The Teaching Lab

Ep. 3 - Effective Illustrations

🎙️ Welcome back to The Teaching Lab! In Episode 2, we learned how to explain the Bible with clarity. Pastor Nick Volkening wraps up this teaching trilogy by showing us how to use illustrations in a powerful and effective way. When most people think of illustrations, they think of stories—and while stories are powerful, they’re just one of the tools in your teaching toolkit. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why illustrations matter (and how they help listeners process big truths) ✅ Four key types of illustrations every teacher should know—stories, word pictures, analogies, and examples ✅ How to avoid the trap of making yourself the “hero” of your stories ✅ Practical tips for finding and refining great illustrations that connect with your audience Whether you’re teaching in a pulpit, classroom, or small group, this episode will help you capture attention, stir the imagination, and drive God’s Word deep into the hearts of your listeners. 👉 Listen now to sharpen your teaching craft and discover the power of illustrations in bringing Scripture to life!

Ep. 2 - To Explain or Not to Explain

🎙️ Episode 2 of 3 is here! Pastor Nick Volkening unpacks the first “engine piece” of faithful Bible teaching: explaining the text clearly. In this episode, you’ll discover: ✅ Why overexplaining and underexplaining can both derail your teaching ✅ Two core goals every explanation must achieve ✅ Four practical principles for clarity (including the “Goldilocks test”) ✅ How to keep your listeners engaged without overwhelming them Whether you’re preaching, leading a Bible study, or guiding a small group, this episode will help you explain Scripture in a way that connects with both the mind and the heart. 👉 Listen now and take your Bible teaching to the next level!

Ep. 1 - 3 Core Questions of Interpreting the Bible

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 1 of 3! Hosted by Pastor Nick Volkening, this podcast is designed to equip Bible teachers of all kinds—from small group leaders to preachers—with practical tools and fresh insight for teaching God’s Word faithfully. In this first episode, Nick shares his journey as a pastor and teacher, why this podcast exists, and three essential questions every Bible teacher should ask when preparing to teach: 1️⃣ What did God say? 2️⃣ What is God saying? 3️⃣ What will I say? Whether you’ve been teaching for decades or you’re just getting started, this conversation will encourage you, challenge you, and give you a framework to approach the Bible with clarity and confidence. 📖 Learn how to avoid “paying the dumb tax,” gain fresh perspectives, and see how God’s Word comes alive when we handle it on its own terms. 👉 Listen now and join us on the journey of becoming more faithful teachers of Scripture!