A. Time Spent this week
2.5 hours (1.5 hours in group, .5 hours writing this)
B. Class this week
Education. Matthew seems to write as if he is an educated man, at least in the ways of Jewish customs. Pastor Joe posed the question to us, were the disciples educated men? Zach answered that they were somewhat educated but did not know much more than the average man. I agreed, stating that they were all trained in some fashion but were not good enough to continue in the ways of studying. Matthew obviously was very familiar with the Jewish customs and the Law. His many, many references to the Torah are proof enough for that. Though, the question is also geared toward the other disciples. It seems, in Matthew’s account, that John the Baptists disciples were in the same feeling of the Pharisees on wondering why Jesus called who he called. Bethany was quiet, but piped up to make this comment, “Maybe Jesus didn’t need the educated?” I thought to myself, and later agreed. Jesus’ radical ministry was contrary to popular belief. How much easier is it to teach a new crowd new things, than an old crowd? Pastor Joe was very impressed with the depth of thought, from a normally quiet girl.
C. Questions Raised
What is it, as a leader that we can take away from how Pastor Joe approached the situation of having a rather quiet girl in the class?
Is it a victory in and of itself if she speaks up, or simply if she is right?
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Joey,
ReplyDeleteHaving quiet people in class… yeah I have definitely experienced that and am the one that is usually pretty quiet myself. Sometimes the best way to handle a quiet person is to allow them to be quiet until they want to speak on their own. Sometimes if they are quiet for a couple weeks and then have time to think about things, they may have some very profound and interesting things to say. As a leader, you must also make sure give them opportunities to voice their opinion. This may not always be in the group setting. It may be in a conversation at a fast food restaurant, or in the grocery store. However it comes, the quiet one’s will usually have something to say at one time or another. Yet, one word of caution, don’t ever put a really shy and quiet person on the spot in front of a group of people. You may ask them a question directly but if they don’t want to answer, don’t make them. I have seen instances of this and it only pushes these students away. They will feel like they were put on display for everyone to see and may never come back.
It is always a victory to get everyone involved in a discussion. Hearing people voice their own opinions on things is always uplifting. Getting people to engage and learn through participation is a huge part of teaching, so getting a quiet and shy girl to speak up in class is an awesome victory. Whether she is right or not does not matter, so long as she is sure in what she believes.
God bless,
Chris
Sometimes, the wisest people are those who don’t say much. I think that silence is a discipline we can all practice better. Sometimes, when it’s quiet, we just feel the need to fill that void with sound. Maybe listening and contemplating more is what we ought to be doing.
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