When you recruit feedback from your students at the end of a Bible study year, don’t forget to solicit feedback from your leaders.
Sample Leader Evaluation Form
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Blog
Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
11 Why Work Matters More Than You Think
Every day, you’re pulled into power struggles at work, at home, and in relationships where someone has authority. When someone has power over you, your instinct may be to resist and protect yourself. When you’re the one in charge, your instinct may be to assert control and get your way. But what if those relationships were never meant to be contests to win or lose? In today’s passage, we discover a biblical framework that transforms authority and submission from problems to manage into opportunities.
How to Launch a Women’s Discipleship Program
Most women’s ministries offer a discipleship program at some point. While there is no “one size fits all” model for how to implement discipleship, here are some ideas to help you get started.
How to Meditate on Scripture Without Emptying Your Mind
Learn how to meditate on Scripture using simple questions instead of waiting for feelings. Discover a practical, question-based approach to biblical meditation that deepens understanding and transforms your Bible study.
10 How Biblical Marriage Solves Your Need for Intimacy
Most people think biblical marriage is just a list of rules, but it’s actually God’s beautiful solution to your deepest need for intimacy. Genesis 2 teaches the three foundational commitments that make marriage fulfilling: specialness, permanence, and becoming one flesh. You’ll discover why Hollywood’s promise of freedom leads to loneliness, what Adam learned before Eve was even created, and why the wisest man who ever lived concluded that permanent monogamous marriage is the path to true happiness.
Women’s Ministry Survey Example
As a ministry leader, you often do surveys. But what questions should ask? Which questions solicit the best input? After 30 years in ministry — and countless surveys! — these are the questions I’ve found most helpful.
09 Are You Saved If You Still Struggle with Sin?
Summary If you've confessed faith in Christ but still struggle with sin, especially one particular sin you can't seem to stop, you might wonder if your salvation is in doubt. This week's episode unpacks Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 6:9-14 about who will inherit the...
March 2026 Reflections
March 2026 News: I’m giving away 100 copies of Start Strong for Easter! To win a copy, enter the contest by April 7.
08 How Trials Strengthen Your Faith
James 1:1–8 shows how trials test faith, produce perseverance, and give wisdom. Learn to ask God confidently without double-minded doubt in hardship.
Introduction to the Southern Kingdom
After the death of King Solomon, two of his sons, Rehoboam and Jeroboam, fought for the throne. When Rehoboam harshly raised taxes on the people, the 10 northern tribes rebelled and installed Jeroboam as their king, creating the northern kingdom of Israel. The two southern tribes, Benjamin and Judah, remained with Rehoboam and became the kingdom of J
07 How Paul Defines Spirituality
Paul redefines spirituality in 1 Corinthians 12:1-3. Discover why confessing Jesus as Lord matters more than experiences, jobs, or spiritual gifts.
Introduction to the Northern Kingdom
After the death of King Solomon, two of his sons, Rehoboam and Jeroboam, fought for the throne. When Rehoboam harshly raised taxes on the people, the 10 northern tribes rebelled and installed Jeroboam as their king, creating the northern kingdom of Israel. The two southern tribes, Benjamin and Judah, remained with Rehoboam and became the kingdom of Judah.
06 What Does it Mean to Receive Jesus?
In Matthew 10:40-42, Jesus teaches that how we respond to His disciples reveals how we respond to Him, and ultimately, to God. Welcoming believers isn’t just about hospitality; it’s a test of our faith and a path to eternal reward.
Introduction to the Exile & Return
The period of the divided kingdom ended with the people of Israel being taken into captivity. Here is an overview and timeline of the exile of Israel and her return from captivity.
05 How to Build Your Life on a Rock, not Sand
Explore what Jesus teaches about the Christian worldview. Learn what it means to love your neighbor and build your life on the rock.
What happened between the Old and New Testaments?
The time between the end of the Old Testament (400BC from the prophet Malachi) to the preaching of John the Baptist (25 AD) is known as the “intertestamental” period. Here’s an overview of what happened.
