Interviews.
Our interviews consisted of those who had continued to develop their faith after high school, and how they were able to maintain a relationship with God, even if they felt God was not there at times.
Person One: Seth Wilson
Seth is the same age as I am, and a friend of mine from California. Although he had grown up in a Christian home, Seth had struggled more with his faith last year, but decided he wanted to fight for faith and make it stronger. This year, he has taken more time for making God a priority in his life, and now maintains a solid, strong faith. What I found interesting about the interview was that Seth was always apart of a denomination, but could not fully grasp the concept of faith. His faith development had come to a stop, because the teachings he was given did not motivate him to walk with God. However, it seemed that God was still working in his heart, and Seth decided to spend his time with Christ and grow in Him.
1. How did you get to discover God?
I was raised in a Christian lifestyle throughout my life.
2. Was there anyone who influenced you greatly in your faith?
My dad. He's a strong, but very charismatic Christian. He showed me a lot about faith in God, but at the same time scared me away from it.
Why did it scare you?
He was more with the Pentecostal movement. Their way of worship was a personality clash for me. The entire "speaking in tongues" and having seizure like movements did not make me feel comfortable. It made me more disturbed that it was attributed to God. It didn't seem like something God would make people do.
3. How did you maintain faith throughout high school?
I graduated high school early, so having faith wasn't as big a priority as just being done with school in general. I really didn't think of my faith until after I had graduated and started college. I realized I was living a more sinful life by chasing after earthly wants like money and possessions, and decided to change my priorities.
4. How do you reassure that God is a daily part of your life?
Just by taking time to read the Scripture and having a Christian family in general.
5. What are resources you use to strengthen your faith in God?
Being around others who share the same faith I do. I think it's important to have good influences that want to see your faith grow.I pray a lot too. I see it as a conversation with God. I know that He listens and understands my heart, and it feels better to come to Him in times of need, as He provides. I also emphasize Scripture a lot, since it's where the basis of Christianity is found.
6. How do you spread the Gospel to others?
I just try to act in a Christ-like manner, though I do mess up plenty of times. Being a witness to any of my friends, classmates, or coworkers in general. Being enthusiastic about what I believe in.
7. How do you handle opposition to your faith?
If someone is too ignorant to hear the Biblical truths, it is not worth your time. Matthew 13:13- "This is why I speak to them in parables: 'Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.' "
8. How were you able to answer questions about your faith?
Once you grasp the Gospel, that is all you need to explain it.
But how were you able to grasp the gospel?
Reading the Bible...
Okay, well, yeah. But was there anything in the Bible that stood out to you?
The Gospel is essentially the teaching of Jesus Christ, His death, the payment of our sins, and His resurrection. Once you understand that, the rest will make sense. If your theology is anything but that, you can see why people look outside the Bible to explain it. Thus explains why Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Judaism, etc. have separate books from the Bible. They do not grasp any of the concepts of Christianity, Jesus Christ, or His grace.
Person two: Hannah Koops
I wanted an adult's perspective on developing faith, so I decided to ask Hannah (aka Mr. Bucholz's super cool wife). It was interesting that, like Seth, Hannah also grew up with God, but still strayed for earthly things at times. Both Hannah and Seth also had the same answer for how faith can be developed. It mainly comes through Scripture and understanding the Bible. Going to camp and Bible studies also helped with Hannah's faith development, as she met leaders of God and understood Scripture more thoroughly.
1) How did you come to discover God?
I've been blessed to have parents and grandparents who have taken an active role in my faith life from day one. I was baptized as a baby - and I know Lutherans say baptism is when you become part of the family of God. I believe that's true, but I wouldn't say I was actively seeking God until late high school/college. Looking back, I see how clearly God guided me through life and brought me closer to Him and people who encourage my faith in Him. I worked at a church camp (called LVR) my senior year of High School and then 3 years in college. The summers I spent at LVR were some of the times I grew the most in my faith. I was surrounded by people who showed me lots of different ways to express faith and talk to God. I really got into journaling at camp. Writing down my prayers and conversations with God was really helpful because generally, I am not good at living a prayerful life. I also truly learned how to read and study God's word at camp and that has been a priceless gift.
2) Was there anyone who specifically influenced your faith?
I have a really long list, but I will narrow it down to 2 people.
- Her name is Tammy, she was one of the camp moms; which meant that for the summer, she was the one I would turn to with everything from boy issues to girl drama to faith questions. Tammy is the most generous person I have ever met. Whenever I'm around her, I can't help but think that that is the type of woman of God I want to be like. She has taught me what forgiveness looks like, what loving myself because God loves me looks like, and how to think of giving before taking.
