Last week I listed some knowledge
that a disciple should possess. Today we’ll look in the Affective Domain
and think about its relationship to discipling.
In my
doctoral dissertation, I wrote that the Affective Domain contains feelings, values,
beliefs, stances, convictions, sentiments, character traits, virtues,
dispositions, and demeanors.[1]
Today, more than 23 years later, I also include attitudes and lifestyle commitments
in the Affective Domain.
In all of
my reading, reflecting, thinking, and writing I have become convinced that all
three domains are necessary in order for learning to be complete. In discipling
terms, all three domains are necessary for a disciple. In head, heart, and
hands terms, a disciple has to know something, feel something, and do
something. All three are necessary: Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral.
First among
equals is the Affective Domain! In my view, the Affective is the engine that
powers the train. And it is where the Holy Spirit works!
My doctoral
advisor, Dr. James McElhinny, said that the Affective is the most important of
the three domains because if a teacher can change what a student wants,
that’s the most powerful thing a teacher can do. Change what they value,
what they believe, what they want – and they will almost
automatically pursue the knowledge and the skills.
Think about
it!
When you
were saved, perhaps you felt deeply in love with Jesus. That was an affective
experience. You couldn’t get enough Bible, you couldn’t wait for the next
worship service, you were eager to learn and grow and serve. Why? Because your want to changed! Your feelings
were involved – you were in love! – and you wanted to know more and learn new
skills.
That, in a
nutshell, is why I made the bold statement above that the Affective Domain is “first
among equals.” Like last week, here is my beginning list of affective learning
that a disciple needs. Please add your own thoughts to this list!
In no particular order, a disciple should be/have/possess/be
characterized by
11.
Committed to Christian standards
22.
Personally righteous
33.
Love for God
44.
Holistic attitude toward life
55.
Self-awareness
66.
Personal belief in the gospel
77.
Patience
88.
Sense of personal responsibility
99.
Strong faith
110. Morality:
a character above reproach
111. Brave,
courageous
112. Will
take needed risks
113. Values
work
114. Actively
seeking spiritual and personal growth
115. Lifestyle
of holiness
116. Appropriate
humility
117. Simple
lifestyle
118. Financially
responsible, thrifty, pays own bills
119. Filled
with the Holy Spirit
220. Temperate,
self-controlled
221. Prizes
wisdom
222. Values
the unknown - mystery
223. Reverence
for what is truly important
224. Optimistic,
positive, hopeful
225. Open
to learning
226. Serves
others without regard for acclaim or repayment
227. Wholesome
attitude toward opposite sex
228. Positive
attitude toward nature, environment
229. Values
diversity
330. Not
motivated by financial gain
331. Values
truth
332. Speaks
the truth in love
333. Positive
regard for change
334. Enthusiastic
335. Willing
to confront in love
336. Flexible,
adaptable, tolerant (not rigid or dogmatic)
337. Attitude
of brokenness – a wounded healer
338. A
clear vision of God’s call on their life
339. Cooperative,
team/partnership mentality (not a “Lone Ranger”)
440. Positive
attitude toward church
441. A
passion for serving God
442. Sense
of belonging to a larger cause
443. Does
not avoid difficult situations
444. Caring,
empathy for others
445. Appreciative
of other religious traditions
446. Tactful
447. Hospitality,
welcomes strangers
448. Not
jealous of others
449. Appreciative
of others
550. Respects
the dignity of others
551. Submissive
to the Body of Christ
552. Senses
others’ needs and feelings
553. Acknowledges
one’s own limitations and mistakes
554. Dependable,
trustworthy, faithful
555. Compassionate
556. Loves
people
557. Nondefensive
558. Trusting
559. Vulnerable
660. Accepting
of people who are “different”
661. Integrity
662. Honest
with self and others
663. Loyal
664. Open
to other peoples’ ideas and problems
665. Willing
to accept guidance
666. Helpful
667. Keeps
word - fulfills promises
668. Friendly,
outgoing, warm
669. Courteous
770. Kind,
gentle
771. Respectful
and open toward people of other faiths
772. Unselfish
773. Committed
to justice
774. Inclusive,
unprejudiced, unbiased, fair
775. Gracious
[1] John H. Aukerman,
“Competencies Needed for Effective Ministry by Beginning Pastors in Church of
God Congregations in the United States” (EdD dissertation, Ball State
University, 1991), 11.
Wow -- my numbered list really got messed up somehow!
ReplyDeleteWow that is a long list! Somebody could write another dissertation on what "a disciple should be/have/possess/be characterized by." Of, course choosing to follow Christ is an ongoing path of discovery of what he wants us to be/have/possess/be characterized by.
ReplyDeleteThat is some list! I believe that a disciple obtains these over time as they mature in Christ. We cannot expect a young disciple to posses unselfishness, they are too immature in their walk. Likewise, we can expect a mature disciple to be kind and gentle because they are mature. I think allow people to mature in their own timing will be positive to their growth.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if these traits must all exist at one time as we develop, or if these traits arise at different stages in disciple development. This is an extensive list, and I believe that these traits could manifest in different traits of the disciple at different times during discipleship, I just wonder at what point they each show up.
ReplyDeleteThe "want to" is truly important and make a lot of sense. We will make time for something if it is truly valuable to us in some way shape or form. The list of traits are extensive yet as we grow in maturity they become second nature to our lives, yet it is these traits people observe that stand out.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree that the affective domain is incredibly important, especially in regard to Christian discipleship. Scripture reminds us over and over again that God is concerned about our hearts, and that right knowledge or right action without the right heart is pointless. Additionally, as you pointed out, heart change leads to behavior change.
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