The root meaning of “disciple”
is “learner.” When Jesus said μαθητευσατε
(2nd
Person Plural Aorist Active Imperative: disciple, learn by practice or
experience, be taught by practice or experience, acquire a custom or habit), I
believe He meant that we should
·
teach all peoples,
·
help them learn by practice or experience,
and that
·
we are responsible to lead them to
acquire certain customs and habits.
In recent decades, psychologists
and educators have discovered that all learning can be classified as
·
Cognitive
(facts and information),
·
Affective (emotions,
feelings, values, attitudes, lifestyle commitments), and
·
Behavioral
(skills and abilities).
(See my YouTube video about this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSzsgC9479Y)
For us in the ministry of discipling, I believe that all
three are necessary, and that the Affective is the most important. Why?
Because that’s the realm where the Holy Spirit works. Here is some (not all) of
the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives; note that these are all in the Affective
Domain:
·
He CONVICTS (John 16:8) Makes us aware
of sin and draws us toward seeking forgiveness.
·
He bears witness to our SALVATION (Rom
8:16) Through Him, we know that God has accepted us. This banishes doubt and
fear concerning our relationship with God.
·
He REGENERATES (John 3:5-6) He renews our
heart, causing us to respond positively to God’s love.
·
He GUIDES (John 16:13) He goes with us
– leading, counseling, assisting in decision making, giving direction.
·
He FILLS us (Eph 5:18). When we are full,
there is no room for anything else!
·
He GLORIFIES CHRIST (John 16:14) One
manifestation of a Spirit filled life is the preeminence given to Christ (vis-à-vis self-glorification).
·
He gives FRUIT and GIFTS (Gal 5:22-23;
1 Cor 12:3-11).
·
He warns of SPIRITUAL DANGER (John
16:8) When your “inner voice” tells you to stay away from something, maybe you
better listen!
This is why I believe that the Affective
is the most important domain of learning. And for us to be effective
disciplers, we need to know how to guide learning experiences in the affective
domain – and of course, in the other domains, also.
If you have nothing better to do
with your time, you can listen to me talk about this at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4xFOo8HHkKJUHFKT3pPX2NuM0E/edit?usp=sharing J
Well put. The presence of the Spirit of Christ is far more than just a remedy for unwarranted fear. In fact, the Spirit is the real teacher. We are just aids in the process. Don't stop now, John. Some are still reading.
ReplyDeleteThanks Daniel. Don't worry, I won't stop! I have several dozen more topics in mind!
DeleteA great reminder for those who teach in any capacity especially those who are leaders in the church. The Holy Spirit being our guide and our intention to listen to the Spirit is definitely a key.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Affective arena is where we need to connect so that we can see a result in the behavior area. Understanding is not enough, but understanding that changes ones affective so that we see the fruit of it in the behavior area is where real change takes place. I believe that all go hand in hand with each other.
ReplyDeleteI find this to be a very interesting approach to discipling. I can see the value in it and likely the fruit it would bear, I just haven't thought about the aspects of discipling this way. I can see why and how the Holy Spirit works in the Affective, and I also believe that the Spirit is capable to work through the other two aspects as well.
ReplyDeleteThose are interesting observations for sure. I also appreciate your emphasis on affective learning, especially in a field where so many tend to lean toward a cognitive-only approach. Jesus said we will be known by our fruit, not by our knowledge. Knowledge is important of course, but knowledge alone puffs up.
ReplyDelete^^ That was Thomas Horrocks, by the way, I'm not sure why it showed up as "unknown."
DeleteFortunately, for us disciplers the Holy Spirit does a lot guiding of learning experiences in the affective domain with or without our efforts. I don't mean to say we don't have a job to do, but the Spirit is what is ultimately going to cause affective experiences.
ReplyDelete