One of the people who helped me to understand the classroom context is Rosalie Pedder, a pioneer in learning restoration. Shortly before her death she wrote about the battle for education and the three things that have historically dominated the classroom: pride, power, and control. I was interested in what she was saying about these areas because of my own temptations when I teach or lecture. I realized that I am tempted to be proud about the knowledge I have, I may be tempted to control the class environment, and am tempted to be rather impressed with myself when I minister. I may even be more concerned about my own agenda than God’s agenda. Rosalie’s challenge to us as trainers was to bring the Glory of God back to the class by coming in the opposite spirit of pride, power, and control by leading out in humility, authority, and grace. I began to see that teaching was not about me and my abilities but about what God wants to do.

After I reading Rosalie’s perspective, I had the opportunity to speak again in a Discipleship Training School (DTS). I shared about the areas that influence the class and asked the students to join in praying that God would be in control. I had to admit to the students that most of my knowledge came from other people and sources and I tried to give credit to those from whom I had received. I also approached the ministry times in a way that allowed God to do what he wanted, and I helped Him when needed. To God’s credit, a new level of learning and ministry has come into the class. I am impressed with His heart towards people, and I see how I hinder God’s agenda so much of the time.

I shared this teaching experience with a valued African pastor. He taught me that in Africa, when you are greeting one another, whether it is the Zulu greeting of sawubona, or the Sotho greeting of dumela, at the heart of the greeting is the concept of I SEE YOU. I see you are a person created with dignity and worth or in our Christian concept, I see you are created in the image of God, with sovereignty and personhood. I believe the I SEE YOU greeting is a good start on approaching people with humility. To recognize who they are. There is a saying; “People can stand to be loved, and they can stand to be hated, but no one can stand to be ignored”. Our classroom environment needs to be one of recognizing the personhood, gifts, and knowledge of the students.

The story of Jesus talking with the Samaritan woman at the well is a great example of coming with humility, authority, and grace (John 4). When Jesus approached this woman there was no introduction of who he was, and he ignored the Jewish protocol of not associating with Samaritans. He saw her and affirmed her as a person of value by asking her to give him a drink. He did not come with a spirit of pride. She recognized that he must be a prophet; he never said it himself. He did not show his power or make statements to build himself up. He had authority. He responded with grace. She felt safe to be who she was when she was around him. Her whole past was opened before him and there was no evidence of shame. He did not control.

I believe God’s heart as a father is to see a safe place for people to be able to learn and receive. Our responsibility in teaching or discipleship is to create an environment where people feel safe to be who they are, safe to learn and express, safe to challenge and question, and safe to experience God. The atmosphere of the class should be the same as it was for the woman at the well. She was next to the greatest teacher and authority on earth. There is no one higher, no one with more power, yet she felt safe to be who she was and she became a great evangelist.

Ron Bentsch presently lives in Centurion, South Africa, with his wife and two children. He is working with youth in a township and travels to teach in DTSes.

Rosalie Pedder lost a battle with cancer and went to be with the Lord in June 2004.

By Jane and Randy Rhoades