Learning from Life
Learning from your experience - without a lot of books, papers, lectures and studying - is often not what people think of when they think about "training" or development. But under the right circumstances, it can be very powerful.
This kind of "action learning" (or experiential learning or lifestyle learning) is the approach that CityLife takes to learning. It is not something that adds a lot to your schedule. Instead, it asks you to process your experiences - the things you do everyday - to learn from them. The CityLife covenant outlines four particular kinds of experiences:
- your relationship with Jesus
- your work
- your relationships with those who don't know Christ
- your team
These things aren't something you add on to your life, they are your life! They aren't separate activities but parts of your life that you carry with you all the time. What action learning asks you to do is to step back - either alone, with peers or with somebody who has been through similar things already - so that you can get the most out of these experiences. On a schedule, it might look something like this:
- Do something: work, relate, play, rest.
- Think about what you just did: talk to a friend, find a coach, study the Bible, read, research, journal, etc.
- Draw some conclusions. Make some decisions.
- Make a plan - and keep on living.
For more on action learning, read the Lifestyle Learning Paper by Randy Raysbrook and Bill Mowry or do the Action Learning Exercise - which you can do on your own or in a group.
The Role of Mentors and Peers
This approach means that, for the most part, what you put into CityLife will determine what you get out of it. Your mentors and friends are not there primarily to teach (though they may do a little bit of that) but to walk with you at your pace and follow your questions. Their job (and your job for your friends) is to...
- keep you focused on the 4 areas of the CityLife covenant
- help you process and reflect, conclude and plan
- point you towards helpful resources
- remind you that you have the freedom to be creative...
- ...and the flexibility to do things differently
- give you affirmation and encouragement
- give you feedback so you know how you're doing
The Role of Books and Study
Books and studying, when they are delivered "just-in-time" - in the midst of learning from experience - instead of ahead of time whether you need it or not, can be a great supplement to learning through reflection. Good teachers and good books help us reflect on our lives even as they add outside wisdom and perspective. Throughout this website, you will find links to Bible studies, books, articles, video clips and audio files that either tie into the 4 areas of the CityLife covenant or other areas. (Click here to go to the Learning through Study page.)