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7-1-07 -- Developing a Desire to Dig Deeper
Studying Skills
Ethnos Church, Beaverton, Oregon, resembles a lot of other new congregations: members gather for Sunday night services, individuals frequently post to the church’s online forums, and small groups meet throughout the week. But Ethnos’s culture also includes a growing hunger for learning about theology and biblical interpretation. Troy Sanders, an Ethnos member who leads a study group on the topic, shares more.
What prompted the group to start?
Solid biblical doctrine is a personal passion of mine, because our theology influences the way we live and worship. As I spent more time beating this drum on our discussion forum and other pastors shared why a solid hermeneutical methodology was important, more people showed an interest in developing the skills and abilities necessary to gain a solid theological foundation.
How is the study organized?
We started by reading According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy because I wanted to look at the unity of Scripture. Since then we have started reading Introduction to Biblical Interpretation by [William W.] Klein, [Craig L.] Blomberg, and [Robert L.] Hubbard and reading through the Old Testament in the traditional Hebrew order of books to practice the methods we are learning and to see the OT in a fresh way.
How have people grown?
People are beginning to truly understand what it means to read Scripture in context. It has been very cool to see people devouring Scripture and coming to the study with questions and thoughts. For our church culture, that is a huge step.
What’s next?
We are in the process of making the next study more structured. We’re developing a syllabus and assignments and narrowing the focus to the “meat and potatoes.”
We are also developing a full theological curriculum where we would offer studies and courses in Bible survey, theology, apologetics, and possibly even classes in pastoral theology and preaching.
www.ethnoschurch.org
ABCs of Ministry
The fall and spring Ministry Experiences at Alberta Bible College (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) provide a unique opportunity for both education and personal growth during students’ four years of study.
All ABC students participate in the “practical ministry lab,” which requires weekly involvement with a local church or ministry.
In addition, the students apply their classroom learning by serving in a variety of ways: freshmen and sophomores volunteer at ministries in Canada and the western United States, while juniors spend 15 days with Graceland Ministries in Poland. Seniors enjoy a four-day seminar focused on articulating a philosophy of ministry.
The school writes, “Students find the opportunity to become involved in hands-on ministry throughout their entire time at ABC to be one of the most meaningful aspects of their learning experience. These opportunities allow students to discover passions and abilities and to develop confidence and leadership skills.”
www.abc-ca.org
Church Offering
Like all churches, DaySpring Fellowship, a church of Christ in Eugene, Oregon, benefits from members gifted in teaching, encouraging, and serving.
But not every church proactively offers its talents to other congregations. DaySpring designed an “Export” program to share its resources with nearby ministries, and considers it simply a way to give back to the Lord.
The church writes, “DaySpring Export is intended to offer assistance, support, and encouragement to churches and ministries within our geographic area. We provide substitute preachers to small churches, worship services to retirement and care facilities, musical programs, and special adult Bible classes in a variety of settings.”
DaySpring volunteers have taught Bible studies at neighboring churches, preached at the church in Noti, Oregon, and more.
http://dayspringchurch.faithsite.com/
Jennifer Taylor, one of CHRISTIAN STANDARD's contributing editors, lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
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