How Were ACOP Leaders Trained?

[Nate]

I have gravitated to more formal learning, which is evident through my time here at Eston College. I think that getting some form of formal learning is really important. Learning how to intensively study is an important skill to have and develop.

I found it interesting that many of the men from the A-team seemed to have some sort of formal training which wet the appetite to become life-long learners. That is encouraging to see. One of the goals of formal education should be to create people who don’t just know what to think and learn, but how to think and learn and I think FGBI/Eston College has done that!

[Micah]

I find I gravitate to all of these things, and am growing more and more fond of learning itself. I love formal learning not for the certification, but rather because it is well-directed and focused. In that sense, it is excellent for diving into topics that someone else has researched well. That being said, some of the most formational times in my formal learning experience have been personal in-depth research that was primarily self-directed. I also love hands-on things. There is no better way to truly understand what you are learning then by doing it, and there is no better way to understand some theological concept then by having to explain it to 5 year olds in a camp cabin or Sunday school. Because I am naturally driven and curious, I do a decent amount of self-study and research, but the way that I am wired leans closer towards formal learning and hands-on forms of learning.

[Caleb]

Although I love biblical studies and gleaning from teachers and theologians, I think experiential learning because of how easily the lesson sticks. I’ve had some amazing classes and although I remember lots from my studies that has been useful to my faith, there is a lot of information that goes in one year and out the other after an exam or paper. Experience is easy to reflect on and remember because you learn from how it impacts you. Informal learning can be the same way, but personally it takes forever to hone a craft or take away something useful from something completely on my own. Experiential learning is the best way I effectively learn.

[Kylie]

I definitely gravitate towards Non-formal learning or experiential learning. I am a very hands on and situational learner, I like to witness how others do it and try for myself. Trial and error is the most productive way I learn as I will be most intentional and pay most attention when there is risk involved and when I am putting what I learn into action.