Seeing spiritual transformation in the community of the classroom
By Nicci Wooley
There is a hunger for God.
“Lord, Send Revival,” was the song a student told me she was just listening to right before class. As I interact with students within the classroom, I’m rejuvenated in my own spiritual journey because there is a generation that desires more than the status quo. I read about it in their written responses, hear it in our discussions, and see it in their actions.
A series of posts by one of Dean’s friends
telling us how they pursue the challenge of daily obedience to Jesus.
I often contemplate, “What it would take for a community such as Point University to experience revival?” Could we experience a spontaneous wave of repentance and worship from a chapel service as Asbury did in the ‘70s? Or could we be among a sweep of schools that encounter God’s power like in the ‘90s? Is it possible that we could see again days of transformational prayer on campus that took place in the early 2000s?
However it may look, I know the early flame is burning. There is a hunger for God.
I write this humbled by the opportunity to be and exist within the transformative spaces of our classrooms. Christian education is not just a place where scriptures are quoted but it is about making space for God’s intervention, discussing the issues and struggles of life, and meeting those needs with God as the answer as he is sovereign. One of our greatest missions on earth is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I get to be a part of a mission that educates students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world.
Being a part of this learning community has taught me many spiritual lessons and continues to bring sanctity to my journey. Here are three lessons I’m walking out now within the context of relationships with myself and my students:
The community of classroom is a place where we can practice and dwell in prayer
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Christina Lake in her memoir, The Flourishing Teacher, expresses so beautifully how important it is to start off your semester with prayer. As the semester started, I opened class by letting students know I’d been praying for them. I told them my hope would be in seeing not just an intellectual transformation but a spiritual one for them as well. What was so encouraging about this practice is that it provided space for a student to walk up to me afterward and say they would be praying for me too. I’m thankful for this community that supports one another in prayer.
The community of classroom is a place where we create space for God to sit at our table
I’m learning to get out of the way. Since the classroom is a learning environment, I open myself up also to be receiving. When I position myself as a student, I become inspired by the ideas and discussions that pour out of the students. Most importantly, creating space for the Holy Spirit to move and teach me and the students is what makes our time together not just meaningful but revelational.
The community of classroom is a place where vision is renewed, and bold dreams are born.
The boldness of students’ dreams, their openness to direction from God, and their hunger for a vision for their lives are all inspiring and motivating. Their faith is unmatched, and it encourages me to continue to dream big, bold dreams myself. I know anything less would be offensive to God.
There is a hunger for God. It is being experienced and lived out currently in the classrooms and on campus and it is bringing transformation to our lives.
Scripture readings: 2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 Corinthians 2:9
Nicci Wooley is an assistant professor of communication at Point University. A former Southeastern Conference basketball player at Louisiana State University and professional basketball player, she is married to Tory Wooley, the head women’s basketball coach at Point. They have two sons TJ (3) and Joshua (1).
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.
