Language and a connected life
When they had finished, James spoke up: “Brothers, listen to me….” Acts 15.13 (NIV)
With these words, James introduces an argument that meets (uses the language necessary for understanding) his audience as it is found, and provides us with an example to follow in our mission. Both sides of the question that we face when we work with young people are revealed.
Not knowing what to do in a situation involving an important relationship means that there is something to practice (“Finding Errors and Correcting Them,” Cono Spring 2011). We practice those skills. That means that young people are able to move towards us in a relationship.
They are not where we would like them to be; to move them in the direction that they ought to go, language that will connect with them is necessary. “Children who struggle with their relationships … often lack basic social skills. In other words, they don’t know what to do or how to respond or behave in certain social situations.” (Hensley et al, Well-Managed Schools, 2011) When the relationship does not make progress, or become mature, we lack a basis for making headway in the other areas that affect adolescents’ ability to take responsibility for their own well-being. We practice the short dialogue scripts (language) they need with children so that they can make more mature connections.
The other side of the question of making connection in relationship demands that we find other means of using a language that our students will understand. We must give away a bit of control in that process of gaining connection.
We are often not comfortable with that approach. “We fear encounters in which the other is free to be itself, to speak its own truth, to tell us what we may not wish to hear. We want those encounters on our own terms, so that we can control their outcomes, so that they will not threaten our view of world and self.” (Palmer, The Courage to Teach, 2007) Getting around that resistance becomes necessary for both the teacher and the student, but it is the teacher who is in the position for initiative.
Tim Keller has an answer to a similar question about his congregation at Redeemer Presbyterian Church of Manhattan, “How are you reaching … young adults in such a secular place?” He says, “Christianity has … adapted significantly and positively to the surrounding culture without compromising its main tenets.” (Keller, The Reason for God, 2008) It means an atmosphere without gimmicks, and a community using the right language.
Thomas V. Jahl, Headmaster, Cono Christian School
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.