More Than an Information Exchange

Just about every church has some sort of program or opportunity for people to study the Bible. Every church, in some way, shape or form, is engaged in faith development - discipleship. But if we stop and look, how many of these programs and opportunities actually equip the men and women involved to be engaged in their own discipleship? How many of our studies are just mere information or faith exchanges?

One of the best things church leaders can do for their congregations is to marry the how-to of studying Scripture with their studies, small groups, and Sunday school classes. If Mom had not taught me to cook, my diet would consist solely of convenient and fast foods. Would I die from lack of nutrition? Absolutely not, but over time I'd end up with an amply soft mid-section and a number of other health issues. Why would we expect something different in our discipleship?

Just as a cook gathers their ingredients before preparing a meal, they also gather the equipment and tools they'll need. For us, in our faith development - discipleship - there are tools which we too can assemble to help us better understand, wrestle with, and live out The Gospel. One of them is a study Bible, and in Adult Confirmation, each participant is given their own copy of The Wesley Study Bible.

This is a great resource that supplements the Biblical text with commentary, scholarship, and practical application from Methodist theologians and pastors. As with any study Bible, it is important to remember that the text in the margins, footnotes, and commentary are not Scripture. They are words which help us understand passages that don't make sense, enlighten us about customs and peoples from eras long before our own, and guide us towards living our lives worthy of The Gospel.

Before Adult Confirmation began back in January, the senior leadership team of the church made an intentional decision to make this investment. We can't expect the men and women of our church to grow in their faith - to engage in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ - if we aren't equipping them with the teaching AND the tools to do so.

Yours,
Michael C. Andres
Director of Discipleship