BOOK OF FAITH: Open the Scriptures. Join the Conversation
The vision for the Book of Faith initiative is this:
That the whole church become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, and empowered by the Word.
WHERE SHALL WE BEGIN?
A Survey on Use of Scripture for Use by Individuals
This Assessment Resource was prepared by Norma Cook Everist in collaboration with professors of Christian Education at the eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the students and faculty of Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. It was published in Diane Jacobson, Mark Allan Powell and Stan Olson, Opening the Book of Faith: Lutheran Insights for Bible Study. (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 2008) 111-120. It has also been on the ELCA web site.
WE BEGIN BY REMEMBERING
This Survey could be used in direct or telephone conversation or sent out to people in the faith community by mail or e-mail. Groups of people could take this survey at the same time together. Be sure to include people of all ages, those who attend worship and/or Bible study regularly and those who do not. You may wish to include people outside this faith community. Results of the survey, which are anonymous, can be reviewed by a study group in the faith community, such a council, task force on education, or a “Book of Faith” group in order to “Open Scripture Join the Conversation.”
1. What memories to you have about reading or not reading the Bible? (Check all that apply.)
______ I remember a parent reading the Bible for himself or herself.
______ I experienced a parent reading the Bible to or with me.
______ There was a Bible in our home but I don’t recall people reading it.
______ I heard the Bible in Sunday School and/or Vacation Bible School.
______ I have negative memories about the Bible.
______ I encountered scripture study in campus ministry or college religion courses.
______ I have had little or no opportunity to study the Bible.
______ I received a good background in scripture through hearing sermons.
______ I studied the Bible in youth confirmation ministry or adult instruction.
2. How do you remember studying the Bible? (Check all that apply)
______ I remember the teacher reading the story as we listened.
______ I remember pastors/teachers leading discussions about the Bible
______ I remember pastors/teachers giving lectures about the Bible
______ I had unhelpful or unhealthy encounters with Scripture.
______ I have no memories of studying the Bible in a faith community
______ I remember filling in workbooks
______ I memorized verses from the Bible
______ I remember doing dramatic readings and acting out Bible stories
______ I remember __________________________________________________
3. What memories do you have of someone teaching or preaching the Bible well for you? ______________________________________________________________
4. Name two or three basic truths, if any, that were instilled in you from Scripture? ____________________________________________________________________
5. What words describe your past experience in studying the Bible?
____________________________________________________________
WHERE WE ARE NOW?
1. Do you have a Bible of your own?
What version is it? (If you have more than one check more than one)
_____ New Revised Standard Version
_____ Revised Standard Version
_____ The Good News Bible
_____ King James Version
_____ New International Version
_____ Other Version: ___________________________
2. What joys and concerns do you have about the Bible? (Check as many as apply)
_____ I feel intimidated by study of the Bible
_____ I enjoy reading the Bible and am strengthened by it.
_____ The bible has little relevance for my life today.
_____ I believe the Bible is a reliable guide for my moral living.
_____ I am troubled by the Bible because of its contents
_____ I question the truth of the Bible
_____ I believe every word in the Bible is factual truth
_____ I interpret the Bible in terms of sin and grace
_____ Other thoughts you have about the Bible: __________________________
____________________________________________________________
3. How do you use the Bible now?
_____ In daily Bible reading
_____ As a source of help in time of trouble
_____ To help me realize the human situation and God’s unconditional love
_____ For devotions/conversation among friends and/or in a family.
_____ To challenge me to engage in social justice issues
_____ I don’t own a Bible.
_____ I attend a Bible study group outside my congregation.
_____ I read a daily devotional book that has some Bible passages.
_____ I have a Bible but don’t read it very often.
_____ I regularly dig into Scripture in order to empower my ministry in daily life
_____ I am confused by interpretations of the Bible that people around me use.
_____ I study the Bible with others to prepare for teaching and/or preaching.
_____ Other responses you wish to give: ______________________________
___________________________________________________________
4. What sources from the world around influence the way you think about and interpret the Bible?
_____ Books that you have purchased or received from a friend or co-worker.
Examples: ____________________________
_____ Radio broadcasts Examples ? _____________________
_____ Friends and people with whom I spend time each week
What have you learned from them? ___________________
_____ Internet, worldwide web Examples:________________________-
_____ Television, movies and DVDs. Examples: __________________
_____ Other? _________________________________________
5. What One biblical teaching do you hold as central for your faith today?
WHAT NEEDS DO I HAVE?
1. What would be helpful for my own personal growth? (Check the first column for what you think is needed. Check also the second column if this is something in which you would participate.)
_____ _____ Basic skills in reading and understanding the Bible
_____ _____ Further understanding of the various types of biblical literature.
_____ _____ More help with Lutheran doctrine in interpreting scriptures
_____ _____ An advanced course in digging deeper into scripture
_____ _____ An opportunity to learn more about various ways to teach the Bible
_____ _____ An opportunity to help me connect my biblical faith with daily life
_____ _____ More help and experience in talking about the Bible with others
_____ _____ A time to pray the scripture and develop some spiritual disciplines
_____ _____ An opportunity to teach the Bible to others
_____ _____ A safe environment in which to talk honestly about issues in the bible
_____ _____ Other……
2. What do you think is needed in this faith community and in this church body?
_____ I want my church to be more clear about how to interpret the Bible
_____ I believe we need all kinds of more opportunities to study the Bible
_____ I think the number of Bible study opportunities we have now is about right
_____ I think we need small groups to help people faith in caring ways.
_____ I think Bible study should begin church meetings.
_____ I think we need more different methods for studying scripture
_____ I think we need more Bible study for these age groups:
______ children
______ youth
______ young adults
______ middle and older adults
_____ I think we need training for more people to know how to teach the Bible.
WHAT DO I ENVISION?
Based on the current situation and on the needs you indicated above, what do you envision for the future for you and this faith community? What participation and leadership would you be willing to give?
1. I envision:
People loving Scripture and hungry to hear and read more
A consistency and faithfulness in continuing study
People not debilitated but energized for mission and ministry
People enriched and equipped for leadership
Individuals using the Bible more regularly for personal prayer
A safe environment where people not fearful but open to
various meanings in a scriptural text
People able to use their biblical knowledge to question, learn, and teach
A community able to claim and use their Lutheran theology
A community able to fluently speak about its faith in Jesus Christ
Other______________________
2. What participation and leadership would you be willing to give?
______I would like to join a Bible class
______I would like to receive some support/training in teaching the Bible
______I will invite some friends to participate in Bible study
______I do not want to be involved in Bible study at this time
______I would like to participate in a more advanced course in Bible study
______I feel like a beginner and would welcome a class for where I am now
______I am willing to teach or team teach a Bible course
______I would be willing to help to help initiate/organize Bible studies.
______I would like to feel more confident reading and interpreting the Bible
Your Faith Community may will provide opportunity to share your own personal reflections with the entire community.
Name (Optional) ____________________