Learning
As we think about our value of learning, one thing becomes very clear. Learning is based on where you are in regards to familiarity and knowledge of the subject matter. We see this at work every day as our children go to school, we start new jobs, or try a new hobby.No one expects us to know how to calculate complex physics equations without first understanding what 2 + 2 is.
And that is why we have developed a concept of Five Stages Of Christianity. If we can structure learning that is appropriate to the stage someone is in, then we are avoiding the two biggest mistakes churches make in regards to teaching: Confusion And Boredom.
Confusion happens when someone is presented with concepts, truths, or facts that are beyond their ability to comprehend them. They don’t understand how everything “fits together” and they become frustrated and often times give up. You see this most often in churches where we try to teach a new convert advanced systematic theology before they have even truly grasped what the gospel is.
Boredom, however, happens when we are teaching concepts, truths, or facts that someone has long ago understood. None of us want to go back and sit in the second grade to rehash long division. However, in most churches, we are teaching to the lowest common denominator and those who have matured in their Christianity are no longer being challenged to learn and absorb new material. The result: stagnation or dropout.
Are these five stages absolutely linear? Must you “master” one stage before you move onto the next? Not at all. But what we hope to do is to give folks who come to Eternity a “road map” so to speak that will help them understand the progression of learning that will be beneficial to them in the walk with Jesus.
Truth is to be cherished and we believe at Eternity that truth - properly understood - changes people. So as you explore and ask yourself what stage you are in, we hope to provide you with some assessment criteria to help you determine where you need to start. Regardless of what stage you are in, there is always more to learn.