My previous post was titled Relevant Relationships. I asked your opinion on relationships and I LOVED your responses. Lots of great answers and many of you gave me much to think about — in fact, you gave me so much that I skipped the thinking and just went and bought a cute, purple purse …. but I digress.
I want to know what relevant bible study means to you.
What kind of Bible study are you looking for?
Do you like the fill-in the blank style studies w/ weekly homework?
Do you want DVD style studies or are you more interested in discussion style studies?
Would you rather meet at church, in a home, or at a coffee shop?
What does RELEVANT Bible study mean to you?
Can't wait to hear your responses.
mmm! I’m interested in coming back to read the responses!
For me:
Location: In a home is preferred – or anywhere (even a church) where ‘relational safety’ can be fostered without 500 distractions.
Type: Something that includes filling in an answer or responding to it is helpful, b/c I know that jogs our memory better than merely listening to someone. However, b/c I’m a visual learner, a DVD helps (but isn’t necessary per se).
I struggle landing on a decision in terms of how much ‘HW’ per day I like. My heart prefers much of it. But being realistic, we don’t all have hours to spend on a bible study every day. But that’s a personal preference where I like to have my ‘own’ Jesus time, apart from someone’s study that I might be doing, so that I can approach my Jesus! And not do so through another’s words and experiences. In light of that, concise daily assignments/readings work better for me.
I prefer studies that give indepth Bible scripture application relevant to the nuturing of my soul and the furthering of my relationship with Jesus Christ.
Location is not that important to me. However, I personally think we reach the “unchurch” more by having it somewhere other than the church. We church folks sometimes tend to be a little high and mighty when we are in our element, and Bible Studies should be something that includes all. By this, I mean all levels of Christianity, we all need mentors. As far as the type of study goes, I love just reading a study and getting together to discuss what we each got from that particular chapter. However, I really believe DVD’s go over better. As far as the homework goes, it is like anything else in life, it is what you put into it. We make time for everything we truly want to do. We all have Bible Study Workbooks that may only have one or two pages completed in our personal libraries. I do think that Bible Studies work better in a small group, you need to be able to feel free to talk freely without judgment.
I really like to get into discussions. That’s what gets my mind in gear. I don’t mind some homework, as long as I see a point in it; not just busy work, but something that makes me examine myself.