When All Else Fails, Try Opening Up to a New Learning Experience

That well-worn adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” really hit home with me in recent weeks. Putting a few of Padre Nathan’s new Bible study group (“Grace Ways”) under my belt, and attending the first of Pastor Ron Lee’s Sunday School class on “How to Read the Bible Like a Lutheran”, have both been brain jogging and inspiring events for me.

Now I grant you, I might not enjoy the same kind of situation that you might. But, for me, learning something new--no matter how small--is always exciting. And when it comes to learning experiences around the St. Stephen campus, I don’t think you can do better than picking up something delivered by these two.

What I personally enjoy the most is the open discussion that both encourage from participants. Most of us have been brought up (no matter what churches we’ve attended) to “listen” more than to “speak” or to “share.” And, after all these years, it can be somewhat disturbing to actually be asked, “What do you think?” about events mentioned in the Bible. As a kid it didn’t matter what I thought, as much as it was important that I heard was being told to me--and I was able to mouth it back as I had heard it.

I suppose for many adults raised in a similar structure, it can be difficult to find words to express what one “thinks” a Biblical passage might mean or is trying to share. The belief that the Bible is the word of God isn’t unique; it’s a position that the vast majority of us have heard since our childhood. For my grandparents, it wasn’t a concept of position; it was a “fact” – not be challenged in the slightest way. When we participate in an open class that encourages free thinking and the sharing of thoughts on Biblical interpretation, this can be quite challenging. But, as I have found out, it shouldn’t be threatening. Besides, we are Lutherans, and questioning is part of our DNA.

Pastors Nathan and Ron are both learned men who have great respect for the upbringing that each of us brings with us to their classes. In fact, I find it very encouraging the way each presents their material and enhances their presentations by drawing out each person in attendance – allowing for discussion and debate. It can be, for some of us, the first time in our lives that any church leader has shown an interest in what we feel or believe or wonder about. To be able to raise questions that may have been on our minds for decades, and articulate them in front of others, can actually make for stimulating and positive moments.

As Lutherans, we have a history of questioning and debate. That’s one of the qualities we like to point out about our founder. If Martin Luther hadn’t expressed his thoughts, raised questions, openly discussed the Bible and its messages, perhaps this commentary wouldn’t be appearing on a blog posted on a Lutheran Church website.

For those who have yet to experience the enlightening experience of attending one of the Bible Studies conducted by Pastor Nathan or been part of an intimate and stimulating class led by Pastor Lee, I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and sign up sooner than later. I believe you’ll be better for the time spent. By Dennis McClellan