Why Should We Use Transformative Teaching Methods? - Part 2 by Prof. Michal Pitzl

Pastors and laymen are considered teachers as Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20. We are to go into all nations and make disciples, teaching people to obey God.

As Christian educators we need to understand the purpose of our teachings. Without purpose it is difficult to make meaning of and stay focused on the path on which we are leading our people. In Ephesians 4:12-14 Paul tells us the purpose of teaching God’s word: “to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” (NIV) God’s people must become confident in God, not man. They must have a solid understanding of the character and promises of God according to His word.

As teachers we need to look at the purpose of our teaching and the results of what traditional teaching methods have produced in our societies. Have traditional methods produced mature people who are active thinkers and problem solvers? Have our teachings served the children of God, causing them to grow in maturity, attaining to the fullness of Christ? What is the evidence in our communities, our countries and the world that these methods are effective in creating mature and confident Christians?

As pastors and teachers we are to produce mature believers, believers that can solve their own problems as well as help others.

Is the word of God being taught in a way that is beneficial to the majority of the world today? Is scripture being made relevant to the lives of the people? Are they able to practice the principles of the Kingdom of God outside of the church and without the help of pastors? Are Christians leading victorious and prosperous lives? Our goal should be to produce confident and victorious individuals based on the word of God. As leaders we do not need to be threatened by this, but have faith that as we do the will of God He will sustain us according to scripture. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” Matt. 6:33 (NIV).

Maybe after honestly considering the answers to these questions you will begin to consider becoming a pioneer for Transformative Education in ministry.

Transformative Education is not a new concept, as a matter of fact many American and international institutions implement the techniques of this kind of education. Through experience nationally and internationally I have found that people who experience this type of education become confident creators and problem solvers. They become empowered people of action and not of theory only. They become the true image of the children of God.