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.

PEACEMAKERS – By Pastor Linda Robinson

Pastor Linda Robinson -
California, USA

Matthew 5:9 “Happy are those who strive for peace-they shall be called the sons of God.”

We as sons of God are called to be peacemakers (makers and maintainers of peace); and inspired to create, seek and pursue peace (Psalms 34:14). Our resources and strength comes from the One who is “The Prince of Peace” and the God of Peace” (Isaiah.9:6; Rom.15:33). God has called us to promote, produce and delight in breathing His love, mercy, forgiveness and wisdom into the lives of people. He uses us as vessels to take the Spirit of life and peace, causing reconciliation (mutual change, agreement and harmony) by forming and coming together as a whole, and making a difference in the lives of others.

With the rise of conflict and conflicting issues, struggles and sufferings with many people worldwide, it is obvious that people need help. We, as ministers and leaders, have a mandate from God to be that bridge of help. God’s plan and purpose is that we conform to the image and likeness of His Son (Rom. 8:28-29), grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (II Pet. 3:18). As we mature in the midst of our conflicts and sufferings, it causes us to be more like Him.

The church can affect the world and have a greater impact, local and worldwide, when we step into our position of authority (strong and mighty), utilize the gifts that Christ bestowed unto us, by preparing His Bride in perfecting and full equipping, to do the work of ministering toward building up His body (Eph. 4:8-13). In addition, building strong relationships with those we are trying to reach, illuminating God’s love and inciting a new and different vision of our thinking, for others and ourselves who are dealing with a false identity of being a Christian. With this in place, many will come to know the truth, be fruitful as we fill the earth using all its resources in the service of God and man.

JUNE 4TH IN CLACKAMAS, OREGON - HISTORIC DAY FOR KAYIWA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, UGANDA AFRICA

Dr. Donella Pitzl, Dr. Harry Coffman, Dr. Rachael Schweiger, and Dr. Michal Pitzl

Kayiwa International University added to their facility and staff, their first International Professors. Dr. Michal Pitzl and Dr. Donella Pitzl were installed on Saturday, June 4, 2011 to the position of, International Professors for KIU. Dr. Harry Coffman was a guest speaker at the event that took place in Clackamas, Oregon.

Dr. Rivers, International Chancellor for Kayiwa International University, Uganda Africa, who performed the duty, said, “These two ladies have been installed in this position because of their biblical academic work. Dr. Michal Pitzl has created several international programs pertaining to a biblical worldview that have gone global. Dr. Donella Pitzl has been the mastermind behind bringing online education to the developing nations. These two achievements caught the eye of Dr. Simon Kayiwa, Founder of Kayiwa International University, Uganda and he was thrilled to induct these two ladies to his staff.”

During this historic service there was also an Honorary Doctorate bestowed upon Dr. Rachael Schweiger. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from KIU. Dr. Schweiger received the honor for her outstanding work in creating a Critical Communications curriculum that she has taught internationally and is being used globally.

Dr. Rivers said, “He is very proud of these three top achievers. When you think of changing the world, you must leave your small world. These three professional educators have done that.”

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IMEA is very excited about the educational opportunities available to pastors and teachers around the world. We believe everyone is created with special qualities that God placed in them. We are dedicated to helping God's people find and expand upon those qualities and become those professionals that change the world. Contact us for information about these opportunities at imea.drrivers.worldwide@gmail.com.