Hearing God’s Voice

We are called to study and read scripture for ourselves. Rather than having tests of faith and creedal statements, we critically and thoughtfully study scripture, taking into account the history and background – the context – in which it was written.

This statement is part of the identity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the group of churches with which our church is in a covenant relationship (sometimes called a denomination). In fact, most protestant churches were founded on similar statements believing that every person has the right and the ability to read, study and understand scripture.

I love this statement for several reasons:

1. It reminds us that tests of faith are not essential or required for Christian community.
2. It suggests that while we have the right and ability to read and understand scripture, that we are able to best do so within the context of our Christian community because of the diversity of insight that a group of people bring to one another.
3. It holds us accountable to being critical, thoughtful and contextual in the way we read and study scripture so that we are honest and have integrity.

As Pastor at Hood Christian Church, it is not simply my job to tell you what scripture means and interpret it for you. Rather, my role it to help empower you with ideas, resources, methods and practice for your own spiritual growth. Sermons and Bible Studies are a part of that. Pastoral conversations where we explore what God is doing in our church and an individual’s life is also a part of it. As is creating opportunities for fellowship and communion.

This week, I want to engage in something that may come across as a bit unique to you.  On Wednesday evening, the children will gather at 6:00 pm for their new Wednesday evening class for the month of May.  Some of our adults will gather for choir practice as well. And at this same time (6:00 pm), I will host a class for others in our church family (adults, teens, friends…and whoever else would like to come!) that will simple be about Reading the Bible.  We will look at several things during this class, including:

• How to Read & Study the Bible – different ways to read it, different methods of interpretation and understanding
• Resources & Tools for understanding the Bible – books, commentaries, dictionaries, websites, translations, etc.
• Things to Keep in Mind when you read the Bible – context, genre, history, other perspectives

This Wednesday evening class from 6:00 – 7:00 pm will be a bit of a Bible 101 conversation. My hope is that it will help empower each of you connected to the Hood family of faith to feel more confident, comfortable and excited about reading the Bible, especially for those times when you find yourself teaching others about the Bible!

So, please come join me on Wednesday, May 3 at 6:00 pm. We will meet in the Office located on the 2nd floor of our church building.