Today's learners are used to such multi-tasking and variety, while in the past education was more linear, the authors said. A Bible class that expects students to sit and listen passively will not be effective. But many of the Christian materials we use are for linear thinkers. Such characteristics can be carried over to the Bible class, he said. The participatory environment can be emulated in a Bible class which discourages competitive stress and encourages interaction between students in problem solving.
Educators can create an environment of sensory images to mold faith.
Kregg Hood, left, talks with Eddie Mathews and Dean Fitch at the Christian Education Conference in January about using the internet to connect with church members and people in the community. Individuality is important, he believes, but people yearn to belong to a group that helps them develop and grow. The popularity of small groups bears this out. A second concept the conference addressed was how churches can serve despite the fragmentation and busyness of today's families. Mark DeVries, author of Family-Based Youth Ministry, discussed the importance of surrounding children and teens with an extended church family.