Introduction to Methodology for Revolutions (See below for PDF File)
Spin 1: Get to Know the TOPIC
Topics for this approach need to be chosen directly out of the headlines or, at least,
through careful observation of real life. Faith issues can be found on the front page of most
newspapers, in casual conversations in the church kitchen or even in the lyrics of the latest
popular song. The key for choosing the topics is in remembering that Christians are human
beings and human beings live life in the real world. If our faith is to be relevant and meaningful,
we need to be talking about how our faith impacts real issues and vice versa.
Spin 2: Set the FOCUS
Setting the focus is intended to help the class set some parameters and direction for
the conversation. Present a current event by bringing it up in the course of normal
conversation. This takes a little practice but after you’ve done it once or twice, it should roll
right off your tongue. Remember, conversation is your goal, not lecture. After the normal talk
and fellowship (5 minutes or so) try changing the conversation with something like this:
“Hey, did you all see on the news last night…” or “Did you all hear about the new law passed
by…” And then quickly lead into Spin 3.
PLEASE NOTE: It is not the intention of this movement to provide a time for the leader to
reveal their position. Doing this would short-circuit the whole process in that youth will
sense, and rightly so, that this is not really an open discussion at all. It may be difficult not to
share your opinion at first, but if you really want to know what your youth believe, you will
not do it. More importantly, if you want to encourage your youth to think about what they
believe critically, simply place the focus event out there and ask them what they think about
it.
Spin 3: Discover “WHAT” They Believe
Your sole purpose in this spin of the conversation is to help the youth articulate and
clarify what they believe about the topic. It is important to allow plenty of time for this
movement in the discussion. You need to discover not only what they believe but also what
they do not believe. Open-ended questions are your best tools for enhancing this process. For
example:
What do you believe about God in light of… (natural disasters, miracles, etc? You
want the youth to feel that whatever answer they give is valued. This may sound easy, but it is
not. It will take some practice! Do not be afraid to nudge them to struggle with what they do
and do not believe; however, always do it with a supportive voice! In other words, in those
cases where you have to help them express or expand on what they believe, it is critical that
you do it with a curious rather than a critical or judgmental attitude.
Spin 4: Explore “WHY” They Believe It
In this spin, facilitate a critical reflection on what the youth have said are their beliefs
and opinions. Push them a little to really express why they hold the beliefs they do. You will
probably realize that most of us do not do a lot of this kind of reflection. So, at first, this kind
of reflection may be awkward but it is crucial to the discussion. Take plenty of time here, too.
To begin this process, in the midst of hearing youth state what they believe, occasionally ask:
- Why?
- Where did you learn that?
- What has led you to believe this way?
Spin 4: Continued
Approach these questions again with a supportive and even curious attitude but watch for
defensive reactions such as: refusal to respond, angry responses, crossing of arms, sitting back
in chairs, etc. If these reactions should occur, you will need to be more supportive and
reassure the youth that all answers are valid and that these questions are not easy ones. Then
give that person a little time to relax by moving on to someone else.
Spin 5: Introduce Sources of AUTHORITY
This spin is a time to introduce authorities or sources which carry weight for Christians
when making decisions about belief and behavior. Authorities for most Christians include
but are not limited to:
- Scripture
- Church tradition
- Respected individuals
- Personal faith experience
- Congregational or denominational positions
- Governmental sources, such as the Constitution of the United States of America or the United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights, also have an impact on Christians and may be useful.
- Societal authorities are often less concrete, but may have a great deal more influence on beliefs and behaviors than we realize. These include unwritten and written rules of courtesy and etiquette.
Remember that in this model, authorities are not meant to create obedience, but to give
guidance. Authorities are only as good as their ability to withstand the critique of experience.
Share authorities with bold humility. Avoid reducing the authorities to mere opinions or
raising them to absolute power. Instead, present them as one voice that needs
to be struggled with. .
Spin 6: INTERACT With the Authorities
Encourage the youth to think seriously about what they believe and how that interacts
with what the authority has said. Do not force youth to believe the authority, but help them
wrestle with it. If they believe differently than a particular scripture or tradition, help them
wrestle with the tension between the two. Your role is not to defend the authority. Your role is
to encourage the interaction between the youth’s position and the authority. If youth agree with
the authority, don’t be afraid to ask them why. Continue to help them really take seriously what
they believe.
Spin 7: ACT on What You Learn
Taking a close look at what we do and do not believe is extremely beneficial to our
growth in the faith. However, reflection that stops short of action is not productive for long
term growth. Now that the youth have struggled with their beliefs, have them spend some
time talking about what this means we, as people of faith, should do.
Possible actions will be determined by you and the youth. However, sometimes these
actions manifest themselves in:
- Letters to the editor
- Mission projects
- A special event held by the youth
- A change in the way the youth live their lives
- A statement from the youth in worship or to the church board
HELPFUL HINT: Every group is different. Choose your actions wisely. If you try something
and it does not work, don’t get frustrated. Simply try another form of action.
