The Learning Process

Both The Discovery Series and Parenting with Purpose involve you in a creative learning process called the Six-Step Wisdom Process. You will talk through issues with other people to discover not just knowledge, but also wisdom about how to live for God.

Combining the best of classical insights with recent research in adult learning styles, we have developed a fresh approach. Although fresh, it is not unique or novel, but is founded upon proven ways of learning used in many cultures. Many people have found that this approach has given them the best learning experience of their lives.

Some of us do better than others in thinking well about the issues of life. This learning process will help you to learn how to think biblically about difficult situations you face and prepare you to think wisely about any issue in your life.

Cultivating Practical Biblical Wisdom

How do we think biblically about real life issues? The following Six-Step Wisdom Process, included in each issue, will help each participant cultivate biblical thinking. While working through the issues foundational to Christian living, each participant will also learn how to think biblically about any issue in their life. The process in the courses is the same applied to real life, helping us to think through issues in a Christ-like manner.

Right from the beginning of the process, we must take every step in prayer. As Christians, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, and the Spirit of Wisdom. When we face difficult situations, our first response should be to get on our knees and then stay in communication with God throughout the process.

Grasp the Issue

If we want to deal well with troubles in our lives, families and churches, then we must think wisely about them. To think wisely, we must first grasp the issue. This may seem self-evident, but it is less than simple.

Grasping the issue involves exploring the problem. Is the surface disturbance the real issue or are deeper forces at work? Whether in a counseling situation or a philosophical debate, we must develop perception and good skills at observation and discernment. Sometimes we are not even aware an issue exists until an explosion rocks our world. We must first perceive a problem before we can make an effort to solve it.

Often we find ourselves confused and frustrated over the multiple complexities of most real-life issues. Psychological, doctrinal, relational, and financial concerns, all intertwined and interrelated, create an emotionally charged atmosphere in which it is difficult to think well. At this stage we must try to express the essence of the controversy in a single sentence.

"A problem properly stated is partly solved." - Henry Hazlett.

In expressing an issue, we work to dispel vagueness and confusion. The goal is to determine the essential elements of the dispute or issue. We want to understand the real issues and articulate the precise problem.

Study the Scriptures

Having grasped the issue, where do we go to find answers? To the Bible, the Word of God. God has not left us without truth, but has graciously revealed to us the words of life, His own words. All of our life and ministry must be rooted in the Word of God. It is our only source of absolute divine truth. No other book, person or source offers unquestioned truth.

Every issue, if treated comprehensively, would send us on a study of the whole Bible, but usually we do not have time to study the entire Bible as it relates to a specific situation. So we must go to the most relevant passages and plumb them to the best of our ability so we can understand what God says about this issue. Frequently an issue will require study of several passages and multiple principles.

Consult Other Sources

After studying the Scripture for ourselves, we would be wise to seek the advice of other counselors. Wise people listen to advice from others (Prov. 12:15; 13:10; 19:20).

Counselors can take many forms. We may read what commentators have to say about relevant passages on issues at hand. We may seek the advice of older, godly people who are knowledgeable about this specific type of situation. We may read books or articles on the issue. We could listen to cassette tapes, watch video tapes and search electronic databases or utilize on-line services.

Sometimes historical study will be helpful. We want to draw on the wisdom of the ages from other godly leaders who have faced similar problems in previous centuries. Sometimes non-Christian scholars will be helpful because we may need information from other disciplines. For instance, there may be legal dimensions to a controversy.

The Proverbs assure us that wisdom is found in a multitude of counselors, so we are foolish not to consult them and are enriched if we do (Prov. 15:22). Many advisors makes victory sure (Prov. 11:14 NIV).

Form a Response

After grasping the issue, studying the Scriptures, and consulting other sources, we must address the issue before us. Real life requires us to make decisions. We cannot indefinitely delay deciding what course of action to choose. As a Christian you will be called upon to make decisions in various complex situations.

A response can take many forms depending on the situation. Our response may simply be to pray. We may write out our position on an issue. We may take action to change things in our own life, family or church. Any response will involve making decisions about the matter before us.

At this point in the process we only need to form an initial response, not a final, refined, carefully worded conclusion. This is the time for creativity. We should produce many ideas, deferring our critical judgment of those ideas. Look at the issue or problem from as many angles as possible. Challenge the obvious.

Discuss the Issue

After forming an initial response, our wisdom is greatly enhanced if we will discuss the issue with other believers who are wrestling with the same issue. Together we sharpen each other.

A focused discussion on an issue by a group of believers who have all been working on the issue ahead of time can be an exciting occasion. Together, prepared believers indwelt by the Spirit of Truth will usually generate a synergism in which ideas and wisdom will be produced far beyond what any one person could create. Each of us is limited by our own horizons and perceptions. Together we can see a wider and farther horizon. We sharpen, challenge, and confirm one another.

Take Steps to Obey

Now you use critical thinking to evaluate and refine your initial response. Critique your initial creative ideas. Adjust your first response in light of the wisdom gained from the community and the group.

Finally, take some practical steps to obey the truth you have discovered. Our goal is not just to gain knowledge, but to become more godly, mature people. Jesus says the one who merely hears the word without acting on it is like a person who builds a house on sand. In contrast, the one who acts on the truth is like the person who builds a house on rock.