“I want to join, but I don’t know enough.”
That’s the answer I frequently get when I ask someone why they don’t participate in a small group or Bible study. Don’t worry. I’m not randomly going up to people quizzing them on their participation at Hope! This comment usually comes up because someone approaches me to ask what I’m currently teaching. Often the conversation goes something like this:
Me: I’m teaching x,y, z. You should come!
Them: That sounds interesting. Maybe I’ll come… I’ll think about it.
Me: What’s holding you back?
Them: I want to join, but I don’t know enough.
No one likes to look dumb. Trust me. I get it! That’s one of the biggest strongholds I battle on a constant basis. But that stronghold is fed by pride. Pride gets in the way of our spiritual growth. It holds us back from taking a posture of humility which allows us to learn and grow.
Because we’re Christians we must have all the answers when it comes to understanding everything regarding our faith, right? Because of this mindset, many feel uncomfortable asking questions, seeking explanations, or expressing doubts in groups of fellow believers. It’s not even just not wanting to look dumb. It's also a fear of being exposed as not being as mature or grounded in our faith as we want people to believe. Especially if we’ve been a Chrisitan for a long time! It’s scary to admit that we don’t know or understand something about our own faith! Pride wants us to stay in the dark, but humility allows us to seek illumination.
Several years ago (with Pastor Steve’s help) I created a four-week class called Faith Basics. The reason I put this class together is because I wanted to create a place where we could deal with the most basic truths and questions of Chrisitanity without fear of “looking dumb.” It’s a space where any question is welcomed and encouraged. My desire in teaching this class is to create a space where anyone - seeker, new believer, or seasoned veteran - can ask the questions about God and Christianity that they’ve been struggling with or are afraid to ask elsewhere.
If you have questions about God (how do I know he’s real?), Jesus (is he really the only way to Heaven?), the Trinity (how does that even make sense?), the Bible (is it really trustworthy and authoritative?), then this may be the class for you! Pastor Steve and I will be teaching another session of Faith Basics Aug. 16 - Sep. 6 and we’d love to have you there. You can check out the class description and/or sign-up HERE.
Humbly admitting that I don’t know everything,
Pastor Naomi
That’s the answer I frequently get when I ask someone why they don’t participate in a small group or Bible study. Don’t worry. I’m not randomly going up to people quizzing them on their participation at Hope! This comment usually comes up because someone approaches me to ask what I’m currently teaching. Often the conversation goes something like this:
Me: I’m teaching x,y, z. You should come!
Them: That sounds interesting. Maybe I’ll come… I’ll think about it.
Me: What’s holding you back?
Them: I want to join, but I don’t know enough.
No one likes to look dumb. Trust me. I get it! That’s one of the biggest strongholds I battle on a constant basis. But that stronghold is fed by pride. Pride gets in the way of our spiritual growth. It holds us back from taking a posture of humility which allows us to learn and grow.
Because we’re Christians we must have all the answers when it comes to understanding everything regarding our faith, right? Because of this mindset, many feel uncomfortable asking questions, seeking explanations, or expressing doubts in groups of fellow believers. It’s not even just not wanting to look dumb. It's also a fear of being exposed as not being as mature or grounded in our faith as we want people to believe. Especially if we’ve been a Chrisitan for a long time! It’s scary to admit that we don’t know or understand something about our own faith! Pride wants us to stay in the dark, but humility allows us to seek illumination.
Several years ago (with Pastor Steve’s help) I created a four-week class called Faith Basics. The reason I put this class together is because I wanted to create a place where we could deal with the most basic truths and questions of Chrisitanity without fear of “looking dumb.” It’s a space where any question is welcomed and encouraged. My desire in teaching this class is to create a space where anyone - seeker, new believer, or seasoned veteran - can ask the questions about God and Christianity that they’ve been struggling with or are afraid to ask elsewhere.
If you have questions about God (how do I know he’s real?), Jesus (is he really the only way to Heaven?), the Trinity (how does that even make sense?), the Bible (is it really trustworthy and authoritative?), then this may be the class for you! Pastor Steve and I will be teaching another session of Faith Basics Aug. 16 - Sep. 6 and we’d love to have you there. You can check out the class description and/or sign-up HERE.
Humbly admitting that I don’t know everything,
Pastor Naomi