We need to create spaces in the church where it’s ok to ask…

“We need to create spaces in the church where it’s ok to ask *meaningful* questions.”

@drnicolemmartin with @sfiministries and @tenx10collab

I saw Dr. Nicole say this and it never struck me before but…doesn’t it seem crazy that the disciples asked Jesus questions? Like - they were convinced he was the literal Son of God and yet, day after day, time after time, question upon question upon question.

And those are just the ones that were written. I’m sure Jesus endured SO MANY questions. 😅 Just a bunch of guys asking Him questions ALL THE TIME.

One of the most disappointing things I hear about teachers from kids ISN’T that they were tough, that they grade too harshly, or that they are bad at teaching. It’s “they don’t answer our questions.”

“We already went over this weren’t you listening?”

“I’m not going over it again.”

“We don’t have time for this.”

Now, Dr. Nicole was saying this in regard to why people aren’t going to church but I think this applies to young people *in spades.* You want to shut down the youth? Refuse to answer their questions. Or answer it with:

“That’s how it’s always been done.”

“That’s a dumb question.”

Or my personal pet peeve:

“Because I said so.”

When people ask questions (meaningful questions, not the statements that people make on twitter that end with a question mark but are not questions at all) it’s because they generally want to hear what you have to say. I love when my kids ask me questions; it’s because they’re curious and a lot of times I don’t have an answer ready but boy am I ready to go on the journey with them.

Let’s create those spaces - because honestly, people leave when those spaces don’t exist.