I’ve been getting a lot more emails lately asking about what a philosophy of teaching ought to be with college-age people. Most pointedly people are asking what shifts I think need to be made. So, briefly, here’s what I think the shift should be in our college ministries:
From Physical to Spiritual. Instead of focusing on physical elements of our faith (behavior), a focus on the spiritual is what’s needed. I’m not saying we don’t need to be ‘doers of the word,’ but we need to shy away from a behavioral focus and concentrate on spiritual issues. If we call ourselves spiritual leaders, we ought to lead in spiritual things. We know from Scripture that it is spiritual issues that produce physical behavior. So, instead of focusing on the outward behavior, let’s focus on the inward – which in the long run produces the correct outcomes.
From Conclusions to Presuppositions. We are very good at teaching the conclusions we’ve come to, but not good at helping others think through the presuppositions that have led us to our conclusions. This is especially true in America with our definition of “educated” being one who regurgitates information. However is indoctrination not necessarily faith development. Our college ministries need to be about helping people think through their presuppositions rather than applying our conclusions.
From Indoctrination to Imparting Wisdom. I believe we need to be encouraging a deeper commitment to the simple truths more than we need to discuss deeper theological issues or debates – and simply defending our view. This can be stimulating to a late adolescent mind, for sure, but imparting wisdom is better. To do this we need to help college-age people embrace what they already know and we need to be showing them how we are living that out as well. Wisdom would lead us to actually live out what we say we believe. Encouraging our people to do this more than to learn more is where we ought to be focusing in college ministry.
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Chuck Bomar is pastor of Colossae Church in Portland, Oregon and founder of CollegeLeader (
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I definitely agree! While I’m not sure who’s teaching in this way and who isn’t, I think focusing on being great in the basics, on the WHY behind the what, and on “being” rather than only “doing” is really important for those in the college years.
It does seem like it makes sense in this transitional period to worry more about helping springboard students toward a lifetime of growth than trying to present every bit of so-called “depth” we personally find important.
But it’s easy to forget to focus there!
I would argue that this philosophy is best accomplished more through mentoring relationships, and less through didactic teaching. Our epistemic presuppositions are uncovered by walking alongside each other in community. Perhaps the role of spiritual guide is a more appropriate than that of teacher, if what we want is true Christian formation for students.
Timotheos, I think I know what you’re saying. But, I would add that the gift of teaching isn’t just practiced from a stage. We often think of “teaching” as the person up front, but the gift of teaching can be implemented and practiced in one on one settings as well. I think you’re right, but I might push back a little because this certainly can be played out just as much from up front as it can be in one-on-one mentorships as well.
Benson, I’d agree with what you’re saying, but would also suggest that if we wait until this time to “springboard students toward a lifetime of growth” that we’re already way behind. I issued these shifts in the context of college ministry, but would say that these ought to be taking place much earlier in the life of people as well.
Sure – sorry if it sounded like I meant otherwise.
no, i didn’t think you were saying otherwise – your thought just led me to add to it. thanks for your input! your voice is needed more in our field my friend.