Ken:
“I wouldn't want to get rid of it, but is corporate Bible Study as it is set up right now still working?
I mean the Wed night Bible Study that Baptist Churches do. Preacher teaches, parishioners listen, but still seem to be illiterate.”
“Is Corporate Bible study encouraging God's people to actually study the Bible? Should we be less illiterate as the video suggests if we are attending Bible Study regularly. And not (just) the 20% of people who go.(?)”
Bruce:
Thanks for the question, Ken. Give an example of what you mean by "corporate Bible Study as it is set up right now."
In my experience, I've noticed various formats:
1. Watching a DVD and discussing the topic.
2. Reading Christian literature (book, position paper, etc. followed by a discussion
3. Expository Bible book teaching followed by Q&A or a discussion
4. A topical lesson followed by a discussion on its relevance to the Bible
Those are basic formats that I'm familiar with.
All can be spiritually beneficial depending upon the one who leads the format. I have no particular preference. Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 4:13 don't advocate any method but helps me to know that any format must be centered on the Bible. That's the safest place to be. Your response is most welcomed and appreciated.
Kevin:
“Didn't know that was a Baptist church thing. However, I believe there are some knowledgeable preachers out there that God is using for His Glory. In other words, we can't throw the baby out with the bath water.”
Bruce:
Thanks for your comments brothers. Ken has a good observation, and I agree with you, Kevin. In my experience of growing up in the Black church, there was very little, if any, solid Bible teaching. I believe there were at least two reasons:
1. My minister wasn't trained and had no interest in it because he felt it wasn't necessary as long as he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He was sincere about his calling and lived a godly lifestyle, but in retrospect, I believe he should have gotten trained. Except for those of us who got trained, the members survived on spiritual milk. That is, they were like the people
described in 1 Cor.3:1-4; Heb. 5:12-13.
Reason #2
There were trained ministers with bachelor's and master's degrees, and some had their doctorate degrees.
Unfortunately, they were spiritual deadbeats because they were arrogant and felt their degrees made them important. Their preaching was mainly rhetorical, pathological, philosophical, and psychological. Their Bible teaching was shallow because they were too lazy to do deep "study to show" (themselves) "approved" (as skillful teachers) - 2 Tim. 2:15. They knew more about political and social issues than about the Bible. Many were more interested in money, popularity, and women than in the Lord and His work. They could quote the words of scripture but lacked the wisdom scripture provided. They could sound like scholars but very shallow.
Sunday mornings and nights and Wednesday nights were the main times of church attendance. However, I hate to say it, but for many churchgoers, it was a mere waste of time. Leaders need to follow the example of the apostles.
A. They devoted themselves to prayer and God's word (Acts 6:4)
B. They taught sound biblical doctrine (Acts 2:42)
I believe if you were to ask the average pastor (white, black, etc.) if his church has a doctrinal statement, you'd be surprised to learn that more don't.
That's a long answer, but that's my belief.
Blessings!
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