Teaching by facilitating discovery

May 14, 2012

One of the key principles that we at MUP focus on is to always facilitate the discovery process rather than to teach. I’ve been pondering other applications of this process recently.

1. Is it possible to do all of one’s social networking posts in a “purely discovery” mode – e.g. using questions, short posts, prodding discussion, etc?

2. Is it possible to do Adult Sunday School in this mode: share the “Scripture passage” (or perhaps the bigger passage around the lesson “memory verse”), ask the key questions: (1) what is God doing, (2) what should we be obeying, (3) who can we share this story with? Let the class do all the discussion? Do no teaching? Don’t answer questions? Just ask, “What do you think? What does the Scripture say? How can you obey the Scripture this week?”

3. Is it possible to teach all Perspectives lessons (even lessons like the life of William Carey, a biography for example) using a “discovery” mode? Maybe, write out a brief, succinct form of the biography. Share it around, spend the first 15 minutes of the class reading it in tables or pairs. Then, ask the questions: (1) what was God doing in the life of William Carey? (2) how did Carey respond? (3) Do we see God doing this in our life? (4) What should we be doing in response? Or similar questions? What questions would you add?

Deborah

Great idea Justin!
http://www.simplythestory.com Bryan Thompson

Have you been reading over my shoulder or something, Justin?!?

You know what I’ve been involved in for the past while, I believe? I thoroughly believe in this approach. Firstly, becasue Jesus did it! . Philip Yancey said Jesus was asked a question 183 times in the Gospels but only three times did He respond with a direct answer. The other 180 times He told a story or asked a question back or asked a question and told a story! His emphasis on choosing as His main vehicle of communication the humble story and conversation (even though doubtless He could have been the best preacher or orator this world has ever known) is highly significant to me.

If you take a look at the Simply the Story (STS) web site, by clicking my name, you will find that we employ some very specific approaches to evangelism and deep discipleship through the use of Bible story and discussion. The questions you mention would be standard for some, though we largely train people to listen and respond to people and the Holy Spirit with open questions observing what is happening, being said, choices made, choices not made, results of choices made and overall impact, as well as where we see God at work in the story (even if He is not mentioned).

Foundational comment and conclusion here: YES! I believe in it and in points 1 and 2 above many are already doing this. Point 3 I have wondered about too, but that might need to come from the Perspectives folks themselves, no?

God bless. Keep telling the story!
Bryan
jenny_giezendanner

Hi Justin,
I’m a friend of at least one of your friends (a mentor, even). I’ve just come to your site for the first time. Fun ideas. But, one suggestion: if you want to help people do self-discovery, use more open questions. Yes-no questions expect right-wrong answers, not so much exploration and discovery. Hope this helps.