Testing

Teaching to the test is the modern method of using the classroom as a test prep time, not a time to learn. Testing used to be a tool a teacher could us to asses student comprehension and development. Now, the focus is on material expected to be on a test, and memorizing facts that benefit test taking.

As a Christian, testing is the way that God uses to see how we are doing as followers of Christ. To see what we have learned. To see how we measure up. To see if we, in spite of the test, will remain faithful.

Teaching to the test is focused teaching. It is teaching on a very narrow view of education. Our Fellowship seems sometimes to be teaching to the test. We have developed a standardized one size fits all approach to the Christian life. It's not about learning and knowing and growing. It is about evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. Our focus has narrowed. Our standards have narrowed. 

Evangelism, discipleship, and church planting is what keeps us on track with God. The only danger is that being focused like a laser beam can make us miss what else needs to be done. For example, while we focus on street preaching, our young people are hesitant to get married and to have children. Our way of doing the Christian life is not producing very many weddings. In the early days pastor Mitchell did a lot of weddings. And he often used a wedding to preach on marriage. Just saying.