The Necessity of Extra-Curricular Bible Study?
Dec 6th, 2007 by admin
There is a movement called BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) that began in the early sixties and seems to be a growing movement around the world. Essentially, it’s an ecumenical Bible study movement where people can learn about the Bible in a non-local church context (though they often meet in churches). They are given certain parameters in their study, staying away from anything that might be deemed ‘controversial’ or ‘divisive.’
Without ever having visited a Bible study before, I must admit that I know very little about these groups. That is disconcerting to me especially because there are people in my church who are regularly fed by these groups. Here are just a few thoughts I have regarding BSF (again please note my disclaimer, I have never visited a group):
1. I am thankful that people are hungry to learn God’s Word.
For men and women willing to take their precious time to study the Bible is a wonderful thing. Considering all of the other options that people have, the fact that people are studying the Bible is great to hear especially in a growing biblically-illiterate society.
2. I am saddened that the local church is not providing ample feeding of God’s Word for such groups to exist.
I wonder how many churches have an in-depth study of God’s Word readily available for people that so many Christians are turning to such groups. I heard of one church that has a ‘missional’ focus and believes so whole-heartedly in outreach, that they deem worship and God’s Word as peripheral to their ministry. But not surprisingly, people in this ‘missional’ church are spiritually starving to death. Many of the members are turning to online sermons for their own spiritual growth. Such people are turning to groups like BSF for their feeding.
3. How can one study Romans without going into ‘controversial’ issues?
By controversial, they do not teach anything to do with the Reformed/Amrninian or charismatic/cessationist or complementarian/egalitarian debates. In our homegroups, we’re studying Romans . I would love to see how BSF teaches Romans 8 and 9. I would love to see how they deal with 1 Corinthians 12-14 or 1 Timothy 2. To simply skip these texts because they are ‘controversial’ casts aside the whole counsel of God’s Word. How can one teach Romans 1-7 without having the grandness and majesty of Romans 8:28-29 or Romans 9’s teaching on election.
4. Might not there be a lessening love for the local church because of BSF?
I know someone whose heart was so focused on BSF that they’re role in the local church was quite limited. Often, as with any para-church movement, there can be an assumption that such a meeting replaces the church. Even if the leadership and the ministry remind attendees that such a meeting is NOT a replacement for the local church, human beings are simply too quick to forget such warnings.
5. Is there Christ-centered teaching?
One of the blessings of the local church is oversight the biblically-mandated leadership. Since tehre is no such structure in these groups that are biblically based, and since they have this most critical role in teaching people God’s Word, how would anyone know whether the teaching was Christ-centered and biblical? (1 John 4:1)
These are just my preliminary thoughts.
- -al
- Preaching and Studying Romans
- The ESV Study Bible - The New Gold Standard
- Preaching and Prayer: Two Aspects of Church Life that do NOT Lead to Growth
- Interview with John Piper
Amen, Sam, especially to #2 & #3.
Pastor Sam,
I like your thoughts on Awana.
What thoughts on Awana?
Sam,
You are quick to offer a critical view of a ministry you know far too little about. BSF is a five year program, which if I recall correctly, spends an entire year on Romans alone. BSF, like several quality para-church ministries, places a focus on the essential elements of orthodox Christian teaching. It does not provide a forum for every wind of doctorine, in part because it is a gathering of Christ-followers from a spectrum of denominational affiliations. I know there are doctrinal standpoints that are hallmarks of your ministry which BSF would under-emphasize in your opinion. The BSF paradigm is uncompromising in truth, but majors in the majors - or essentials - of Christ and God’s Word. In doing so it gathers people of many backgrounds and churches together for fellowship and prayer centered on the Word. One benefit BSF provides which the local church cannot do as well, is provide a diversity of believers (with slightly differing doctorinal positions) who love Christ and are covered by his blood…a gathering akin to what heaven will be like.
You may be right. I don’t know a tremendous amount about BSF. However, we do have people in our church who attend BSF. And in listening to what they learn in their studies, especially in Romans, I still hold to what I said. What you call “every wind of doctrine” is something that I would like to ask you about? What are these “winds”? What are your “majors”? Your majors and minors might disagree with what we believe as majors and minors as a church. Is a penal substitutionary atonement view a major or a minor? Is the fact that God initiates salvation a major or a minor?
I think Christians interacting with others who have different doctrinal views are fine. But I wonder if studying the Bible together without any local church oversight is the best means for such a study. I have also found that there are times when those in BSF will respond, “Well, my BSF leader said,” versus, “Well, the Bible says.” I think people who are studying God’s Word and questioning on the basis of it is great, much like the Bereans in Acts 17. However, when people question the church and its teaching on the basis of what their BSF leader said, rather than what Scripture says, might be a bit tenuous.
Stephen, I don’t think BSF is a cult or is evil. Such words are bandied about way too readily. However, I have these questions that I would humbly submit to all who are a part of BSF.