Tomorrow I will finish a year-long series of 4-6 hour meetings every other month with a group of 9 pastors from the Southern California area. What brought us together is their desire to improve their theological understanding, specifically as it relates to the Statement of Faith for our denomination. When we gather, we have each written on two of the 12 articles in our SOF. Someone goes first. They read what they've written and then we, as a group, affirm what is positive and ask questions about what is not clear.
My role is that of facilitator. My job in the district is Director of Credentialing. I'm the "expert." But my commitment to the group was to start with a blank sheet of paper and write my own paper as well. It's easier to see what is missing or unclear in someone else's paper than it is to make sure my paper is complete and clear. But that's the point. I'm not the expert. I don't know it all. I'm still figuring out much of what is in Scripture.
I have learned so much from these men. While working on my re-write I've stolen (oopps, used as a resource) their wording on some of the statements or some of the Scripture references that were much clearer than what I had used.
All this to say, this is the way it's s'posed to be. That is, no matter where we are in our walk with Christ, there is more to learn from one another. Paul repeatedly emphasizes, as does Peter, that we learn and grow in relationship with each other. Even the experts have much to learn. God placed us in the family so that we can grow as His children. If only we could all work together in discovering who God is through His word and through our relationship instead of simply setting up classes where we take notes, take tests and assume we've learned. I praise God for these men who continue to challenge me through their questions, their observations and their challenge to go further up and further in to my relationship with Christ.
4 comments:
Sounds like some good iron on iron moments. Where does this group go from here? I have always found, as a teacher, that I only do some of the teaching. I am always in a state of learning - mostly from those much less 'expert' than I supposidly am. What a blessing...
They will now sit for a 1-2 hour license council in which both their systematic theology and their pastoral theology will be questioned. If they are able to answer the questions, they will be licensed and begin the process of preparing for their permanent credential (Ordination or Certificate of Christian Ministry). At the license council they will told the areas that the council feels they need more work on either in terms of practical ministry or theology. When they feel they are ready, they will sit for a 3-4 council where the questioners will “go down deeper and stay down longer.” One of the challenges in my current position is figuring out how to help guys in that second season, the preparation for their permanent credential, because the bar is much higher and while the Socratic method works great for the license level, there is much more to be learned for the next level which means more study. You can join me in praying for wisdom to discern how to help these men and women reach an MDiv equivalent in a less formal setting than seminary since I won’t have grades or money to motivate them.
In that LOOOOONNNNGGGG period of time where you were not posting, I got on with life. It was hard, but I did it. I am glad to see that you are now being faithful with your words of wisdom. So, just know that I'm out here too.
Welcome back, Amy. I'm trying to write at least once a week. Sharon and I are going to join your folks and about 3-4 other couples at dance class on Tuesday nights. Should be fun.
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