As teachers, we are blessed with a sacred opportunity. We are co-laborers with the Holy Spirit who walk alongside others, pointing them to the magnificent truths contained within God’s self-revelation. It is unsurprising that the responsibility can feel overwhelming, especially for those new to the calling. Fortunately, we are not alone. We stand on the shoulders of scholars and theologians of the past and present, whose wisdom is available across multiple platforms. There are a wealth of resources available to us that can significantly complement our study and prayer. The blending of the Spirit’s wisdom and these supplemental tools enables us, whether lay teachers or pastors, to serve those in our charge more effectively. 

Accordingly, I have provided a non-exhaustive list of such resources in this article that I, a lay leader, have found helpful in my study, preparation, and presentation. I have included an asterisk next to the resources that are particularly helpful in my study and preparation. But before I share a list of valuable resources, I would be remiss if I didn’t include this disclaimer: Only Scripture is perfect, and these resources—all of them—are imperfect. As you incorporate these resources into your toolbox, approach them prayerfully and with discernment.

Libraries

Libraries are a cost-effective way to get your hands on much of the material I suggest in this article. Theological and church libraries especially provide access to an extensive collection of commentaries, Bible dictionaries, topical books, and other resources to enrich your lesson preparation. While online research is convenient, exploring the physical stacks allows one to discover lesser-known gems, study multiple viewpoints side-by-side, and immerse yourself in the focused environment libraries provide.

Library Resources

Commentaries

Studying scholarly Bible commentaries provides historical context, textual insights, and theological perspectives that can inform your understanding of Scripture and enrich your teaching. While commentaries should not dominate lesson preparation, consulting respected expositors’ analysis of a passage can uncover depths and details you may have missed. Here are a few such resources that I find great value in (be on the lookout for used or library copies to reduce cost):

Other Theological Research Books and Resources

Reading books that explore biblical themes, characters, theology, and background in greater depth can supplement your study and provide real-life illustrations of scriptural truths. While commentaries focus on passage-by-passage exposition, topical books allow more room to synthesize big ideas, discuss scholarly debates, and draw out practical applications across a wide range of texts.

  • Lexicons and Concordances: Studying the original Hebrew and Greek meanings of keywords provides valuable insights for exegesis and lesson preparation. These are usually beyond the scope of the lay leader’s needs, but I find them useful. (e.g., Liddell Greek Lexicon).
  • Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias Bible encyclopedias offer comprehensive articles on biblical topics, theological concepts, and historical context to enrich your understanding of Scripture. (e.g., IVP Bible Dictionary Series or Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary).
  • Hermeneutics Studying principles of biblical interpretation ensures you handle Scripture correctly and aids in developing lessons faithful to the text. (e.g., The Hermeneutical Spiral).
  • General Theology Reading books on biblical theology, ethics, apologetics, etc., equips you to teach sound doctrine and address questions that may arise during lessons. All of these topics have expansive scholarship, but there are plenty of books that cover much of it together. (e.g., Christian Theology).
  • Special Topics There are far too many to list, but seek out books by trusted authors or those recommended by your pastor, fellow teachers, or well-respected mentors and friends.
  • Scholarly Publications (e.g., Themelios or Mere Orthodoxy).
  • Other Noteworthy Websites

Other Online Research Resources 

While in-depth personal Bible study should form the foundation, mining the wealth of solid biblical content available online can bring increased insight and spark creativity in teaching timeless truths in a culturally relevant way.

  • Blue Letter Bible (free)*: An in-depth online/app resource packed with study tools like commentary, Greek/Hebrew lexicons, dictionaries, concordances, and audio teachings for digging deeper into God’s Word. I use this for quick scripture analysis and insights. (https://www.blueletterBible.org/).
  • LOGOS Bible Software: This is widely thought of as the gold standard. I use this for academic and in-depth research, but it is expensive. (https://www.logos.com/).
  • STEP Bible (free)*: An online/app biblical study platform featuring Greek/Hebrew lexicons, 30+ English Bible translations, interlinear Bibles, original language diagrams, dictionaries, devotionals, and technical commentaries for conducting in-depth analysis of Scripture. I use this exclusively for quick word studies. (https://www.stepBible.org/)
  • Got Questions.org*: A website that answers frequently asked Bible questions and offers advice and counsel on spiritual issues. (https://www.gotquestions.org/).
  • Precept Austin*: An in-depth verse-by-verse Bible study resource with commentary, Greek helps, and audio sermons for digging deeper into God’s Word. (https://www.preceptaustin.org/)
  • Tyndale House: Tyndale House is a library and study center at Cambridge University designed for biblical research, translation, and publication to advance theological learning. (https://tyndale.cam.ac.uk/)

Curriculum Guides

Curriculum guides offer a helpful framework for planning lessons, walking step-by-step through biblical texts, raising thoughtful questions, and suggesting creative activities to engage students. Following a proven curriculum offers structure and focus to your teaching while still allowing flexibility to customize lessons to fit the needs of your unique class. Free versions are often challenging to come by, so it’s essential to see what, if anything, your church already has access to. 

Sermons / Lessons

Listening to sermons from gifted preachers and teachers can provide inspiration, insights, and illustrative material to enrich your Bible teaching. While you’ll want to develop lessons in your own voice, studying how skilled communicators handle a text or topic can spark creative ways to make biblical truths come alive for your class. I have listed many of my favorite teachers below. It is worth noting that all these teachers are imperfect and capable of mistakes, so do not expect otherwise. 

AI 

AI assistants can provide conversational practice for teaching and act as a research aid, but they have limitations. Verify anything an AI says, as the technology is imperfect and rapidly evolving. Use AI tools skeptically to supplement Scripture study and prayer-guided preparation, not replace diligent biblical work. After much trial and error, I’ve found AI helpful, recognizing its strengths and weaknesses.

Notes and Presentation Tools

Thoughtfully planning and preparing each lesson component is critical for effectively teaching God’s Word. Along with thoroughly studying the biblical text, having the right materials on hand aids in clearly communicating truth in engaging ways. Use tools you are comfortable with for teaching notes, whether a simple notepad or a presentation program.

Media and Misc. Activity Supplies

Incorporating hands-on activities, creative projects, and audiovisual teaching aids engages multiple learning styles and helps communicate biblical truths in tangible, memorable ways. While simply teaching the Word should be central, judiciously using appropriate objects, media clips, and interactive experiences can reinforce and apply lessons, spark discussion, and appeal to different sensibilities.

Guest Speakers

Inviting guests with expertise or personal experience with the lesson topic to share for a few minutes can add fresh perspectives and real-world connections that capture attention. While your voice should remain central (for continuity), occasional short talks by trusted Christian leaders in the church or community can supplement the teaching with their passion, insights, or personal anecdotes. Ask yourself: “Can or should someone else handle this topic?”

Personal Experience

It goes without saying, but our personal experiences can be a valuable tool for teaching biblical concepts in tangible ways that impact students. As a teacher, I’ve found great benefit in sharing relatable stories and modern analogies from my life to illustrate truths from Scripture practically. This is why I spend intentional time reflecting on my life and those around me, considering applications I can draw from these experiences.