… and we would love to share pictures of you and your Bible study groups. =) Send us pictures via email ( cpaf.absc@gmail.com ) and we will post them through Flickr in the sidebar of our blog.
The first four pictures displayed right now are from the Ball State University’s Bible study kick-off event, which was held back in September. They invited Stephen Clapp (Dean of Julliard) to come down. He gave a masterclass in the afternoon, and then lead a discussion/Bible study that evening. Jennifer Jackson, Amanda Shine and I (Joy) were able to attend as well. It was a blessing to be a part of their kick-off.
One of the things that stuck out to me while he shared was that leading a Bible study can be simple. He simply read a passage, and asked the question, “What strikes you about this passage?” From that one simple question came discussion, good discussion. The question itself is good. It’s direct, yet open ended. It’s direct in that it calls you back to the text, but open-ended in that each person might have a different answer. So, let’s learn from him. Bible studies do not have to be rocket surgery. The format can be super simple and still very effective.
November 6, 2006 at 8:56 pm
Hi, Everybody~
Joy is exactly right about Stephen Clapp’s Bible study “technique”: it was exquisitely simple! I really enjoyed his approach.
I’ve been memorizing Ephesians 4:29: “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need; that your words may give grace to those who hear.”
What a challenge to say no more or less than what is necessary. As I put that into practice, I find that my conversations are greatly simplified. Is this necessary? Will it give grace?
Often this means that I must refrain from speaking MY OPINION on everything. Sometimes it is not necessary for people to know my opinion. Darn!
May our words — as leaders of studies, as friends, as teachers and peers, give grace.
A challenge for all of us!
Soli Deo Gloria~
Jenn