It's late August, so it must be time for . . . back to school! And you thought I was going to say 'football.' Well, that, too, but this column is about school. Most of us, no longer worry about the beginning of a new school year. Sure, we have grandchildren, or maybe our own children, but for us, school is a distant memory. Should it be that way? I think not. Education is lifelong. The day we stop learning is the day we might as well pack it in & hop in the grave!
Yep, education is indeed lifelong. Constantly we are learning, and it's no difference with disciples of Jesus Christ. Whether it's new ways of 'doing church' or new insights into scripture, most of us are learning without realizing we are. And then there are the conscious, intentional learning we undertake. It may be a seminar or workshop that teaches us new methods in mission. Or it could be the training we undergo for new roles we assume in the church.
And then there is the intentional stud of scripture. Mary sat at Jesus' feet (see Luke 10:38-42) to listen as he talked. In a way, many of us have 'sat at the feet' of a respected teacher. I had a number of those while in seminary. Doing such is not only about learning. Equally it is about absorbing knowledge that then can be translated to our everyday lives. That's where Bible study comes into play.
Hunt UMC has a number of opportunities for formal study. We have two adult Sunday School classes, both of whom study scripture as well as related topics. The Tuesday Morning Men's Bible Study meets weekly. See Bill Petty for more information. The Tuesday night Women's Bible Study will begin meeting again in early September. Em Petty has information on this. I'll be teaching a 20-week class beginning in September. The class is titled Interpretation of the Bible. Jon Snape will have a fall Bible study as well. Of course, informal Bible studies, where two or more gathered, always are an option. If you'd like information on how to start one of these, ask Jon or me.
Study is important. I've called Bible study a 'participatory sport.' 'Sport' in that in that it's something for which we may have a passion, and 'participatory' because to get the most out of anything requires active participation. So, what are you waiting for? Look for a place where you can begin study of God's word and how it relates to your life. Those still engaged in formal school shouldn't have the corner on the study market. God calls all of us, regardless of age, to study. Let's get to it! See you on the road.
Grace and peace,
Mike
August 23, 2015