- His name is Pastor Dan. I was a missionary at the University of Florida for a year after I graduated college. Pastor Dan was my "boss." He is the most energetic Christian I have ever met. He is the first person who was a real life example of what it looked like to befriend and live in genuine relationship with non christians. This guy would surround himself with people - believers and non-believers alike - and get people to actually think about faith and Jesus and real love. I have heard so many people say "It's because of Dan that I don't hate Christians. If he is a Christian, then maybe there is something to it." Gainesville (the town where the University was) was unlike anywhere I had ever been before. I met a lot of people who wouldn't talk to me because I was a Christian. I met a lot of people who thought very differently than I did. Without Pastor Dan, I'm not sure I would have been able to befriend or even have conversations with non believers. Now, I don't stray away from it because of his influence.
3) How did you maintain your faith after high school?
Camp was a big part of it, like I mentioned earlier. The first year of college I fell off the horse for a while. Even though I went to Concordia, I managed to find myself at several frat parties in Lincoln and house parties in Seward. I drank in high school, so it wasn't like drinking was a magical new discovery, it was just fun. It's what my friends did and so that's what I did, too. Parties started getting a little out of control and going to camp for the summer really helped me real it back in. But, my sophomore year, I met some new people, started hanging out with a new crowd that was tamer and that I was comfortable talking about my faith struggles with. Having people around me that I could talk about life issues and not feel a need to hide was huge. So, maintaining my faith meant finding people who encouraged me in my faith and making mistakes to a point where I could see that without Christ, everything else was meaningless.
4) How do you reassure yourself that God is a daily priority in life?
For me, it still comes down to the basics: journaling, reading God's word, and being around people who encourage me. Journaling is still the way I pray best/easiest, reading the Word helps me remember the truth is what God says about me, not what the world says about me. And being around people who encourage me in faith help remind me to pray and study scripture regularly. God also uses those people to speak truth and love into my life when I can't hear Him.
5) What resources do you use to strengthen your faith in God?
I am in a bible study with some of the lady teachers at Lutheran High. This was huge for me when I moved to a new city where I didn't know many people. Having that bible study group is such a strong resource. Kelly Minter bible studies are great. In Florida, Pastor Dan gave me several really awesome and relevant books to read that are also great resources in understanding faith in today's culture. Some of those include: A Public Faith by Volf, Suffering by Aurthur McGill, Everyday Church by Chesters, and Almost Christian by . . . I can't remember :)
Also Mike Breen with Missional Communities has a bunch of good stuff.
6) How do you spread the Gospel to others?
This is a tough one. I really believe I rely on my actions to speak the Gospel. There is nothing wrong with this to a point, but I also think there is a point where you use it as a crutch and excuse to get out of speaking truth. I think that's what I do. So, this is something I definitely need to improve on. It's definitely easier for me to talk about Jesus with people I have a relationship with. I've also learned that listening and just offering comfort is a good way to spread the gospel.
7) How do you handle opposition to your faith?
Not well, haha! I am a non confrontational person, so I do not handle opposition well. If the conversation starts to turn into a fight or argument, I am the first to back down. This is definitely something I need to work on. But, I think there is an art to talking about your faith in a confrontational setting. I think it is a lot of listening, a lot of using vocabulary words that the other person will understand (i.e. why say things like "we are all sinners" if the other person doesn't have a concept of what sin is? or why say "Jesus died for us" if the person doesn't understand why they need a savior. First, answer the question, do I need to be saved?), and a lot of patience
8) How were you able to answer questions about your faith?
The number one easiest way to answer questions about faith (in my opinion) is to understand scripture. If you don't understand scripture, how can you understand your faith? If you don't understand the truths, and love, and commands God speaks, how can you understand what faith is or supposed to be? So, in short, my answer is to know scripture. It means spending a lot of time with your bible. It means reading commentaries when you have no idea what the heck the verse is saying. It means asking hard questions to people much smarter than you. It also means talking about faith. Talking about faith takes practice, it's not something that I find comes naturally. I also have learned that I speak differently about my faith to different people.
I knew a girl in college who loved Jesus more than anyone else our age I had met. We spoke very intellectually about faith and used a lot of bible words. Now, I also have a Buddhist friend. I don't use bible-y words with her. They don't mean anything to her. With Matt, I am very comfortable talking about my faith and he always knows my ongoing struggles, so our conversations take on a whole different look, too. Does that make sense?
