Experiential Encounters

Hey Guys,

In my last blog, my intent was to give the background for this concept that I’m going to try to explain today. I got so wound up in my preparation that I never got to the idea behind our next “buzzword.”

The word is “experiential.”

Let me tell you why it’s meaningful to me. When I was in Seminary, God led me on a “roundabout way.” I was not excited about a “lecture” approach to learning, so God providentially brought me in through another door (approach).

Using my love for the outdoors, God introduced me to an organization called Outward Bound. It utilized what is known as experiential education. The idea is that a person learns best by doing—by experience. We know this is true. It’s how children naturally learn, it’s reflected in apprenticeship models, it’s the most effective way to learn a language, etc.

In fact, it’s the model Jesus used with His disciples. Yes, He taught them (mostly it seems they watched and listened as He taught others). He involved them in the process (feeding the 5,000, sending out the 70, etc.). Once they had done it, He then “debriefed” them and helped them discover and process the lessons inherent in the experience.

You see, when people try something first, they come to the learning process with a felt need—with questions. Many of us experienced the opposite process in school. We were verbally instructed in a particular subject with no real application or perceived need for it. So we learned it, passed the test (hopefully), and went on to the next subject. When we graduated, we got a job in which we then learned how to do…by doing. This doesn’t negate the need for instruction, but places more of it after the experience than before it.

So, what does this mean in the church? My experience has been that, following the conventional educational model, there isn’t much application. For years, I taught people how to study the Bible using methods and information. There wasn’t much of a residual effect. I didn’t see people studying their Bibles more over the long haul. I explained to people how to share the Gospel—not many did.

But, I have found that when I have people at tables with non-Christians at the Encounter group, for example, and they hear and interact with these people, and watch me or someone else share Christ, they are much more likely to do it themselves.

This is one reason we try not to teach much around here that doesn’t have application. It’s the value of having and placing people in real life environments where there is a need and letting them learn by doing.

As James says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22 NIV).

Woody