Apr. 1, 2007
What do you think????
Posted in Bible Study
I was in our local Christian Bookstore talking with the owner when a woman came in to check out some Bible Studies. As we talked and shared about which ones we really enjoyed, she asked something that shocked me. She asked "Why do women need Bible Studies?" And yes she was serious. It seems she has been a employed all her life and just recently retired. She had only attended two studies in her life and now the new pastor at her church put her in charge of women's ministries. She was about to go into a meeting and wanted to know what to tell women about why they need to come to Bible Study.
Now I have been teaching Women's Bible Studies since I was 24 years old. Currently I am going to the first Bible Study in over 20 years that I am not teaching. And the need to jump back into the waters is overwhelming as I am sharing with this woman. I go in back and bring out a stack of studies that I have loved, Max Lucado. Phillip Keller, Dee Brestin's The Friendships of Women, Elizabeth George The Lord is my Shepherd, Liz Curtis Higgs Bad Girls of the Bible, while Staying clear of Beth Moore and Kay Arthur at her request, something "light" but worth the studying. She asked if I had done all of these, and I say, "Of course, I can't recommened what I haven't done."
I ran through a list of why I believe women need Bible Studies. Closer walk with the Lord, Biblical command to teach one another, fellowship, accountability etc.... EVERY BEST FRIEND I have ever had since I became an adult I met in a Bible Study, Life long forged friendships. So my question to you is WHY DO WOMEN NEED BIBLE STUDIES??? What do you think???
Comments
Apr. 2, 2007 - Short Answer...
Posted by SongOfTheSagebrush
They don't. :)
Longer Answer...
I'm sure there are some great materials out there, some of which I'd love to look at on my own, but when I have time...someday! Personal Bible studies in areas of interest or of the Lord's direction can be valuable, but He will direct if He wants me to "Do" one.
One of the best things I've learned is inductive Bible study, which helped me learn to read and glean from God's word on my own, and which is my approach to Bible time with the kids each morning. Bible studies as materials, I just don't have a lot of time for.
Bible studies as events...even less time for. Most of the ones I've attempted to be in have had a social atmosphere that is cliquey, and the time for prayer at the end very light. There was one exception, A study in a particular book of the Bible that I believe the Lord wanted me to go through. It was the only time at a ladies' Bible study that there was much depth in teaching, fellowship, prayer, and when the study was complete, the atmosphere changed, and I knew that I was no longer to participate.
God has met my needs more through prayer groups, small intimate groups, particularly a Mom's in Touch. My understanding of Him and faith in Him grew more through that than through any study. There were elements of study, but it was not the emphasis...time in prayer was.
I don't much care for Bible studies that exclude family...time is precious, and if I'm going to invest in going to a study, I want it to include the kids and my husband...I also like to see outreach and serving emphasized, not just a filling up, but a pouring out. I have become very disenchanted with the focus on "getting fed" by people who don't want to miss a teaching in order to help with Sunday School or another need. The ladies' groups and Bible studies I have participated in lacked in community outreach, missions opportunities, and such; the inward focus is unhealthy if there is not a "taking it to the world" element.
I'm sure there are women's studies out there (the event kind) that have more depth...I'm just relaying my own experiences.
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Apr. 2, 2007 - Oh I am so Sorry...
Posted by bubbebobbie
That is so not my experience and so sorry that it has been yours. I love inductive as well but also know there are times when the others like my current Breaking Free are just what I needed. I believe prayer is vital and I have never done a study in the prescribed time period. If it says 12 weeks it will take me 24 or more. I don't think because it is scheduled God can't change it because prayer is where we parked that day. I have had them with children at our feet and had a child's study so mom's that want an adult environment could have one. I wouldn't want one like you described either.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
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Apr. 2, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SongOfTheSagebrush
Hey...didn't mean to sound so negative...I know there are different environments, I just haven't encountered them much. I would love to study some of Beth Moore's materials sometime!
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Apr. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SongOfTheSagebrush
I knew that I liked the sound of what I was reading about Beth Moore...I read a bit about "Voices of the Faithful", which I really want to read! The Daniel study also really interests me.
Blessings,
Anne-Marie
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