Its the question thats important!

Asking questions is a vital part of learning. Ask any math teacher, doctor, scientist or other professional. We confirm what we know or that which we don’t know by asking a simple, complex or series of questions. Our college professors ask questions and require students to ask questions and give substantive feedback.  Depending on the question asked, the professor can give relevant answers to aide the student in a complete understanding.

Why then do so many leaders in our churches, get tight lipped, seemingly intimidated and even frustrated when their members ask relevant and important questions? Its the question that important; the answer is only secondary when the question is handled properly. I remember a lady who came to the Bible Study and asked the teacher, “Why do women in some churches wear something on their head while in church” the teacher referenced a passage of scripture. The  student replied; “That didn’t answer my question,  but it now leads me to another”, where does this tradition come from? The teacher, in her frustration, exclaimed “all you need to know is, you don’t have to wear one”.

We never saw the student attend the church again. Questions can not be ignored and glossed over with a point of the finger to a passage of scripture stating, “here is your answer”.

Its the asking of the question that’s important. The question determines what the teacher needs to re-emphasize, give another point of reference or another example. If the learning of your members is important you will encourage questions and at the same time challenge the student to validate and confirm the answers and sources of the answers.

Tagged as: Against The Grain, important questions, Intimidation, questions in the bible study, Reluctant to ask in the church, thinking from the pews, valid questions, What does the Bible say?