Felt Needs
I studied “felt needs” in college. The college definition of “felt needs” is, “Felt needs are those that are self-defined by each individual as being important [1].” Malcolm Knowles, the father of Adult Education, devised his list to include: physical needs, growth needs, security needs, need for new experience, affection needs, and recognition.
We Must Add Spiritual Needs to Felt Needs
Being a secular academic, Malcolm Knowles’ list excluded spiritual needs. My purpose for pointing out these are basic needs is that every person feels them. These needs compel us to pursue them. If we add the need we feel for spiritual life, then his list is helpful.
Suppose you accept the idea of felt needs. Then why, oh why, do so many churches work so diligently to suppress anything that serves our emotions? Why invalidate any work of the Church that displays the emotional health of their congregation?
It’s Okay to Include Felt Needs for God
It’s justifiable to tell people that you felt the Holy Spirit leading you. You felt God lay a burden on your heart for my neighbor’s salvation. It’s okay to feel the Holy Spirit, talk with Jesus, and hear His side of the conversation in our hearts.
“Blessed are you when people hate…on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy…”
Luke 6:22-23 ESV
Jesus didn’t preach stoicism.
Our Life in Jesus Should Surpass Those in All Other Religions
People are should not be antiseptically sterile. “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment.” (2 Samuel 6:14) God does not ignore our felt needs. All of these needs can prosper within the Church, especially our spiritual needs. God desires us to live life to the full within His kingdom. We should be so joyful, content, and optimistic that it is sickening to the unsaved around us! 😀
Abundant Life
Remember, Jesus said:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10
Jesus, our Lord, and Savior, wants us to live life to the full. Let’s not disappoint Him! Let’s not be timid Christians, constantly trying to “read the room” so we can blend in.
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