that is a natural, unforced fit is step one. For example, if I were writing _______ for Historians, Ι would choose Luke. Why? Because Luke was a historian. He spoke with eye-witnesses. He purposefully conveyed particular events and not others. Some scholars make the case that Luke is the preeminent New Testament historian. Walking through his historical account of Jesus would bring important ideas to the front of mind. For example, Luke believes that God is active and involved in history. He believes in the validity, accuracy, and inspiration of the Old Testament scriptures. He carefully and intentionally lays out his presentation of history for the benefit of his readers. And he supports the event of the resurrection with historical details. We also see Jesus’ use of history in Luke. The Lord interacts with Law and Prophets. So, could students in a Christian school benefit from reading through Luke with an eye toward history and historical method? I don’t see how that could be anything but beneficial.
If you teach another subject, what book/section would work well for your subject area? Think about your area in the way that I have thought through worship-leadership and history. What sections of Scripture lead to natural, smooth, unforced engagement with your topic?
How Does It Look? Here is the first chapter of Mark for Worship Leaders. How does it look to you? Do you think it will work well? Is something missing? Am I approaching something incorrectly? All feedback is helpful. You are investing in my students when you help me make this as good as it can be.
