Here's the tip in an nutshell: work backwards.

The idea is to take a chronological story, and then in the class time or group discussion work through it
*backwards*.

Let's take the example of the story of David vs. Goliath. You would begin with David cutting off Goliath's head. Then you look at David using the sling.  Then you look at David running _towards_ Goliath.  Then review the taunts of Goliath and David's responses.  Keep going until you're at the beginning of the story where the armies are arrayed on two sides of the valley.

You're probably thinking, "Uh, Glenn, you've lost it with this tip.  What good would this do?"

I know it sounds crazy, but this strategy works remarkably well, especially with a group that has heard a Bible story a "gazillion" times before.

Here's what happens:

• People will see new things in the story when they go through it in reverse order.
• They'll be able to see the cause & effects more clearly.
• You can set up very productive conversations about what might have been, and what would you have done in this situation.  (Remember, we have the benefit of knowing the end of the story -- the people involved didn't!)

Give this strategy a try. You'll need to work through it yourself first, of course, to be prepared.

Next >