For most families the month of August signals a new school year. For me, the academic year brings opportunities to serve my sisters in Christ. Beginning this Saturday, an added opportunity presents itself in the form of a workshop for Bible interpretation. Additional workshops are anticipated for the future with the next one scheduled for November 12th. Without exception each and every time I prepare to teach, God in his wisdom matures my faith.
Routinely, I serve the women in my church by leading two groups. The Sunday evening class meets at 5:00. Christian Theology for women will study Doctrine of God’s Creatures. This doctrine is timely as we will not only study the details of what the Bible tells us about angels and demons, but also the anthropology of mankind. Having worked through core doctrines in past years, I’ve seen the growth in the women who’ve applied these truths and how sound doctrine has been fruitful in Bible study. Wednesday evening’s class, Knowing the Bible, will study the book of Ruth. In this study, women pair up for a short time of shared inductive study. Following, a large group time of in-depth study which includes background, setting, expository teaching with application that follows. Both classes are eight week classes and will begin following Labor Day. What most women find appealing is there is no homework required for either class unless working toward credit with the Acts Institute. Pray for me. That I might be ever mindful to lead these women prayerfully with humility, excitement, and expectation.
I encourage all Christian women to routinely study the Bible in community and to work together in thinking through, understanding, and applying the core doctrines of the Christian faith.
John Piper writes in his book Think “If thinking has the reputation of being only emotionless logic, all will be in vain. God did not give us minds as ends in themselves. The mind provides the kindling for the fires of the heart.” It’s important that we, as the Church, engage in ongoing discipleship for growth and maturity. Consider this blog post your invitation to join us. I will add that women at Saturday’s workshop will have the opportunity to sign up for classes. If you would like to secure your spot now, let me know. Space is limited.
How are you growing and serving in the life of the church? I would enjoy hearing from you because in doing so, we become an encouragement to each other. May God bless our efforts as we begin another year of building up the body of Christ.
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. - Col. 1:28
An Everyday Theologian 