Let’s Be Real: Common Mistakes We Make When Teaching the Bible (And How We Can Grow Through Them)

Oh my goodness, teaching the Bible is such a beautiful, rewarding thing—but let’s be real for a minute. Sometimes we make mistakes along the way, and it’s OK to admit that. I mean, who hasn’t had a moment where they looked back at a lesson and thought, “Wow… that did not land the way I thought it would?” (Just me? Surely not, right?) It’s part of the process, but the key is to recognize where we might be missing the mark and learn from it.

So, I wanted to talk through some of the most common mistakes we make when teaching the Bible—especially when we’re teaching other women. It’s like having a little heart-to-heart over coffee (or tea, whatever floats your boat!). Grab a comfy seat, and let’s dive in.

1. Overloading on Information

Have you ever sat through a Bible lesson where the teacher just threw out every single bit of knowledge they’ve got, leaving you feeling like your brain is about to explode? Yeah, we’ve all been there. And honestly, sometimes we’re that person. It’s so easy to get carried away because, well, the Bible is exciting and there’s so much depth! But here’s the thing—we don’t need to cram all the information into one lesson.

Instead of giving a full-on theology degree in 30 minutes, focus on one or two key points and let those soak in. It’s about quality, not quantity. When we overload, people can leave feeling more confused than enlightened. Let’s simplify and allow time for God’s Word to sink in slowly.

2. Talking More Than Listening

Okay, confession time—who else gets nervous and fills the silence with all the words? 🙋‍♀️ There’s a temptation when we’re teaching to just keep talking, talking, talking. But here’s the thing: one of the best ways to lead others in Bible study is to create space for them to engage and reflect.

Sometimes, we need to stop talking and let others process. Ask questions. Let those awkward silences happen (even though I know it feels like eternity while you’re waiting!). You might be surprised at the insight that bubbles up when we allow space for people to share what’s on their hearts.

3. Relying on Your Own Knowledge

Look, I’ll be honest—there are times when I’ve gone into a teaching situation thinking, “I’ve got this. I know this passage like the back of my hand!” But wow, does that mindset set us up for a fall. The thing is, even if we’ve read a passage a hundred times, God is always revealing new things. So, if we’re relying on our own understanding and not coming to Him in prayer and humility, we’re missing out on what He really wants to teach.

We need to come to the Word with fresh eyes, every single time. Yes, be prepared, but also be humble enough to admit that you don’t have all the answers (spoiler: none of us do). Ask God to guide the lesson, to show you what’s really needed for that moment. He knows the hearts in that room way better than we do.

4. Skipping Context

I know we’ve all probably done this at some point—pulling a verse out of its context and using it in a way that suits our point. It’s so easy to fall into this trap, especially when we’re trying to make a specific point or apply Scripture in a practical way. But teaching the Bible means we’ve got to honor the whole story, not just the bits and pieces that feel convenient in the moment.

Before we throw out a verse, let’s take the time to understand the full context. What’s the cultural setting? Who’s speaking, and to whom? What’s happening before and after that particular verse? Trust me, doing the work to unpack the context makes the message richer and truer. God’s Word is beautiful in its entirety, and we don’t need to cherry-pick to make it powerful.

5. Forgetting the “Why” Behind It All

Teaching the Bible isn’t about puffing up our own knowledge or giving a performance—it’s about bringing people closer to Jesus, plain and simple. And yet, sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of preparing lessons or trying to hit certain points, we forget why we’re doing it in the first place.

Remember, our goal is to connect hearts to God, to help others know Him better, to see lives transformed by the truth of His Word. When we lose sight of that, our teaching can become dry or even self-centered. So, before every lesson, let’s take a moment and pray that God helps us keep our focus on Him and His love for the people we’re serving.

6. Making It Too Complicated

Who else has ever found themselves in the weeds of biblical terminology or doctrinal debate and wondered how in the world they got there? 🙋‍♀️ Listen, theology is important, and there’s absolutely a place for deep study, but when we’re teaching the Bible to others, especially if they’re new to the Word, it’s important to make things approachable.

We don’t need to impress anyone with our knowledge of Greek or deep-dive into the minute details of a theological debate. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is keep it simple and let the Word speak for itself. God’s Word is alive and active, and it doesn’t need us to make it complicated for it to work in someone’s life.

7. Being Too Rigid

Ever go into a Bible study or teaching session with a full-on plan, every detail meticulously laid out, only to have the Holy Spirit completely wreck your agenda? Yeah, me too. And you know what? That’s a good thing!

