Putting the “Appropriate” in Independence

What does the “appropriate” in Appropriate Independence™ mean?

It’s two-fold really.  Shepherds College looks at the strengths of each individual student and determines a level of self-sufficiency that would be “appropriate” for that student, then we ask, “Okay, we now know what you can do, but should you do it?”  Can and should – two important concepts that help define Appropriate Independence.

The “cans” are simple and are usually learned through the teaching, re-enforcing, reviewing and testing of the education process. But how do we teach the “shoulds?”

Some of the “shoulds” are discovered through experience. Students learn that there is a consequence for every action, for example, “My mom just sent me a new movie for my birthday. I know it’s a school night, but I really want to stay up late and watch it.” The possible consequences? “I fell asleep during class.” “I was tired and short-tempered so I fought with my best friend.” “I couldn’t concentrate on the test and failed.”

But all “shoulds” should be grounded in an understanding of absolute right and wrong. At Shepherds College, we realize that the Bible is the true source of moral absolutes, and all actions must be tested through its Holy Words.  For our students to learn to be appropriate in their independence, they must first learn what God’s Word says.

We offer many ways for our students to discover Bible truths and how to apply them to their lives such as Bible classes, Bible studies, chapel, counseling and opportunities to attend church.

Today, I want to tell you about a wonderful tool the first-year students use in Mrs. Kolkman’s Personal Bible Study class – The BROAM method of studying the Bible.

Mrs. Kolkman

Using the BROAM method, students follow these steps to dive deep into God’s Word:

B –Background

Students answer questions such as:

What was the culture like back in biblical times? What major events in history were going on? Who are the Roman Soldiers, and what was life like back then?

Students use different Bible tools such as Bible Dictionaries, Bible Handbooks, Commentaries, Atlas, etc.

R – Reading

Students read the passage not once, not twice, but three times! Each time, students highlight key words and phrases that they think are important and then look them up in Commentaries and Dictionaries to discover the author’s intended meaning.

O – Observation

Here students answer the 5W & H questions:

Who, What, Where, When, Why, How?

A – Application

The “How” question naturally leads into application as students discover, “how does this text apply to my life?” Students then need to think deeply and reflect on how they can use the purpose of this text in their day to day life.

M – Memorization

Lastly, memorize! Ask a first-year student, and they will be able to tell you that memorizing scripture is important for two main reasons:

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God...”  Ephesians 6:17

The BROAM method is used to paint a picture of what God is speaking to us through His written Word. The students can’t discover what the picture looks like until they've put together all of the pieces to the puzzle.

Through their use of the BROAM method, the students will discern Bible truths, which ultimately will lead to a life of Appropriate Independence.

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.edu.