Format of the Small Group
The format of our class is a weekly book club with assignments. We are using this book:
“How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart. Each week, all of us will read a chapter and work on an assignment to apply what we read. We will meet weekly to summarize and discuss the main points of the chapter, and then the result of our “practice.”
This group also represents part of Pacific Church’s commitment to community, so we will be praying together, encouraging each other, and building each other up.
This Small Group is for Everyone
John and I aren’t seminary professors or experts in hermeneutics, but we are determined to earnestly seek to understand God through His Word. And it turns out there are good books out there to help! I’ll be doing the extra reading and assignment preparation, and John will help facilitate the meetings.
We invite you to come along as we learn. If you are a new Christian, you are welcome. You will bring a different perspective than someone who has been a Christian for years — and you will learn a lot of good information. We are figuring out the best way to organize this small group, and we value your input.
A Commitment is Required
John and I have figured out that learning requires work. Sorry, but there doesn’t seem to be a way around this. We are asking that all participants:
- Buy a book ($11.55 each, we’ll order a bunch and you can pay us back)
- Plan to attend each weekly meeting
- Read each chapter (18-22 pages) and work on the application assignment. The book is readable, but not simple or fluffy. The applications will also emphasize thoughtfulness and focus.
Generally speaking, you can’t do this “homework” while watching TV. Plan on setting aside two chunks of 30-60 minutes during the week – one to read through the chapter and record the main points, and one to work on applying the points to the assigned verses.
The main topics:
- Why study the Bible, instead of just reading it
- Choosing a good translation
- Applying “context” to Bible study.
- Questions to ask when you read
We will also look at how each part of the Bible has a unique style and requires a different type of study:
- The Epistles
- Old Testament Narratives
- The historical precedent of Acts
- The Gospels and parables
- Old Testament Law
- The Prophets
- The Psalms
- Wisdom
- Revelation
We will be choosing a night and taking orders for books in the next week. Add a comment or email Adri if you want more information.
Adri, this looks interesting. The night that works best for me is Tuesday night. Sunday is family night and Monday is Fit for Christ/Heart to Heart Shepherding.
Laura
[...] This 8-week series will be both a book club on hermeneutics (How to Study the Bible by Fee and Stuart) and a small group to encourage personal, thoughtful Bible Study. It will meet at 7pm on Mondays at the Williams home. If you are interested in joining, please fill out the “Talk to Us” form on the left so we can order a book for you. More information and resources are available on the group blog: yourwordistruth.wordpress.com. [...]