Person One: Seth Wilson
Seth is the same age as I am, and a friend of mine from California. Although he had grown up in a Christian home, Seth had struggled more with his faith last year, but decided he wanted to fight for faith and make it stronger. This year, he has taken more time for making God a priority in his life, and now maintains a solid, strong faith. What I found interesting about the interview was that Seth was always apart of a denomination, but could not fully grasp the concept of faith. His faith development had come to a stop, because the teachings he was given did not motivate him to walk with God. However, it seemed that God was still working in his heart, and Seth decided to spend his time with Christ and grow in Him.
1. How did you get to discover God?
I was raised in a Christian lifestyle throughout my life.
2. Was there anyone who influenced you greatly in your faith?
My dad. He's a strong, but very charismatic Christian. He showed me a lot about faith in God, but at the same time scared me away from it.
Why did it scare you?
He was more with the Pentecostal movement. Their way of worship was a personality clash for me. The entire "speaking in tongues" and having seizure like movements did not make me feel comfortable. It made me more disturbed that it was attributed to God. It didn't seem like something God would make people do.
3. How did you maintain faith throughout high school?
I graduated high school early, so having faith wasn't as big a priority as just being done with school in general. I really didn't think of my faith until after I had graduated and started college. I realized I was living a more sinful life by chasing after earthly wants like money and possessions, and decided to change my priorities.
4. How do you reassure that God is a daily part of your life?
Just by taking time to read the Scripture and having a Christian family in general.
5. What are resources you use to strengthen your faith in God?
Being around others who share the same faith I do. I think it's important to have good influences that want to see your faith grow.I pray a lot too. I see it as a conversation with God. I know that He listens and understands my heart, and it feels better to come to Him in times of need, as He provides. I also emphasize Scripture a lot, since it's where the basis of Christianity is found.
6. How do you spread the Gospel to others?
I just try to act in a Christ-like manner, though I do mess up plenty of times. Being a witness to any of my friends, classmates, or coworkers in general. Being enthusiastic about what I believe in.
7. How do you handle opposition to your faith?
If someone is too ignorant to hear the Biblical truths, it is not worth your time. Matthew 13:13- "This is why I speak to them in parables: 'Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.' "
8. How were you able to answer questions about your faith?
Once you grasp the Gospel, that is all you need to explain it.
But how were you able to grasp the gospel?
Reading the Bible...
Okay, well, yeah. But was there anything in the Bible that stood out to you?
The Gospel is essentially the teaching of Jesus Christ, His death, the payment of our sins, and His resurrection. Once you understand that, the rest will make sense. If your theology is anything but that, you can see why people look outside the Bible to explain it. Thus explains why Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Judaism, etc. have separate books from the Bible. They do not grasp any of the concepts of Christianity, Jesus Christ, or His grace.
Person two: Hannah Koops
I wanted an adult's perspective on developing faith, so I decided to ask Hannah (aka Mr. Bucholz's super cool wife). It was interesting that, like Seth, Hannah also grew up with God, but still strayed for earthly things at times. Both Hannah and Seth also had the same answer for how faith can be developed. It mainly comes through Scripture and understanding the Bible. Going to camp and Bible studies also helped with Hannah's faith development, as she met leaders of God and understood Scripture more thoroughly.
1) How did you come to discover God?
I've been blessed to have parents and grandparents who have taken an active role in my faith life from day one. I was baptized as a baby - and I know Lutherans say baptism is when you become part of the family of God. I believe that's true, but I wouldn't say I was actively seeking God until late high school/college. Looking back, I see how clearly God guided me through life and brought me closer to Him and people who encourage my faith in Him. I worked at a church camp (called LVR) my senior year of High School and then 3 years in college. The summers I spent at LVR were some of the times I grew the most in my faith. I was surrounded by people who showed me lots of different ways to express faith and talk to God. I really got into journaling at camp. Writing down my prayers and conversations with God was really helpful because generally, I am not good at living a prayerful life. I also truly learned how to read and study God's word at camp and that has been a priceless gift.
2) Was there anyone who specifically influenced your faith?
I have a really long list, but I will narrow it down to 2 people.
- Her name is Tammy, she was one of the camp moms; which meant that for the summer, she was the one I would turn to with everything from boy issues to girl drama to faith questions. Tammy is the most generous person I have ever met. Whenever I'm around her, I can't help but think that that is the type of woman of God I want to be like. She has taught me what forgiveness looks like, what loving myself because God loves me looks like, and how to think of giving before taking.
