Learning and Leading in Ministry: Prologue

Most of us would guess that only grade school kids vigorously resist learning, but that guess would be way off the mark. Grown people, all around the world, oppose learning new things—some of them passionately so. They believe that they already know everything they need to know. They view every new idea or practice with intense suspicion, primarily because they think the purpose of the new is to destroy and/or replace the old. Ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, prejudice, bigotry, groupthink and inflexibility all describe various reasons why people resist learning. Church circles are especially noted for their unwillingness to learn and refusal to change. This may be true because tenets of faith are such emotionally charged and deeply held beliefs.

I am not suggesting that we should change everything, or that we should change for change’s sake alone. Some things can never change; they are absolutes. Bedrock articles of faith must remain securely locked in place. I am convinced, however, that we must continually view the world around us and review the world within us with an eye for improvement. Methodologies, practices, procedures and styles must not be considered as absolutes. They developed around personalities, cultures, trends, historical events and circumstances. All truth is held in earthen vessels. We must always seek better ways, more effective ways and more powerful ways to practice our faith. It is in this mindset that I believe learning is imperative for believers. Learning is not anti-scriptural. In fact, anyone who will study the Bible will note that it is replete with exhortations to learn and grow.

Learning from the Bible will increase our reverence for God. Specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. Deuteronomy 4:10.

One purpose of affliction is that we will learn the mind of God. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Psalm 119:71.

We must learn quality as much as substance. Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Isaiah 1:17.

Judgment will motivate us to learn. With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Isaiah 26:9.

There are things we must not learn. Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. Jeremiah 10:2.

Learning must be a deep experience. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:13.

Learning must ultimately focus on Jesus. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29.

Learning is a major reason for coming to church. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 1 Corinthians 14:31.

Learning is an earmark of a wise man. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Proverbs 1:5.

God gives us the ability to learn. As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel 1:17.

Only the world discourages spiritual learning. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. Acts 26:24.

The end of learning is not itself, but truth. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:7.