No matter what you are teaching or modeling for your disciple, using review can take your efforts to the next level. Too often, review gets a bad rap. Review and testing were used so frequently during school years, that the mention of either may get groans from adults. So don’t ditch the method. Instead, practice a set of disciple-making questions. (Did you see how I avoided using the word, “review?”)
In my experience there are two common times for use of review with your disciple. Early and late in your session together. Let’s examine the two times, sets of questions, and how they can strengthen discipling efforts.
Using Review Early
Review questions focused upon last week’s lesson or practices reinforce what was learned or done. Review adds value to experiences and heightens anticipation and retention about this week’s lessons. Review should be specific rather than general and consistently practiced so that it becomes a habit. Consider these early review questions:
- What was the focus of last week’s lesson, homework, or practice?
- What was the truth or main point of last week’s lesson, homework, or practice?
- How was that truth or main point relevant for life today and for you?
- What were you supposed to do as a result of that truth or main point?
- Did you do it?
Looking back adds value to the previous lesson, assignment, or practice. Responding to these questions says I should pay attention this week because I will be asked about it next week. These questions increase attention, learning, retention, application, and obedience.
Late Review
I know the moments you have with your disciple are precious and few. But late review also gives you an opportunity to affirm your disciple. Checking on whether your disciple understands what he/she has learned or been asked to do is not wasted time. When they respond to your questions, you can help them to begin to think about how they would use the material or practices with their disciples. Doing so reinforces confidence and competence which makes the disciple even more likely to disciple others. Consider these late review questions:
- What was focus of today’s lesson?
- What was the truth or main point of the lesson or practice?
- How was that truth/point relevant for life today, for you, and for those you will disciple?
- What are you supposed to do as a result of that truth/main point?
- How would you personally live it out and practice it, and how would you teach it to your disciples?
Application of today’s lesson adds purpose. These questions begin to move your disciple toward their own obedience as well as seeing how and why others needs to answer these questions, learn these things, and practice these actions.
Add review to your discipling early and late and watch as your disciple makes even greater spiritual progress. Watch as he/she gains competence and confidence. Make disciples.
