Lesson 1 | Restatement
What Is That Pastor Doing?
As both a Bible teacher and Bible student, I have often reflected upon the techniques teachers employ when they communicate God’s Word. One technique that has particularly impressed me is the ability to get into the shoes of a biblical author and paraphrase his thoughts back to the congregation. Sometimes, pastors unpack things, adding detail and color, following the logic of the passage precisely until I find myself thinking the thoughts of the author after him. Other times, they summarize the main point so succinctly and accurately that the clarity of the text pierces my soul like an arrow.
What are they doing? Answer: Paraphrasing
Consider the following brief clips from Pastors Dave and JC below. (The videos will automatically start and stop at the right places when you hit the play button.) Can you hear them utilizing first-person perspective paraphrases to draw out the message of Scripture?
I ... consciously use paraphrasing as part of my studies and teachings. It helps clarify the text, making it more accessible and relatable. Paraphrasing allows me to distill complex passages into simpler language, which often aids both personal comprehension and effective communication with others.
However ... it’s crucial to exercise caution to ensure that paraphrasing amplifies the original message without altering its meaning. Maintaining the integrity of Scripture while seeking clarity is always the goal.
—David Menard, Senior Pastor of The Mission Church, Carlsbad, CA.
Throughout this course you will learn the technical tool of paraphrasing—a tool useful both for studying and communicating God’s Word.