Real Transformation

I was asked recently about the balance between teaching to the heart and teaching to the head in regards to youth ministry. This line can be tough to distinguish at times but is one that we need to think about when ministering with teens. Tipping the balance too far to one side could result in good feelings when involved with the youth group and good emotional status but then upon leaving the youth ministry be pulled away by every wind of doctrine. However; a scale tipped too far the other way would result in the student being so engrossed with being correct in facts about Scripture and upholding their personal image that they would know a lot but fail in bringing that knowledge inward to allow their life to be formed into the image of Christ. These two polar opposites of teaching styles need reconciled (compromising one for the other) but also need not to be forgotten (focusing on one rather than the other). Ministering to people requires the minister to be proficient in both areas, upholding correct doctrine while teaching the students (whether child or adult) to be using that doctrine to impact their life. The head knowledge will probably tend to come out more in arenas of lecture (Sunday school, Worship Services, etc.) while the heart teaching will probably come to fruition more often throughout the week in meetings or conversations that one-on-one or discussion oriented (having coffee with someone, small group, texting conversations, etc.) These are the times when we can teach someone, more effectively, how to transition doctrine from paper to life.

here it goes

so this is my first blog. i went through many names before i came to rest on this one for the url and title for the blog, but i came to rest on this one. i thought of using a verse or a passage of Scripture or something but i couldn't think of any that would sum up all i wanted in the title. As i was flipping through my Bible looking for something i came across Galatians 2:11 which had a very familiar phrase in it, one that is repeated several times throughout Scripture and the theme of which is likewise seen from cover to cover. It is the phrase "the righteous shall live by faith." That is what the i desire for my life, to be a righteous man, one who lives by faith. But the grave reality is that i am not there yet, but i am striving to be there. Hence the name "striving for faith." I would challenge you to never be content with the status quo, there are many christians that i have encountered who settle living with medeoquer faith. that is not my goal in life. i strive to be someone who is constantly challenging myself, to observe the moments that God has blessed me with where i can stretch my faith trusting and relying on Him to His work His way, my prayer is that you do the same. This blog is going to be focused around my thoughts on things that God is allowing me to learn and observe so that i can grow in my life of faith, i would love to share my journey with you, so come along and enjoy the ride.