Surprising jump in numbers in Bible study class

[JButler]

This past Monday I went to a new-to-me Bible study, a national/international Bible study program called Bible Study Fellowship. B.W. recommended it to me as I was looking for a good in-depth program. I'd taken a "fast track" course at our church and although I learned a lot it didn't get real in-depth. This BSF program only goes through 1 book in the study season. A person can study by themselves but I really love the group discussions and sharing experiences/viewpoints.

So I'm thinking of a stereotypical Bible study class, maybe ten people or so. The church this course is being held is fairly good sized with a parking lot to match. When I got there I didn't think I'd find a parking spot....it was jam packed! Entering the church there was about 200 men and boys, mostly men! It was like my church on Easter except this was packed with men wanting to study the Scriptures! Keep thinking WoW

I went to the newbie orientation, 33 of us newbs. But we got some sad news....there were 20 guys already on the wait list besides us. What a bummer but I'm praying about it. The program organizers even said they were totally shocked by so many guys showing up.

What kept going through my mind was the level of sincere desire and the sheer numbers was astonishing.

We are in dark times and society/world is sliding down and I felt this is a primary cause in the big surge of interest wanting to get closer to God. Suspect their reasons are similar to mine with variations....a desire to learn, spiritual guidance, closer relationship with Jesus, unlock the harder parts to understand. Hopefully I'll get into the class and be able to confirm why others are there.

But I also suspect the current atmosphere permeating the world is causing an unease and more are looking for True Light in the darkness.

[B. W.]

This past Monday I went to a new-to-me Bible study, a national/international Bible study program called Bible Study Fellowship. B.W. recommended it to me as I was looking for a good in-depth program. I'd taken a "fast track" course at our church and although I learned a lot it didn't get real in-depth. This BSF program only goes through 1 book in the study season. A person can study by themselves but I really love the group discussions and sharing experiences/viewpoints.

So I'm thinking of a stereotypical Bible study class, maybe ten people or so. The church this course is being held is fairly good sized with a parking lot to match. When I got there I didn't think I'd find a parking spot....it was jam packed! Entering the church there was about 200 men and boys, mostly men! It was like my church on Easter except this was packed with men wanting to study the Scriptures! Keep thinking WoW

I went to the newbie orientation, 33 of us newbs. But we got some sad news....there were 20 guys already on the wait list besides us. What a bummer but I'm praying about it. The program organizers even said they were totally shocked by so many guys showing up.

What kept going through my mind was the level of sincere desire and the sheer numbers was astonishing.

We are in dark times and society/world is sliding down and I felt this is a primary cause in the big surge of interest wanting to get closer to God. Suspect their reasons are similar to mine with variations....a desire to learn, spiritual guidance, closer relationship with Jesus, unlock the harder parts to understand. Hopefully I'll get into the class and be able to confirm why others are there.

But I also suspect the current atmosphere permeating the world is causing an unease and more are looking for True Light in the darkness.

Same with our BSF in Fort Collins. However, they powers that be can open new classes just need to have the teachers step up. In Fort Collins, this happened this past study on Revelations!

What city are you in again?
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[JButler]

Sioux Falls, SD

The leaders and pastor really emphasized to the experienced members to take the step up to lead. I believe there will be members who respond to the call. Just my sense of the group.

Even though I'm not officially in the program they gave me Week 2 handout/study guide. It looks like a very organized and thorough program.

[B. W.]

It is, BSF desires to add new folks...

Suggest others check to see if there is Bible Study Fellowship International group or explorers group near you and attend.

Link:

https://www.bsfinternational.org/
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[JButler]

My prayers were answered. Saturday evening I got a call from the leader of a new group that I made it. I always believed it would happen but not this quick!

Praise the Lord....he hears those who's heart are longing to be nourished from Living Waters.

[JButler]

Last night was my first official BSF meeting. We had brand new with a group leader who was new at his function. It went well but fast. With any group of total strangers it can be awkward and quiet but most loosened up. Most guys are 40 to 60 with several in their 20's.

What struck me was how we share the view that religion and true discipleship of Christ in our nation is dire straits. Some were outright blunt with concern over current political leadership and where our nation goes after the election.
So there's an undercurrent of concern about personal salvation/faith but worry about the church and country. I could feel the concern and its genuine.

Bible study and group discussion was evermore enlightening and revealing. I've picked up a fair amount from different sources, study programs, commentaries. Even with this group of "amateurs" I still had a number of "revealings" on John 3. Our group is diversified in Biblical knowledge, life experience, faith experience.

That's what I love and hunger for as well as fascinated by the multi-layered meanings and "cross references" to various passages that I'd never connected before. My favorite analogy is the opening flower revealing itself.

The questions asked in curriculum are challenging and I admit a little discomfort (as I should be) being forced to examine yourself honestly through the view of Scripture.

Liked the structure of singing two good hymns to warm up the all groups, then a little "pep talk" by the pastor. Then off to our group rooms, later everyone meets back in sanctuary for another hymn then the night's lecture on our lesson by the pastor.

Well worth the time invested not just at class but the daily studies.

[B. W.]

Amen!

That is why I like BSF!

Make you think ...
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