Conclusion

I have offered a lesson scheme for teaching youth the Bible, one based on brain functions of learning. My intent via this scheme is to intersect biblical truth with the biology of learning to promote quality Bible teaching of youth to aid formation of their faith in Christ. For each element of this scheme, I have offered a rationale for its application in light of brain science and the biblical perspective.

Certain implications are worth noting in light of what I have discussed. First, we must rely on the work and power of the Holy Spirit to change minds and hearts. First Corinthians 2:14 echoes, "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." Gaining knowledge about the biology of learning is appropriate for "all truth is God's truth," and we are "wonderfully made" by God. There is complexity in the human creation of which we need to seek better understanding. However, we do not rely on our understanding of biology to change lives, but on the undertaking of the Holy Spirit to convict and convince people about the Gospel.

Second, the biology of learning and the need for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our teaching remind us that quality teaching of youth demands quantity in time for preparation and prayer. We need to prepare the type of lessons that appreciate and appropriate brain functioning in learning. We must immerse our preparation in prayer to the Holy Spirit, asking "that whenever [you] open your mouth, words may be given [you] so that [you] will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Eph. 6:19).

Third, we must understand that the brains of the youth we teach are still growing physically. With the prominence of Piagét's theory on cognitive development, it was believed that the physical growth of the human brain ended at age 11 or 12. Modern medical research, specifically utilizing FMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imagery), has conclusively shown that the physical growth of the brain continues into the early 20s. This means that intellectual capacity continues to grow. Of course, each teen is different with some teens able to function at a higher level of thinking compared to others.  Regardless, the general population of teens are experiencing physical growth of the brain, therefore, capacities for judging and decision-making are continuing to grow.

The continuing physical growth of the brain is not about capability to decide but capacity for decision-making. This reality iterates the promise and power of community (peer and adult relationships) as a protective factor for youth. It illuminates the need for balance of teaching to ascend youth to owning their faith (the intent of the lesson scheme I offer) and fostering nurturing, encouraging and caring relationships in their youth group and church.

REFERENCE LIST

Richards, Lawrence O., Gary Bredfeldt, and Larry Richards, 1998, Creative Bible Teaching, Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers.