CHILDLIKE CURIOSITY ?

In my experience- many "non-professional" people (sometimes called laymen) are JUST AS motivated as the "pros" to obtain a deeper knowledge of God. Money & "professionalism" can often cloud my already clouded motivations and leave the seed of God's word condemned to rocky or thorny soil. Having taught seminary level classes has convinced me that "good soil" is NOT a clergy/lay issue...it is a heart issue, and it affects ALL people. This is why Jesus never set up such a clergy/lay distinction. It may also explain why He often had conflict with the "professionals" of his day.  Sadly, people like me - professionals with heads packed with knowledge, are not necessarily the most spiritually mature (Thank God for His mercy). Having a "divinity" degree no more makes you mature, than hanging out in a garage makes you a car! Jesus said that we must come to him like children if we are to truly receive God's revelation:

Matthew 11:25-26

 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

I truly want to move from thinking myself "wise and learned" to seeing myself as a vulnerable dependent child. Part of that "childlikeness" is CURIOSITY. My experience with children tells me that they have an insatiable appetite for knowledge, but not just any knowledge - practical knowledge. My 4th grade friend Stone asks a million questions - why?...when?...how?. Childlike faith will also have this practical curiosity, and unquenchable thirst for the knowledge of God.

REACH INSTITUTE COURSES - are simply a re-packaging of the seminary classes I've developed over the years, made available to those who have low resources, and/or jobs - but still have that "unquenchable thirst". IS THAT YOU ? If it is- look over this site for information on upcoming INSTITUTE courses offered in your city. 
To register for a class- we simply need to know you're coming. We have books/articles that would be good to read in advance, so knowing you will be attending allows us to get that information to you.

TO REGISTER FOR A COURSE - SIMPLY EMAIL OUR REGISTRAR: DAVE HICKEY AT
 davehickey21@gmail.com    
   
Thanks for your curiosity ! 
In Him,
Craig McElvain (MAC)