In the pursuit of effective discipleship within Christian ministry, the Neuroscience Informed Relational Discipleship principle of “Tell-Show-Help-Watch” emerges as a transformative approach that bridges the gap between cognitive understanding and relational experiences. This model not only aligns with but deeply integrates psychological insights with spiritual formation, emphasizing the necessity of whole-brain integration for lasting character change and spiritual growth.
*If you haven’t read the Introduction to NIRD yet, start here 🙂
The “Tell” stage initiates the discipleship process through left-brain mediated tasks which involve teaching cognitive information about spiritual principles through written texts, oral instructions, books, Bible study, or sermons. This stage is crucial for laying down the foundational knowledge and understanding of Biblical principles. However, while essential, this cognitive engagement alone is insufficient to foster deep and lasting changes in internal working models or character structure​​.
Following the cognitive engagement, the “Show” phase extends discipleship into right-brain mediated experiences, which are essential for the internalization of taught principles. This stage involves living life in proximity to a mentor or discipler, allowing disciples to witness the application of Biblical truths in real-world settings. Whether it’s serving together in community engagement contexts or simply participating in the daily life of a mentor’s family, this stage offers a powerful avenue for disciples to observe and begin metabolizing the cognitive information through relational and sensory experiences​​.
The “Help” phase deepens the relational experience by allowing disciples to attempt living out the principles they have learned in real-time, within relevant contexts. This proximity enables mentors to provide immediate coaching, support, and feedback, crucial for the disciples as they navigate the complexities of applying these teachings. The role of the mentor is not just observational but actively supportive, ensuring that the learning is not only attempted but refined and corrected through practice​​.
Finally, the “Watch” phase involves the mentor observing and supporting the disciple as they practice the relational skills and principles independently. This stage is characterized by the mentor’s role in affirming and celebrating the disciple’s growth, which reinforces the learning and helps cement the transformation. This validation is vital for encouraging the disciple, highlighting the positive changes, and solidifying the new behavioral patterns as permanent features of the disciple’s character structure​​.
This model is supported by a robust understanding of how the brain processes and internalizes information. The left-brain is engaged in logical processing and understanding, which is critical in the “Tell” phase. However, lasting change involves the right-brain’s capacity for relational and experiential learning, activated through the “Show,” “Help,” and “Watch” stages. This approach aligns with the Biblical process of discipleship, which involves more than just knowledge but transformed lives demonstrated through relationship and community​​.
The “Tell-Show-Help-Watch” approach underscores a significant challenge within modern church practice, which often favors large-scale programs and instructional formats that neglect the deeper relational dynamics essential for true spiritual growth. By adopting this integrative approach, churches can foster more profound and lasting impacts on individuals’ lives, moving beyond superficial engagement to producing disciples capable of replicating this transformative process in others​​.
The NIRD principle of “Tell-Show-Help-Watch” offers a holistic and effective framework for discipleship that leverages both cognitive and relational brain functions to foster deep, lasting spiritual and character transformation. This model not only aligns with neurological insights but also embodies the scriptural mandate for discipleship that is deeply relational and transformational.
Training small group leaders using the Tell-Show-Help-Watch principle of Neuroscience Informed Relational Discipleship (NIRD) can be a highly effective way to ensure they are well-equipped to facilitate their groups with confidence and skill. Here’s how this principle might be applied in such a training context:
Throughout each of these stages, the integration of scriptural principles and psychological insights ensures that the training is both spiritually grounded and practically effective. The trainers would emphasize the importance of prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and the application of interpersonal neurobiology principles to understand and manage group dynamics effectively. This holistic approach prepares leaders not just to manage groups but to foster genuine spiritual growth and community among members.
Applying the Tell-Show-Help-Watch principle to train volunteers for community engagement tasks, such as serving in a soup kitchen, offers a structured approach to ensure they are prepared, confident, and effective in their roles. Here’s how this training methodology might be implemented:
Throughout the training, incorporating spiritual reflections and opportunities for prayer can enhance the volunteers’ understanding of the significance of their service as a form of worship and ministry. This holistic approach not only prepares volunteers technically and practically but also spiritually motivates them to serve with a heart aligned to God’s call to love and serve the least among us.
The concepts of the “meeting before the meeting” and the “meeting after the meeting” are integral to effective mentorship and training, especially within the framework of Neuroscience Informed Relational Discipleship (NIRD). These meetings are pivotal for preparing mentees for new experiences and for reflecting on these experiences to reinforce learning and personal growth.
Purpose and Preparation:
Building Confidence:
Reflection and Feedback:
Encouragement and Growth:
Spiritual Integration:
These meetings, when conducted thoughtfully, create a comprehensive learning cycle that not only prepares mentees for specific tasks but also helps them integrate those experiences into their broader personal and spiritual development. This holistic approach ensures that learning is not just about task completion but about character development, resilience building, and spiritual growth.
In exploring the dynamic interplay between neuroscience and Christian discipleship, we uncover a profound alignment between biblical principles and modern scientific insights. Through the frameworks of Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® (NICC) and Neuroscience Informed Relational Discipleship (NIRD), we see how deeply relational God’s design for us is, meant to thrive in community and continuous growth.
If you are intrigued by how these innovative approaches can transform personal and communal spiritual lives, I invite you to delve deeper into Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® and Neuroscience Informed Relational Discipleship. Explore more about how these methodologies can enrich your faith journey and strengthen your community bonds.
Sign up and receive my updated article posts about neurotheology, sex therapy, and therapeutic friendship.
No charge. No spam. Only love.
View this profile on InstagramJosh Spurlock (@talk2spurlock) • Instagram photos and videos
© Josh Spurlock|Privacy Policy|Terms|sitemap|Mycounselor.online