At the end of the month, my church is rolling out a new program called EQUIP to help our congregants become mature believers who impact the world for Christ. I’m pretty excited about it.

As a part of this program, I’m going to teach a new course called How to Study the Bible.

My aim is to teach women how to observe, interpret, and apply Bible passages themselves.

This is a distinct departure from other video and workbook-driven studies I’ve led in the past. Don’t get me wrong, I love Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer studies. Adore, actually. I think the world of these women and their ministries. In fact, I am sad I won’t be able to participate in Priscilla’s latest study this semester. They are brilliant women used mightily by the Lord, and if I become 5% of what they are, I will consider myself to have lived a full life.

(Have I made my point yet?)

That being said, it is of unparalleled importance, in my view, that women know how to study the Bible when there is no Beth or Priscilla around to explain it. And I know Beth and Priscilla agree.

When you’re by yourself with nothing but the Bible and the Lord, do you understand what you read in the Bible? Do you accurately observe the nuances of what’s happening in each passage? Do you consider who is writing, why they’re writing, what they’re saying, how they’re saying it, and the chronological order of events that are being reported? Do you know when to interpret verses as cultural or universal, literal or figurative? And, most importantly, does what you read in the Bible have any bearing whatsoever on your day-to-day life? Are you changed?

If you’re a woman in the Memphis area, and you’d like to grow in these areas, I’d love for you to join me. We’re going to learn these principles (and more), and we’ll spend class time practicing applying these ideas to the book of Philippians the first 6 weeks and to the book of Micah the second 6 weeks.

We’ll meet on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8p for 12 weeks beginning August 28th. This is a free course, and childcare is provided. All you need to bring is your Bible. If you want to register online, you can do so here (check the box next to How to Study the Bible). If you don’t register, no worries. Come anyway. And if my class isn’t what you’re looking for, check out the other courses being offered. With 22 to choose from, offered during 4 different time slots, there is something for everyone!