Teach to Learn

Have you ever heard of the “protégé effect”?  It refers to the psychological phenomenon that is intrinsic to the human condition and that we have all likely experienced at some point on our educational journeys.  It was summed up pithily over 2000 years ago by the Roman philosopher Seneca: “When we teach, we learn.”  It is an adage that has been around for centuries.  Beginning in the 1980s, researchers have actually conducted various experiments that have provided empirical data in strong support of the adage.  The best way to learn about any subject is to have to teach someone else about it.

As you hopefully read in last week’s newsletter, as part of our “Let the Children Grow” initiative, our Sunday schedule will be changing for the new program year. If you didn’t read Carmen’s article about this change, I encourage you to do so.  With Sunday School being shifted to take place between the services, our children and youth will now be able to attend and experience the entire Eucharist service.  This is in keeping with the Episcopal understanding that Christian formation is rooted in our worship together.

An exciting corollary of this schedule change is that it makes it easier for folks to support our Sunday School program, as you will no longer have to miss half the Eucharist to volunteer.   This brings me back to the “protégé effect”.  Speaking from personal experience over twenty years in parish and campus ministry, I honestly think one of the best ways to learn and be formed in one’s faith is to serve as a Sunday School teacher for children and youth. Preparing and teaching a Sunday School lesson can be an incredibly rewarding process, especially with a user-friendly curriculum like the one we will be using this year.  And talking with children about God and faith can be a wondrous experience. Their openness, authenticity, and curiosity provide for remarkably fruitful and life-giving conversations.

If this sounds like something you would enjoy doing, please reach out to Courtney Fossett.

Yours in Christ,

Kevin+