Are you a bridge builder? Communicating the Scriptures is much like building a bridge. However, instead of ravines or rivers, the teacher must span both cultural boundaries and great gulfs of time between the present and the past of Moses, David, Jesus, and Paul. This bridge must reach even further. The student must be able to cross both into the past and into his own future.God's Word is 'living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword' (Hebrews 4:12). It is contemporary. Relevant. But it is the teacher who has the task of helping the student to see its vast treasures. This is no easy task, but it can be done through creative Bible teaching. Together, Richards and Bredfeldt have written a book on bridge-building that reveals the following five-step process by which Christian educators can construct a bridge across time, geography, and culture. Step I: Studying the BibleDevelop an understanding of the nature, role, study, and interpretation of the Bible. Get the help you need in preparing biblically accurate lesson plans.Step II: Focusing the MessageLearn how to teach for student learning. Be guided in the process of translating learning theory into lesson preparation.Step III: Structuring the LessonDevelop a lesson plan using the HOOK, BOOK, LOOK, TOOK structure.Step IV: Teaching the ClassLearn about the five key principles of teacher effectiveness. Discover how these principles can lead to a more dynamic and satisfying teaching experience within various age groups.Step V: Evaluating the ResultsEvaluate your own effectiveness by assessing the outcome of your teaching.

LAWRENCE O. RICHARDS (University of Michigan, Dallas Theological Seminary, Northwestern University) was one of the most prominent Christian Education writers during the second half of the twentieth century. He has written more than 70 books, including Creative Bible Teaching, Every Name of God in the Bible and Life of Christ. He was a contributor to Christian Education: Foundations for the Future. Larry resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. GARY J. BREDFELDT (M.A., Denver Seminary; Ph.D., Trinity International University) is a former Professor of Leadership and Church Ministry at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of three widely used textbooks: Creative Bible Teaching, Caring for Souls: Counseling under the Authority of Scripture, and Great Leader, Great Teacher. Gary resides in Louisville, Kentucky.