Sometimes, we can get so focused on our plan that we forget to leave room for the Spirit to move. Maybe you’ve prepared to talk about one passage, but someone in the group is struggling with something and needs encouragement from a different part of Scripture. Being flexible means allowing God to guide the conversation in unexpected directions. It’s about being obedient to the moment, not just sticking to our perfectly outlined notes.

8. Neglecting Personal Application

One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that people need to see how the Bible is personal. It’s one thing to teach Scripture as a set of abstract principles or stories from long ago, but it’s another thing entirely to show how it applies to our daily lives. That’s where the real connection happens.

If we’re just teaching “facts” without weaving in personal application, we’re missing an opportunity to help others see how relevant God’s Word is to their everyday struggles and joys. Ask yourself, how does this passage apply to my life? How can I help others see that the Bible isn’t just for the past but for right now? When we’re willing to share how God is working in our own lives through His Word, it opens the door for others to do the same.

9. Assuming Everyone’s on the Same Page

Ever use a phrase like “You all know the story of David and Goliath” only to see blank stares from half the room? 🙋‍♀️ Whoops! It’s easy to assume that everyone in the group has the same level of biblical knowledge, but the truth is, people come from all different backgrounds. Some may be lifelong believers, while others are opening a Bible for the very first time.

Don’t be afraid to go back to the basics. Sometimes the most seasoned Christians need a reminder, too! And for those who are newer to the faith, giving a little extra context or backstory can help them feel included and build their confidence in studying the Word.

10. Teaching Without Living It Out

Okay, this one is tough, but it’s gotta be said. We can’t teach what we’re not willing to live. People can see right through a lesson if we’re not walking it out ourselves. It’s not about being perfect (thank goodness, because none of us are!), but it’s about striving to live in alignment with what we’re teaching.

If we’re telling people about the importance of grace but we’re quick to judge, or we’re teaching on patience but flying off the handle in our personal life—well, there’s a disconnect. Our lives are a living testimony, and while it’s not about being flawless, it is about being authentic and striving to let God’s Word shape us as we teach it.

11. Rushing Through It

Sometimes, in our eagerness to get through the material, we rush. We’ve got 45 minutes, and there’s so much we want to cover! But when we rush, we lose the opportunity to let people really sit with the Word, to meditate on it, and to let it take root.

Teaching the Bible is a marathon, not a sprint. We don’t have to cover everything in one go. It’s OK to slow down and even camp out on a single verse or concept if that’s where the Spirit is leading. When we give people time to digest what they’re hearing, we create space for the Holy Spirit to do a deep work in their hearts.

12. Lacking Passion

Here’s a hard truth—if we’re not passionate about what we’re teaching, how can we expect anyone else to be? I don’t mean you have to be over-the-top dramatic (unless that’s your thing, no judgment here!), but there should be some real excitement about what God is showing you in His Word.

When we’re truly passionate, it’s contagious. People can tell when you believe what you’re teaching, and it makes them want to lean in a little closer. When you get fired up about a particular passage or teaching, that energy spreads. People start to realize, “Hey, maybe this Bible thing really does have something powerful to offer.” It’s about letting that genuine love for God’s Word overflow. People can sense authenticity, and when you’re excited about the message, they’re going to be more open to hearing it.

13. Not Being Vulnerable

This one is a biggie, especially for us women. Sometimes we feel like we’ve got to have it all together, like we need to present ourselves as these “perfect Christians” who never struggle. But guess what? None of us have it all together. And when we try to teach from a place of perfection, we create a barrier between us and the women we’re teaching.

One of the most powerful things we can do as Bible teachers is be real. Share your struggles, your doubts, your failures. When we’re vulnerable, it invites others to be vulnerable too. Suddenly, the Bible becomes less about rules and more about a God who meets us in our mess. When we share how God has worked in our brokenness, it gives others hope that He can do the same in their lives.

14. Overlooking the Power of Prayer

You know what’s easy to forget in the busyness of preparing lessons? Prayer. I know, right? We get so caught up in the logistics—crafting the perfect outline, picking the right verses, making sure we’re ready—that sometimes we forget to cover it all in prayer. But teaching the Bible without prayer is like trying to bake a cake without an oven. It’s essential.

Before we ever step into that teaching role, we should be in prayer, asking God to prepare hearts, to guide our words, and to work through His Spirit. It’s not about our wisdom or eloquence—it’s about God working through us to touch lives. When we pray, we’re surrendering our plans to Him and trusting that He’s going to show up in the ways that matter most.

