From Information to Transformation Gideon

Workshop Layout Class Coordinators will give a 5 minutes introduction Then the class will be divided into 6 groups, where each group will take a handout with the points which are to be applied to the selected Biblical text they have. All group will have 15 minutes to discuss and relate the skill with the Biblical text, then 5 minutes to present. Conclusion by class coordinators will take 5 minutes

From Information to Transformation Introduction Our lives are full of moments when we have a choice between going a little deeper or moving on to the next item, person, or task. We’ll introduce a map of the depths of knowing and learning that move through six interrelated layers, following the model of God and how He deals with us till we reach the stage of Real Transformation. In our Evangelism, we are not in need to deliver information, we are rather in need to induce real Transformation in the lives of others.

Information Gideon and setting his offering before The Angel of The Lord (Jud 6: ) It is the stage of recognition, the stage of sorting out the confusion. Information serves as the fire around which we gather. It’s the stage of curiosity and the beginning of receptivity, it’s the stage where interest is engaged. Interest means that emotions have been activated. Emotions awakens attention which drives learning and memory.

Knowledge Gideon Destroys the Altar of Baal & The Sign of The Fleece (Jud 6: 25 – 40) Having knowledge means holding together patterns of Information and implies the basic ability to use Information. At the deep end of Knowledge there may be comprehension and mastery over a certain skill. One of the ways that information turns into Knowledge occurs when we see a story in it, stories re- member parts into patterned wholes

Intelligence Gideon’s Valiant Three Hundred (Jud 7: 1 – 8) Intelligence cuts, shapes and creates Knowledge & Information. Training for Intelligence involves cultivating thinking rather mandating what to think. Part of training for intelligence involves a shift from accepting answers to challenging answers and cultivation of imagination. The way we use our minds affects not only what is known but also the knower. By intentionally cultivating intelligence, we grow the mind.

Understanding The loaf of barley bread (Jud 7: 9 – 15) Understanding takes us beyond the power of Intelligence to see the world through the eye of the heart. “Heartfulness” The word understanding literally means “to stand among”, which implies crossing the boundaries inherent in “standing apart”. “Heartfulness” Understanding takes us beyond self – interest and self- separateness Understanding serves as the center point or the axis that turns disconnection to integration, to the development of wholeness, a self undivided character and a knowing heart

Wisdom Gideon Subdues the Midianites (Jud 6: 16 – 25) Wisdom blends what is right, with insight about what is true. Simple Wisdom sees through the cloud of complexity to offer direction beyond the capability of the intellect. Wisdom involves the capacity to listen and to translate the power of intellect and the openness of the heart into appropriate actions and attitudes. The wise person sees beyond immediate self-interest. In this way, wisdom does not serve individual growth, but the movement of growth and transformation in general.

Transformation Gideon Transformed (Jud 8: / ) To Transform means to go beyond the current form. Transformation is both an outcome and a process. Transformation takes us beyond the facts and categories of our lives, the limits of social structuring, the box of self-defintion. The reaction of Transformation often catalyzes growth that extends beyond the individual.

Conclusion (Heb 11: ) Interdependence at all levels from information to transformation reminds us that social structures, cultural beliefs, or values as a whole may be changed as the ripple of individual transformation grows to a wave. Transformation within (the person) and without the (culture and society) takes us beyond simple adaptation. In our Preaching, We need to create a teaching that invites or even nudges transformation.