Back in 2004, a book called The Wisdom of Crowds
attracted a lot of attention. In it the
author explored how groups of people can
often pool their collective wisdom and make better decisions than
individuals. He used case studies and
anecdotes from various fields ranging from economics to psychology.
Jesus seemed to think,
though, that the wisest or most effective number of people was... two. His theory might be called - 'the wisdom of
pairs.' When he sent out his disciples
to a new village, he liked to send them out in groups of two (Mark 6:7, Luke
10:1). One might have imagined Jesus, in
the name of efficiency, splitting everyone up in order to cover as much ground
as possible. But, instead he covers half
as much territory by sending them out two-by-two.
Jesus thought that pairs were more fruitful.
One example of the way our team has seen the value in
working in pairs is the experience that Jeremy Smith and I have had in the
Chiure district. It has been a very rewarding experience... and the decision to
work as a pair came partially by accident.
It takes over two hours to drive to Chiure, but the churches there were
ready for teaching and mentoring - so the decision was made for both of us to
go in large part in order to share the burden of fuel costs and wear-and-tear
on our cars. We also knew that these
churches were primed for growth and working with them alone would have been
more than we were ready for.
Over the past few years Jeremy and I have spent dozens of
Saturdays making the trek down to Chiure, co-teaching a class for a group of church
leaders, and then evaluating that experience on the long ride back home. We don't always work this way - but I often
wish we did!
So, what benefits have we experienced by working in pairs?
1. Co-teaching is just
plain more effective. Back in
college I got to co-teach a class at the Downtown Church with one of my
professors, Monte Cox. We spent time
preparing the lessons with a small group and then taught the class together.
That experience was extremely formative for me.
When Jeremy and I co-teach now it is on a peer basis and we have given
each other the freedom to jump in and add comments, chase meaningful rabbits,
or clarify when it seems that members of the group may not be
understanding. It is extremely helpful
to have another set of eyes, ears, and hands to help mold the learning
experience.
2. Pairs have more
authority. My hunch is that Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs because
of the common refrain in the Old testament of the need of having two witnesses
(ex. Deut. 19:15). Jesus knew that for
his message to be received with open arms, it needed to have two
testimonies. Working in pairs adds more
weight or authority. When one of us is
pushing the discussion, challenging the group in a certain way, it is very helpful
to have a colleague step in and publicly agree that what the other is saying is
true.
3. Two heads are
better than one in problem solving. While
this would certainly be the case even in one's own hometown, it is even more
true when you are attempting to listen through the static of different
languages, cultures and communication styles.
I don't know how many times we have been presented with a problem or
scenario and one of us had to respond because the other couldn't discern the
heart of the question.
4. Working as a pair
models a plurality in leadership. If
the ultimate goal for the churches leaders we work with is to see them become a
healthy team of elders shepherding the flock, then there seems to be great
value in modeling that kind of teamwork for them even at this stage.
5. Working together
is more fun than going it alone. This should be a no brainer. Our time trapped in the car, or in a dark hut
eating xima and beans was made infinitely more bearable by having a companion.
So, for the above reasons (and more) I would heartily
recommend working in pairs - they are more fruitful - for everyone involved.
Grace and Peace,
Alan
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