What discourages people from participating in Bible study?

[Evan Hansen]

Here at Crossways International's headquarters, we hear it over and over again from pastors and lay-leaders: "I offer Bible study at our church, but I just can't get very many to attend."

Why do you think this is such a common problem? Are people really just too busy these days? Perhaps the mere words "Bible study" have off-putting connotations.

On the other hand, we also hear of terrific success stories. One pastor who uses CI's materials serves a parish of 300 members--and more than 100 of them are currently enrolled in the two-year, 60-unit Crossways course.

Which leaves us to our discussion…

What makes it so difficult to get people enthusiastic about regular Bible study? And what insights can you share on how to overcome these obstacles?

[haroldg48]

I am a lay leader in my congregation who has been through Crossways twice as a student, been to a workshop, led a Crossways class once and have led classes of the Road to Coronation, the Divine Drama, and See Through the Scriptures.

Before the beginning of each class we have advertised in the community, asked our congregation to share the word about our courses, held them in the morning and in the evening, held them at church and in community buildings and tried many different approaches to bring in people from outside our church. We have been successful in bringing some students from other churches to join us -- which was beneficial to us all -- we have had no luck in attracting those who have no bible background or home church.

We are thinking of asking the local YMCA to lend (or rent) us a room this fall and using See through the Scriptures as the basis for a "What's it all about?" course. I'd love to hear others' thoughts about their approaches.

I'm afraid that people won't join a "Bible Study" because they don't know enough and feel they'd be behind the curve. Truth is, that is exactly where I was when I started on this learning/leading path.

What do you think?

Peace.