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Craig Sefa's avatar

I am presently finishing up training as a Spiritual Director and this definitely rings true. My question would be as a pastor in more traditional contexts, what, if any, is the role of preaching and teaching?

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Luke S. Edwards's avatar

It’s an important question going forward. I’m in the camp that finds proclamation of the word as a mark of the church, but I don’t think proclamation has to be a 25-50 minute lecture spoken by one person.

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Craig Yoshihara's avatar

One question I had was how people grow in faith just by listening to them? I understand the deep-seated need to be heard and if the question was about what we wanted from a church, that would be a viable answer. But how do you grow in faith without engaging in dialogue? As a former marketing analyst, poll developer, and focus group leader, it feels like the right question wasn't asked or understood.

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Luke S. Edwards's avatar

I think that’s a good question for the researchers. The way I read it is that spiritual growth happens when we are given the opportunity to talk about our experiences of God, our questions we have, the highs and lows. It’s less a passing of information and more of a conversation. I don’t think listening here means the spiritual leader sits there silent, but asks questions and gives the teen a chance to share.

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Craig Yoshihara's avatar

I’m hoping that’s what they meant and looking at some of the study I think that’s what is implied. Just the graphic wasn’t clear. Thanks!

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