February 2026 Reflections
February 2026 News: Help Easter guests take the next step, not just attend one service. A book giveaway can be an easy way to follow-up with Easter visitors and help them take a meaningful next step.
04 What Jesus Taught About Saving Faith
Discover what Jesus taught about saving faith in Matthew 5:1-12. Learn the 4 core convictions (REAL faith) and why Jesus calls the poor in spirit, meek, and persecuted “blessed.” Perfect for new believers.
Small Groups: How to Keep New People From Feeling Left Out
In new groups, participants often seek connections through icebreaker questions. How we respond impacts the future community. I’ve learned to employ what I call the “Rule of In”.
03 If All Religions Lead to God, Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
Discover why Jesus is the only way to salvation by exploring John 3:14-21 in context. Learn what the cross reveals, why belief matters, and what Jesus taught Nicodemus about spiritual rebirth.
How to Format Your Notes so You Teach Better
Ultimately, how you handle your speaking notes will depend on personal preference. As you experiment, here are some ideas that may help you find your style and prepare like a pro.
02 Why Can’t You Just Try Harder to Be Good?
You’ve said you’re sorry, promised to do better—but you still feel guilty? Why? Because guilt isn’t just a feeling to shake off. Real guilt requires real forgiveness. In this episode, we’ll walk through another passage from Romans to uncover God’s response to our sin and why that matters more than we realize. If you’ve ever wondered whether your past disqualifies you, or why grace is so hard to believe, this passage has the answer.
01 If Grace Covers All Sin, Why Not Keep Sinning?
If grace covers all sin, why not keep sinning? Romans 6:15-7:6 reveals Paul’s answer—and it’s not what you expect. Discover why grace doesn’t permit sin; it transforms your desire for it.
Avoiding Plagiarism in Bible Study: Do’s, Don’ts, and Examples
Learn how to avoid plagiarism in Bible study with clear do’s, don’ts, and real examples—when to cite, how to credit sources, and what to change.
January 2026 Reflections
Season 27 begins February 4, 2026 I'm excited to announce that Season 27 of the Wednesday in the Word podcast begins February 4. We’re doing a topical bible study called Start Strong: A New Believer’s Podcast, a 15-week topical Bible study for those just starting...
Radio: What New Believers Need to Know About Christianity
Discover what new believers need to know about repentance, sin, finding the right church, biblical worldview, and fellowship. A conversation with Rob Schilling on The Schilling Show.
Want to Teach the Bible? Read this First
Learn how to become a Bible teacher with 6 clear steps from study habits to mentorship and prep time, so you can teach with confidence.
wisdom, sophia, G4678
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for Strong’s number: G4678 Greek Lexical Dictionary: Strong's #4678 - σοφία Greek Word: σοφία Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sophia Phonetic Spelling: so-FEE-ah Quick Definition: Wisdom...
4 People You Need to Improve your Teaching
Grow as a Bible teacher with four key roles—cheerleader, coach, critic, craftsman. Learn to find them, set expectations, and trust the team.
work, ergon, G2041
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for work, ergon, Strong’s G2041.
How to Discern “God’s Voice” Without Getting Misled
You’ve probably heard a teacher, pastor or preacher say something to the effect “and then God told me.” What’s up with that? What role does personal experience and/or personal revelation play in Bible study? For me, the bottom line is: Scripture takes precedence over emotions and experience; and teachers ought to strive for accuracy and precision in their language. Here are the guidelines I use when teaching.
testing, dokimé, G1382
Resources to help you do a word study on the biblical greek word dokimé, translated testing, Strong’s G1382.
Start Strong in 2026: New Book, New Season and a New Way to Listen
Discover what’s new at Wednesday in the Word in 2026: a new season, a new book, and a new way to listen—designed especially for new and growing believers.
Preaching: When Telling a Story Helps (and When It Hurts)
Teaching through stories is increasingly popular. But there is a downside. Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls.
2025 Year in Review
2025 Year in Review: Highlights and accomplishments from Wednesday int the Word, who listened and where you listened from.
Start Strong: A New Believer’s Podcast
A 15-week series unpacking the Scripture behind Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity. A simple guide to the Christian faith, one passage at a time.