The Christian churches in North America are adjusting to the rapid-paced schedules of their membership. Alternative worship times, shorter worship services, more focused agendas, and simpler projects are strategies the church uses to remain a viable part of the life of the busy believer. As these adjustments to traditional ministry styles occur, questions about resources for biblical study become more crucial. How, in a busy culture, does the congregation retain or restore meaningful time spent in God’s Word – or, what one pastor calls, "... the core, defining activity of the church, from which the rest of our business finds its meaning and direction?" On the other hand, the Christian churches of North America do not want to create an atmosphere where the truth of God’s love and grace as manifested in Scriptures is reduced to yet another checklist item on an already over-crowded day planner.

Recently we spoke with a senior pastor who introduced in-depth Bible study into his parish using the resources that Crossways International provides. His goal was to develop more enthusiastic adult Bible students in a culture of "no-commitments." His strategy was a step-by-step process that "hooked them."

"Hook them" with the Biblical Tell-Tale Time-Line.
Reverend Stan Jewell, pastor of Arvada Presbyterian Church in Arvada, Colorado, first served up a bite-sized appetizer: A one-hour introduction of the Biblical Tell-Tale Time-Line , a visual overview of the biblical narrative and its basic theological themes. He indicated that many who attended this one-hour session were left "hungering" for more study. So, he planned for a six-hour See Through the Scriptures® workshop on a Saturday. He also offered lunch and child care in an effort to remove as many obstacles as possible. Pastor Jewel had hoped for a registration of 75, but more than 120 attended. Among the attendees were the members of the confirmation class and their mentors, and guests from the community. "We find that people need the [biblical] overview, and, with their schedules, they’re more willing to commit to a single event," says Jewell. It was decided to structure the workshop with three presenters, frequent breaks, and seating around tables where people could discuss the review questions.

"It gave them a sense of the whole [Scripture]. People have captured the whole pattern." Says Jewell, "I find people referencing the concepts and the outline." Pastor Jewell is promoting a fall registration for The Divine Drama® , a full-year, two-part course that delves into the biblical narrative as the basis for key Christian teachings. Jewell said, "I would recommend this progression in terms of getting people involved."

Pastor’s Jewell’s success with his "progressive plan" would indicate that a one-hour overview followed up with a one-day workshop could be an innovative starting point. He said that "...once they’re hooked and interested, they’re willing to sign up for a class." The full schedules of many people in the North American cultural setting have not prevented them from making time for vacations, the pursuit of amateur athletics or hobbies, or even watching their favorite sports teams on TV. People will make time for that which is especially interesting, challenging, or vitalizing. Crossways International has the resources that can assist churches to "hook" their membership in biblical studies, assist them in the development of a clear Christian witness, and revitalize their daily life.

Snippets

Bible and bagels . . . Rev. Roger Storms of Living Savior Lutheran Church in Charlotte, North Carolina introduced the Crossways International materials through a "Men’s Bible and Bagel" class that met before the workday began. Recruiting for professional church work . . . Rev. Paul Krueger shared with us that he took a Crossways International course 20 years ago, when he was in high school. Pastor Krueger said that this experience was one of the motivating factors that caused him to go into the pastoral ministry. Share an endorsement to promote an upcoming class. . . Feel free to use any you find elsewhere on our site, too.  Here's one from a student in Utica, Michigan. "Crossways has really had an impact on my life as a Christian. It is not only well-written and comprehensive, but it also shows how the books of the Bible are inter-related, and how they still ‘speak’ to our lives and culture today. This class reaffirms the purpose for which God placed each of us on this earth – to be imitators of Christ and joy-filled servants to each other." MORE LINKS Wedging in Serious Bible Study A surprising, untapped opportunity for Bible study in the church. Bishop Boosts Bible Study Why (and how!) a bishop brought 140 pastors together . . . "It was fantastic," said one. Coming up next month . . . With the increase in religious influences from a variety of world religions, Christians in North America need to be well-informed witnesses to their faith. This need cuts across lines drawn by denominations and generations. Pam Kruger, of Longville, Minnesota, used the resources of Crossways International to develop a community Bible study at a local public family center. More about Pam on the September client newsletter.

For more on See Through the Scriptures®, click here.

Please contact us with your questions (& pictures!) and tell us about your own experiences with Crossways International's materials and resources.