- His name is Pastor Dan. I was a missionary at the University of Florida for a year after I graduated college. Pastor Dan was my "boss." He is the most energetic Christian I have ever met. He is the first person who was a real life example of what it looked like to befriend and live in genuine relationship with non christians. This guy would surround himself with people - believers and non-believers alike - and get people to actually think about faith and Jesus and real love. I have heard so many people say "It's because of Dan that I don't hate Christians. If he is a Christian, then maybe there is something to it." Gainesville (the town where the University was) was unlike anywhere I had ever been before. I met a lot of people who wouldn't talk to me because I was a Christian. I met a lot of people who thought very differently than I did. Without Pastor Dan, I'm not sure I would have been able to befriend or even have conversations with non believers. Now, I don't stray away from it because of his influence.
3) How did you maintain your faith after high school?
Camp was a big part of it, like I mentioned earlier. The first year of college I fell off the horse for a while. Even though I went to Concordia, I managed to find myself at several frat parties in Lincoln and house parties in Seward. I drank in high school, so it wasn't like drinking was a magical new discovery, it was just fun. It's what my friends did and so that's what I did, too. Parties started getting a little out of control and going to camp for the summer really helped me real it back in. But, my sophomore year, I met some new people, started hanging out with a new crowd that was tamer and that I was comfortable talking about my faith struggles with. Having people around me that I could talk about life issues and not feel a need to hide was huge. So, maintaining my faith meant finding people who encouraged me in my faith and making mistakes to a point where I could see that without Christ, everything else was meaningless.
4) How do you reassure yourself that God is a daily priority in life?
For me, it still comes down to the basics: journaling, reading God's word, and being around people who encourage me. Journaling is still the way I pray best/easiest, reading the Word helps me remember the truth is what God says about me, not what the world says about me. And being around people who encourage me in faith help remind me to pray and study scripture regularly. God also uses those people to speak truth and love into my life when I can't hear Him.
5) What resources do you use to strengthen your faith in God?
I am in a bible study with some of the lady teachers at Lutheran High. This was huge for me when I moved to a new city where I didn't know many people. Having that bible study group is such a strong resource. Kelly Minter bible studies are great. In Florida, Pastor Dan gave me several really awesome and relevant books to read that are also great resources in understanding faith in today's culture. Some of those include: A Public Faith by Volf, Suffering by Aurthur McGill, Everyday Church by Chesters, and Almost Christian by . . . I can't remember :)
Also Mike Breen with Missional Communities has a bunch of good stuff.
6) How do you spread the Gospel to others?
This is a tough one. I really believe I rely on my actions to speak the Gospel. There is nothing wrong with this to a point, but I also think there is a point where you use it as a crutch and excuse to get out of speaking truth. I think that's what I do. So, this is something I definitely need to improve on. It's definitely easier for me to talk about Jesus with people I have a relationship with. I've also learned that listening and just offering comfort is a good way to spread the gospel.
7) How do you handle opposition to your faith?
Not well, haha! I am a non confrontational person, so I do not handle opposition well. If the conversation starts to turn into a fight or argument, I am the first to back down. This is definitely something I need to work on. But, I think there is an art to talking about your faith in a confrontational setting. I think it is a lot of listening, a lot of using vocabulary words that the other person will understand (i.e. why say things like "we are all sinners" if the other person doesn't have a concept of what sin is? or why say "Jesus died for us" if the person doesn't understand why they need a savior. First, answer the question, do I need to be saved?), and a lot of patience
8) How were you able to answer questions about your faith?
The number one easiest way to answer questions about faith (in my opinion) is to understand scripture. If you don't understand scripture, how can you understand your faith? If you don't understand the truths, and love, and commands God speaks, how can you understand what faith is or supposed to be? So, in short, my answer is to know scripture. It means spending a lot of time with your bible. It means reading commentaries when you have no idea what the heck the verse is saying. It means asking hard questions to people much smarter than you. It also means talking about faith. Talking about faith takes practice, it's not something that I find comes naturally. I also have learned that I speak differently about my faith to different people.
I knew a girl in college who loved Jesus more than anyone else our age I had met. We spoke very intellectually about faith and used a lot of bible words. Now, I also have a Buddhist friend. I don't use bible-y words with her. They don't mean anything to her. With Matt, I am very comfortable talking about my faith and he always knows my ongoing struggles, so our conversations take on a whole different look, too. Does that make sense?