For decades, one of the big draws in Christianity was to have a Christian and atheist debate a topic. Often these debates even merited news coverage. Of course, these debates were the structured debates known by debate teams rather than the yelling matches that currently pass for debate. The structure allowed both sides to present a well formed argument and encouraged those watching the debate to think and read more deeply on the topic.
While we will probably never go back to an era of polished debate as entertainment, many of the skill sets used would be extremely helpful to both children and teens served by ministries. Rather than merely teaching our young people formal debate skills, we also need to help them learn how to have civil discourse with people who have differing opinions from them. They need to learn how to teach and promote God’s words and his “agenda” (for lack of a better term), while still being loving and kind. The old fashioned term you may have heard was “speaking the truth in love”.
If we don’t actively teach our young people these skills, one of two things will continue to happen. Either they will speak God’s Truth in such a harsh, unloving way that no one will listen. Or they will think being loving and kind means you have to deny God’s Truths because someone might get upset God doesn’t agree with them. Neither is healthy for the individuals who need to learn and heed God’s Words nor the Church as a whole.
There is a lot of great information out there on teaching debating skills to young people and how to teach them to foster dialogue with those who disagree with them. Remember that throughout whatever training and practice you give, you should constantly reinforce the absolute truth found in the Bible. While they may debate it with those who don’t agree, it isn’t ultimately debatable. Regardless of the outcome of their debates with others, God’s Truth is Truth and everyone will be judged by it in the end. Likewise, dialogue is a tool that can be used to have calmer conversations when people actually listen to each other. While the skills are important, ultimately God’s Truth will stand.
It’s important to remember that these skills are not just helpful when speaking with people who aren’t Christians. They are also helpful in navigating disagreements within a ministry or a congregation or between two Christians who disagree about anything. Likewise, it can help your students navigate tough conversations that have nothing to do with God in ways that are loving, kind and….. Christian.
Should teaching debate and dialogue replace Bible lessons? No, but these skills can add value to your ministry when offered as Christian life skill training.