EDUCATION
TGIV & KPU Utilizes the Lamad Method of Learning
Real life, biblically-grounded, revelation-based learning
The Hebrew language uses one root (lamad) for the two words "to teach" and "to learn". In the Hebrew culture, the teacher has not taught unless the student has learned. All learning and teaching are ultimately to be found in the fear of the Lord. The goal of teaching is not the impartation of facts but the changing of lives. For the Hebrews, knowledge (yada) involves personal encounter and response to God's revelation. In the lamad method of learning, we are returning to the Hebraic concept of education, including this personal encounter and revelation. The classroom becomes a place of impassioned discussion and the sharing of real life experience. It is a place where we meet God and share in the life experiences of others. The classroom becomes a place where we practice truth. The classroom is not separated from life but is actually part of our lives.
 Learning is to be lifelong. It is impossible to cram education into the early years of our lives. Learning, transformation, assimilation, and creativity are lifelong matters, with extended periods of time being given to first one topic and then another, until one’s giftedness has been multiplied manifold (Matt. 25:20). |
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 The Greeks emphasized "detached information," while the Hebrews stressed "personal encounter". It was important to the Hebrews that each learner personally encounter and be transformed by what was before them. Spiritual encounter and response to the revelation of God are the central dynamic of Scripture. The classroom is life. If we offer classes, we must make sure they are life encounters in which we practice truth. |
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 Lamad learning recognizes the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (1 Tim. 1:5). You will notice that all of these are heart realities. The mind is made to serve the heart. All training is to be heart focused. Mankind has been forbidden to eat from the "tree of knowledge of good and evil". Instead, we are to eat from the "Tree of Life," Jesus Christ! |
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 Personal encounter demands a teaching style of guided self-discovery, where the student is guided in his own uncovering of the truth. Lamad learning encourages the flow of revelation within the hearts of the students. Discovery often happens best in a lively interchange within the classroom. Therefore, effective group interaction must be promoted and guided by the lamad teacher. |
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 "Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Cor. 13:13). Certain things are central to life and eternity; others are not. Anger, fear, and doubt are temporary and will be swallowed up by the realities that abide forever: faith, hope, and love. The Lamad curriculum constantly emphasizes the abiding realities, instilling them in the lives of its students. |
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 Man is to live caught in the flow of God. This is accomplished by lifting up our eyes in worship to the King, becoming consumed by His presence. While we are in the Lord's presence, we acknowledge that we no longer live, but that Christ is our life, and the life we now live is by faith (Gal. 2:20). We live out of daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit, recognizing that everything done outside of divine flow is a dead work. |
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The Lamad Educational Format Offers the Following Unique Emphases:
- We value the principle of hiding the Word in our hearts (Ps. 119:11) so highly that we require KPU students to memorize a life-changing verse from the Bible in nearly every lesson of every course.
- We value the principle of acting only according to the Father’s initiative (Jn. 5:30; 8:26; 14:10) so highly that we require KPU students to hear from God personally in every lesson, and to record what He is saying to them.
- We value the principle of writing for ourselves a copy of Scripture (Deut. 17:18,19) so highly that we require our students to write out Scriptures in nearly every lesson.
Memorization of the Bible, hearing from the Holy Spirit and writing out Scriptures are central to TGIV & KPU’s training process.