How do we handle difficult questions?
What does the Bible say? You should rarely, if ever, say, “I think . . .”
Point them to something more reliable because it’s not just about this issue, but about life habits that will serve them when you’re not around. EQUIP!
Know your boundaries and your resource people.
Know the policies & the law.
You are not a counselor. You are not an authority.
Do not let your need for feeling important jeopardize a student’s wellbeing.
Topics we don’t feel “competent” enough to tackle? Theological, social . . .
Maturing disciples must be self feeders; able to do our own theology so that we own it. Spoon-feeding the party line is not helpful in the long run. It is often easier and safer, but lacks integrity & longevity. We cannot get away from theological confusion. Satan thrives on it. So let's do our best to present ourselves to God as ones approved, workers who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handle the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
What of the never ending arguments over speaking in tongues,
special gifts of healing or knowledge, etc.
Do you know what the Bible says on those things? Read it. Look it up. Reconcile the seeming contradictions within Scripture by checking the big picture. Reconcile the contemporary use or misuse of these gifts.
What about predestination, once saved always saved . . . . ?
If you hold a specific view, do you know why? Is there integrity in your theology?
Can you support it in scripture? If not, do the hard work. Then, do not dwell in the realm of argument while we have people who need to hear about the love of God and the grace provided us in Jesus.
It’s a journey.
Do not think that your answers will necessarily fit other people's questions. Just as you do not want someone else’s conclusions imposed upon you, do not impose, or use your influence, on them. Respect them and respect the process. Have integrity in equipping them scripturally, not indoctrinating them. Present the various views and challenge them to do their own theology.
When you feel out of your depth, tell them . . . . it’s okay to not know it all . . . . and then go with them to a reliable resource person who can open the Bible and walk you all through the possibilities, interpreting all of Scripture with all of Scripture.
What about gender roles?
Anyone who demands their rights, on any grounds, has disqualified themselves from serving or leading. Where in the Bible do we read about rights? No, we learn about privilege and gratitude and servanthood and mutual benefit of the community. While we argue rights, Satan is fighting the real battle.
And finally sexuality.
Yep, we’ve all got the wiring . . . . . some seem to get some wires crossed and express their sexuality in destructive ways. Taking a stand to love people is always a good stand. Taking a stand where the Bible takes a stand is also good because there is often a love motive in that as well. Why does God prohibit certain things? Usually we can draw the line back to a protective origin.
Appropriateness between sexes
Do not become emotionally involved with someone of the opposite sex who is under your leadership.
Do not disciple people of the opposite sex.
Do not meet up one-on-one or have ongoing conversations/texts/emails/social networking messages/talking in depth about personal issues with teenagers of the opposite sex etc.
The only recourse you have to an accusation made against you is denial, and that's not worth much. Don't get in situations where you can be accused.
What does the Bible say? You should rarely, if ever, say, “I think . . .”
Point them to something more reliable because it’s not just about this issue, but about life habits that will serve them when you’re not around. EQUIP!
In essentials, unity. In opinions liberty. In all things, love.
Where the Bible speaks, we speak. Where the Bible is silent, we are silent.
What about when someone has an issue? Where the Bible speaks, we speak. Where the Bible is silent, we are silent.
Know your boundaries and your resource people.
Know the policies & the law.
You are not a counselor. You are not an authority.
Do not let your need for feeling important jeopardize a student’s wellbeing.
Topics we don’t feel “competent” enough to tackle? Theological, social . . .
Maturing disciples must be self feeders; able to do our own theology so that we own it. Spoon-feeding the party line is not helpful in the long run. It is often easier and safer, but lacks integrity & longevity. We cannot get away from theological confusion. Satan thrives on it. So let's do our best to present ourselves to God as ones approved, workers who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handle the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
What of the never ending arguments over speaking in tongues,
special gifts of healing or knowledge, etc.
Do you know what the Bible says on those things? Read it. Look it up. Reconcile the seeming contradictions within Scripture by checking the big picture. Reconcile the contemporary use or misuse of these gifts.
What about predestination, once saved always saved . . . . ?
If you hold a specific view, do you know why? Is there integrity in your theology?
Can you support it in scripture? If not, do the hard work. Then, do not dwell in the realm of argument while we have people who need to hear about the love of God and the grace provided us in Jesus.
It’s a journey.
Do not think that your answers will necessarily fit other people's questions. Just as you do not want someone else’s conclusions imposed upon you, do not impose, or use your influence, on them. Respect them and respect the process. Have integrity in equipping them scripturally, not indoctrinating them. Present the various views and challenge them to do their own theology.
When you feel out of your depth, tell them . . . . it’s okay to not know it all . . . . and then go with them to a reliable resource person who can open the Bible and walk you all through the possibilities, interpreting all of Scripture with all of Scripture.
What about gender roles?
Anyone who demands their rights, on any grounds, has disqualified themselves from serving or leading. Where in the Bible do we read about rights? No, we learn about privilege and gratitude and servanthood and mutual benefit of the community. While we argue rights, Satan is fighting the real battle.
And finally sexuality.
Yep, we’ve all got the wiring . . . . . some seem to get some wires crossed and express their sexuality in destructive ways. Taking a stand to love people is always a good stand. Taking a stand where the Bible takes a stand is also good because there is often a love motive in that as well. Why does God prohibit certain things? Usually we can draw the line back to a protective origin.
Appropriateness between sexes
Do not become emotionally involved with someone of the opposite sex who is under your leadership.
Do not disciple people of the opposite sex.
Do not meet up one-on-one or have ongoing conversations/texts/emails/social networking messages/talking in depth about personal issues with teenagers of the opposite sex etc.
The only recourse you have to an accusation made against you is denial, and that's not worth much. Don't get in situations where you can be accused.
Comments