Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
Verlin’s workflow emphasizes copying and pasting the text, rearranging it, and outlining “primary things this text is saying” before moving outward; what would change in your Bible study or teaching if you forced yourself to outline only what the passage actually says before adding themes, cross-references, or application?
Another way to ask: Verlin starts by working closely with the passage and listing the main things it actually says before adding anything else. How would your Bible study or teaching change if you forced yourself to outline only what the passage says before adding themes, other verses, or application?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests this would make your study more text-driven: you would discover the passage’s own structure and emphasis before importing your favorite themes or applications. It would likely slow you down at first, but it would help ensure your teaching is actually based on “what are the primary things this text is saying.”
- He often begins by “copying and pasting text and examining what it says and rearranging it” in a word processor.
- In Word, he keeps “the text at the top” and starts “breaking it down, making an outline out of the text.”
- He says the goal is to identify “what are the primary things this text is saying.”
- He adds study layers (definitions, context) but only after outlining: “That will probably include some word definitions… contextual things… you begin pulling that in.”
- His resource order supports this: “first… straight scripture text,” then “cross-references,” then “commentaries or other… helps.”