4 phases to teaching a shape

Learning doesn't happen in a flat line continuum, it looks much more like a slinky spiral.  Disciples are on this jagged journey of acquiring new skills which looks a lot like three steps forward and two steps back.  

In order for us to coach people through that jagged process we need to be both wise and patient. Wise in seeing how to apply the knowledge to their lives and patient with their efforts to learn it. Often times we become discouraged because people don't seem to "get it".  What we need to look for is that "one step" of traction that can propel them along the learning triangle (information>imitation>innovation). The 4 phases of teaching a shape is so useful because it marks some places where we can help disciples gain that traction.  


Here are the phases:


Phase one: You teach the shape (ideally in response to a kairos in the huddle)

Phase two: have them apply the shape personally (for example: using the circle go through a recent experience and write down your thoughts per each step)

Phase three: have them apply the shape to the ministry they are leading (for example: again using the circle prayerfully look at your ministry and write down what you observe/reflect/who you might talk with/a planned response to what God is showing you and who will be accountable to)

Phase four: lastly have them teach another person the shape.  What would be ideal is that they actually apply the shape to someone's life experience.  (for example: you are talking with a friend who shares about what God is doing in their life.  Invite them to walk through the circle with you as you teach them)

Signs of learning

Our aim as disciplers is not to dispense information but guide transformation.  This is very important to keep in mind because 3DM generates A LOT of information.  Over the next few posts I will share some key practices to help us focus on real life transformation.  Remember the learning triangle:

I've adapted this to include an important element of learning and transformation.  Remember in our culture knowing is vastly different from what Jesus referred to in the gospels.  For us, knowing can simply mean that we have memorized a bit of information.  To Jesus it meant are you living it?  So here is the adaptation of the triangle:

Begin with experiences.  This is ideal.  In fact what 3DM is built on is helping people focus on an experience we call "Kairos".  So rather than dispensing information through hand-outs or lectures...look for the experiences that have captured your huddles attention.  THEN apply a shape to that.  You can always apply the circle, but other shapes can certainly be taught and applied.  By beginning with experiences/kairo you have connected the huddle experience to life which hopefully leads to continued practice in life!  That is central to discipleship and transformation.

You can help begin with experience by asking questions like:

"what is God doing?"
"what have you noticed in your walk with Jesus this week?"
"what question/situation/problems keep popping up for you?"
"take a minute and share what is going on with you these days"
"take a minute to say how you are doing right now"
"what are you looking for God to do?"

By the way, I often cast these introductory questions with "take a minute".  Coach people to work with about a minute so we can quickly get things out there.  As they share, I am listening for what central theme might be there, or what the Holy Spirit is highlighting, or what shape might address a number of their experiences.

In my next post I will talk about the 4 phases of taking a shape to "innovation".

Working together: the call of discipleship

Hi folks:

You've been invited to this blog site because you are about Jesus primary call: making disciples!  I will regularly post various things I am learning as we journey on, but I'm sure others will add insights and information that will greatly help us in this quest of advancing the Kingdom together!