15. Neglecting the Needs of Your Audience

It’s easy to get so focused on what we want to teach that we forget to consider the needs of the people we’re teaching. Maybe we’ve prepared a lesson on the parables, but the women in our group are going through a season where they need encouragement and hope. Or maybe we’re teaching about discipline and structure when someone is dealing with loss and just needs to hear about God’s comfort.

We have to be sensitive to where our audience is at emotionally and spiritually. Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do as teachers is to pivot. Be open to adjusting your plan if you sense the group needs something different. At the end of the day, it’s about ministering to people, not just delivering information.

16. Forgetting to Model Lifelong Learning

It can be tempting to think, “I’m the teacher, I’ve got to have all the answers.” But ladies, teaching the Bible isn’t about being the expert who knows everything. It’s about modeling a life of continuous learning and growth. No matter how long we’ve been studying the Bible, there’s always more to learn, more ways to grow, and more depth to explore.

When we admit that we’re still learning, it takes the pressure off. It shows others that they don’t have to have it all figured out, either. We’re all on this journey together, learning from God’s Word and from each other. When you embrace that mindset, it makes teaching so much more freeing and authentic.

17. Making It About Us Instead of God

Let’s be real—sometimes our pride sneaks in when we least expect it. Maybe it’s the desire to be seen as the “go-to Bible teacher” or wanting people to think we’re super spiritual. Or maybe we want to impress someone with how deep we can go in Scripture. But when we make teaching about us, we miss the point entirely.

It’s not about us. It’s about God. It’s about His Word and His glory. When we focus too much on ourselves—whether that’s through self-promotion or even worrying too much about how we’ll be perceived—we’re taking the focus off where it belongs. God can (and will) use us, but we have to make sure we’re pointing people to Him, not ourselves.

18. Not Addressing Hard Topics

Sometimes, we shy away from the tough parts of Scripture because, let’s face it, they can be uncomfortable. It’s easier to focus on the feel-good passages about love and grace (which are amazing, don’t get me wrong!) than to dive into the more challenging topics like sin, repentance, or judgment. But the thing is, we need to teach the full counsel of God’s Word, not just the parts that are easy or convenient.

When we skip over the hard stuff, we’re not giving people the full picture of who God is. Yes, He is loving and merciful, but He’s also just and holy. People need to know the whole story so they can understand the depth of God’s grace and the magnitude of what Jesus did for us. We can tackle hard topics with love and sensitivity, but we shouldn’t avoid them altogether.

19. Failing to Encourage Action

Knowledge is great, but it doesn’t do much good if it stays in our heads. One of the most common mistakes we make is forgetting to encourage people to do something with what they’ve learned. The Bible isn’t just a book of nice thoughts—it’s a living, active guide for how we should live our lives.

After we’ve taught a lesson, let’s challenge ourselves (and our listeners) to think about how we can apply it to our daily lives. What’s the next step? How can we live this out in our homes, workplaces, and communities? Let’s encourage each other to be doers of the Word, not just hearers.

20. Neglecting the Power of Storytelling

Jesus often taught in parables—simple, relatable stories that illustrated deep spiritual truths. Why? Because stories have a unique way of connecting with our hearts. As women, we love stories! They help us relate, empathize, and see things from a fresh perspective. When we teach the Bible, we can use the power of storytelling to bring the Word to life.

Whether it’s sharing a personal testimony, using a real-life example, or even retelling a Bible story in a fresh way, storytelling helps people engage with the material on a deeper level. Don’t be afraid to use stories to make the truth of Scripture come alive. After all, Jesus did it, and He’s the best teacher there is!

So, there we have it—some of the most common mistakes we make when teaching the Bible. And trust me, I’ve made every single one of these at some point (probably multiple times!). But here’s the beautiful thing: God is gracious. He uses imperfect people to share His perfect Word, and He’s constantly teaching us as we teach others.

The key is to stay humble, be willing to learn, and keep our eyes on Jesus. Teaching the Bible isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being faithful. When we show up with a heart that’s open and surrendered to God, He will use us in ways we can’t even imagine. And if we make a mistake? That’s okay. God can work through that too—He’s bigger than our mess-ups.

Let’s keep pressing on, learning as we go, and trusting that God will guide us as we teach others. After all, His Word never returns void, even when we don’t get everything right.

So, here’s to all of us imperfect Bible teachers, learning and growing together. We’ve got this—because He’s got us.

Love ya, ladies! Let’s keep teaching with all the passion and grace He’s given us. 💖