How Not to End Your Class

Have you ever been in this situation?

Time is winding down, you have maybe 1 minute left, people in the class are shuffling and you're losing their attention -- they're thinking about where they need to go next. You finish off your thought from that part of your outline, ask "Any questions?" and give it 1 second. (You actually aren't expecting any questions, and secretly know that peer pressure of a group makes that very unlikely!) Then you say, "OK, let's pray" and say a short appropriate prayer that is your official close.

Teachers often miss the opportunity to end classes and Bible study times with a strong "launch."

Here's my counsel: teach less content, teach it really well, and aim to engage people with questions and dialogue. Aim to end class 5 minutes early. And launch them out into ministry with your passionate (not perfunctory) prayers on their behalf, for the glory of God. You've instructed, trained and equipped -- now they need to go forth and serve. (See Ephesians 4:11-12 for more on this.)