Just Women Magazine Bible Study 2015 | Page 6

Teaching helps A B Y K AT H R Y N M C D O W E L L s you use this special Bible study from Just Women, here are some helpful tips. »» Take time to prepare. Preparation for these studies emphasizes reading the Bible and the author study, not gathering materials and supplies. The point is to dig more deeply into the Bible stories of women finding their voices, listen to the voices of others who may interpret the Bible differently than you do, and be encouraged to find your own voice. »» Online research simplifies Bible study. If you encounter a word or place or name you don’t know, look it up online using a search engine. If a question comes up during the Bible study, ask for a volunteer with a smart phone to do some quick research. Alternatively, it’s perfectly okay to admit you don’t know everything, will do some research later, and get back to the group. 4 »» Online research also complicates Bible study. Be knowledgeable about the sources you use to look up information. Are you using a neutral online dictionary or a church or denominational website? If the information comes from a source with a viewpoint or bias, explore links such as “About Us” or “What We Believe” to get a better perspective on how their beliefs might be influencing their interpretations. »» Online research doesn’t have all the answers. Invest in a small library of Bible study tools (or encourage your church to do this). Basics include one or more good study Bibles with notes and explanations, including HarperCollins Bible Dictionary, Revised & Updated by Mark Allan Powell (2011); HarperCollins Bible Commentary, Revised Edition by James L. Mays (2000); The People’s New Testament Commentary by M. Eugene Boring and Fred B. Craddock (2010); The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible by James Strong (2010; a concordance is an alphabetical listing of words in the Bible and the verses in which SPRING 2015 they appear). There are also Bible study tools that can be purchased and installed on your computer. »» There is more than one way to read the Bible. This is a true statement that can be used to understand the various ways that scholars and interpreters study the Bible. Reading biblical texts through different theological lenses — whether womanist theology, feminist theology, liberation theology, or others — can expose the reader to voices that have been silenced in traditional interpretations. But even beyond these formal biblical theologies, everyone has a theology or perspective through which they understand the Bible. Hearing those voices among your group can broaden your own understanding of the Bible. »» All scripture references in this study are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). However several lessons include activities or discussion using other translations. Besides the NRSV, some good translation choices include the Common English Bible (CEB), New International Version (NIV), Contemporary English Version (CEV), Good News Bible, or The Message. These translations and more are easily available for download and printing at www.biblegateway.com. »» Follow some ground rules in your study group. Listen as much as you talk. Encourage everyone to have a voice. If you are leading the study, give participants enough time to answer questions. Studies have shown that even if the pause seems awkward, the longer the wait time after asking a question, the greater the likelihood of thoughtful answers. »» This is a flexible study. Use any one or all the studies. Use them in any order. Use them yourself or with a group. If you are teaching a group, plan a 45-minute class or a 90-minute class. Divide one study into two sessions. Lead it with groups that always prepare for class, or those that hardly ever prepare for class. Divide a larger class into small groups for discussion. It’s up to you.