Notes on the Bible Studies Bible studies are important: for the church to reflect on what the Bible says about key issues for people to be challenged and encouraged to grow in their faith for small groups to learn and share understanding. This resource uses Contextual Bible Study (CBS) methodology: this approach is an interactive study of biblical texts and allows the reader to engage his/ her context with the context of the Bible. We have chosen this approach to help churches understand more about the issue and about their role and responsibilities in responding to sexual violence.
Structure of Bible studies Each Bible study follows the same outline. The first page contains background information for the facilitator and some suggestions for practical responses. This page is not to be read out to the group, but the facilitator should take time to read it and think about the study before the group meets. The facilitator’s pages are set out in the following format: Background information This section helps provide useful background information before beginning the study. The facilitator needs to read and remember these points. Tips for the facilitator These tips can help the facilitator draw out relevant discussion points and experiences. Ideas for practical response These studies may change how we feel about certain issues – ideally, they should lead to action too. As the discussion draws to an end, use the ideas included here to help people focus on practical responses. How could this study change us? We list the objectives of the study – what the participants should gain as a result of the Bible study. There are three kinds of objectives:
KNOWING – these describe the practical knowledge and learning to be gained BEING – these describe changes to our thinking and understanding, changing our heart and our responses ACTING – these are the practical responses we can make as a result of our learning The second page contains different elements relevant to the Bible passage and discussion.
Bible passage Read the Bible passage or passages together and refer to these throughout the discussion.
Discussion – in biblical times… We start by reflecting on what the passage meant during biblical times, who it was written for and the situation at that time.
Discussion – in the context of sexual violence… Then we consider what the Bible passage is saying to us today – what is its relevance to us, to our lives in the present times, and in particular, what is it saying about the issue of sexual violence?
Key learning points and prayers points We have written some key learning points to take away from the discussions and some prayer points you can finish with in your group. Check that these points have come out through the discussion. These should provide a good summary of the learning gained through the study. Of course, you are free to adapt these and add more.
HAND IN HAND: BIBLE STUDIES TO TRANSFORM OUR RESPONSE TO SEXUAL VIOLENCE
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