Spring 2006/Pasadena
CF504
Gorman

CF504: FORMATIONAL BIBLE STUDY. Julie Gorman.


DESCRIPTION: Why is it so few laypeople study the Bible on their own? Why does the "professional" in the ministry seem to find it difficult to apply the Scriptures to his/her ministry and life? What causes some people to become enthusiasts of the Word seeing new truth? What does it take to teach others how to see the Scriptures as practical and a tool for bringing understanding? This course is to equip you to do more effective Bible study on your own, and to teach you how to teach someone else to study the Scriptures from the English text. It is built around an inductive study of the NASV English text of the Gospel of Mark. The course stresses direct observations of the text, seeking to determine significant facts which combine to give probable meaning and then application of those facts in a practical way to the student's personal life. The experience gained in this study is preparation for leading others into Scripture in the same way. This is a course designed to teach you to become adept at studying the Word of God for realizing and responding to Truth in everyday life.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Existentially, learners will become persons who read and find meaning for personal formation from studying the English text of Scripture. This means they will be equipped to (1) know and become fluent in principles of observing, interpreting, relating, and applying the text; (2) commit to interacting with Scripture, utilizing the above for the purpose of formation in life; (3) implement this formational process in their own study and teaching of the Bible, designing studies and equipping persons with the above concepts and motivation for experiencing the dynamic reality of God's Word.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: For evangelicals the Bible has always been a norm for practice, a guide for knowledge and process, and a means for knowing God's character and ways. The written Word must always lead us to the Living Word--Christ himself. The study of the Word of God is essential to the growth of persons who have committed themselves to discipleship, following the One who is truth. Enabling persons to love the truth as expressed by God in the Scriptures starts with correctly understanding it, with relating it to life circumstances, and committing oneself to put such understanding into practice in those circumstances is inherent in living as a Christ follower and ministering in his name. This course seeks to equip persons to discover that Truth that leads to transformation from having met God in the text and opening one's life to obeying his desires (as revealed in Scripture) in life.

COURSE FORMAT: Two-hour sessions twice weekly for ten weeks. Each class period will include group discussion on a section of the text, demonstration of principles, lecture, and application of principles to learning the inductive method of study. Each student will be expected to participate in a one-hour small group discussion of the text outside of the regular class meetings, times to be arranged to fit schedules. This is considered a part of class preparation time and is required for eight weeks.

REQUIRED READING:

NASV English text of the Gospel of Mark.

Fee, Gordon and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth. 2nd ed. Zondervan, 1993.

Mulholland, M. Robert. Shaped by the Word. Upper Room, 2001.

Stein, Robert H. A Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible: Living by the Rules. Baker, 1997.

Course Reader.

IVCF websites on emerging culture.

ASSIGNMENTS: A section of the text will be studied prior to each class discussion and a journal kept on study assignments. Written assignments will be turned in daily. A written examination of what the student has learned will be given the fifth and eighth weeks. Journals will be turned in the fourth week. A part of weekly assignments is meeting with a small group.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.