Benchley Bible Classes

Introduction

Jeremiah 35:5-10, 16 – God is having Jeremiah set up a lesson. The Rechabites carried out the legacy of their father. They still followed his commands some 300 years later. How can we leave a legacy like this?

Objective-based program
- What should the children have learned by the time they leave the program?
Two-tiered curriculum structure
- Up to fifth grade: study through the Bible every three years.
- Sixth grade and up: focus on New Testament and Old Testament wisdom, with topical studies
Classes do not change age/grade range

Class 1 (0-2 years)
- Become comfortable being in Bible class
- Hear Bible words, stories, and songs
Class 2 (2-3 years)
- Learn basic Bible class conduct
- Learn Bible words, short stories, big ideas
Class 3 (grades -1 to K)
- Refine Bible class conduct
- Learn Bible storie3s and basic lessons
Class 4 (grades 1-2)
- Learn Bible story details and basic application
Class 5 (grades 3-4)
- Longer term recall
Class 6 (grade 5-6)
- Begin self-guiding to answers
Class 7 (grades 7-8)
- Become independent Bible students
- Build independent faith
Class 8 (high school and up)
- Prepare for independent lives
- Prepare for adult responsibilities

Grades 7-8
- Two-year cycle
- Sundays: New Testament narrative
  - Five quarters in the gospels
  - Two quarters in Acts
  - One quarter TBD
- Wednesdays: Bible study skills, daily living
High school
- Four-year cycle
- Sundays
  - Old Testament poetry and wisdom literature
  - Chapter a week: Acts – Revelation
- Wednesdays: Four general topic areas, rotating quarters
  - Q1: The church
  - Q2: Daily living
  - Q3: Evidence
  - Q4: Split classes
Classes through sixth grade
- Bible a wide, firm foundation of knowledge of the scriptures

Younger grades
- II Timothy 3:15 – Don’t shy away from memorization and recitation.
Middle grades
- Luke 10:25-28 – Engage the students in the learning process.
Older grades
- Luke 9:2 – Engage students in the teaching process.
Make the most of class time.
- Ephesians 5:16 – Be deliberate
- I Corinthians 14:26 – Do all things for edification
Adjust the curriculum as you feel appropriate for the age/group
Don’t teach the book. Teach THE BOOK.
Use workbooks as a topical guide.

Take responsibility for your child’s spiritual development
- Deuteronomy 6:7; 11:19
- Have your children prepared for class.
- Mark 2:27
- Study and discuss other scriptures and topics instead of the lesson, if that is the need of the moment.
Give feedback to teachers, class deacon, elders
Be patient, think long term
- Student, teachers, and topics change

Teach!
Only man teachers for boys once boys hit 13 years old.
Teachers may open the high school class to other students at their discretion.
Two-quarter special opportunity
- Last two quarters of 2024/2025, topic is teacher’s choice.