Bible Study
 

We recently started doing a weekly bible study in our chapter, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on a good way to run it. The last few weeks we have just been picking some verses, reading and discussing them, but I feel a more topical approach may be the way to go. Are there any good reasources for this kind of thing online? Also, how do you all stimulate chapter participation? We have a 60+ man chapter, but can only manage to get 4 or 5 out for bible study each week. Thanks.

If you are only having a small fraction of the chapter participate, consider asking the other fraternities and sororities if they would like to have an all-Greek Bible study. You should be able to get a good-sized group that way.

Trying too hard to stimulate chapter participation could conceivably come across the wrong way - this is one area where you need to tread lightly.

I agree totally with 33girl.

Emphasizing religion in your chapter is going to make some feel mighty uncomfortable.

Maybe it's because I come from a northern school and had sisters of many different religions- catholic, jewish, hindu, atheist, protestant, etc. but I'd be uncomfortable at this being a chapter activity to begin with. Yes KD was founded on Christian ideals, but i'd be really uncomfortable with people trying to push religion on me.

And you also need to realize that for many college age men and women, religion is not yet a big part of their life.

You have to respect how each person believes in religion. Many very religious people think bible studies are somewhat silly, and prefer to do it on their own. Others like the group setting.

You have to let them come to you. By now all the chapter members should know that it's there if they want it. Don't push it further.

Honestly, it all comes down to where you're from and how the Bible study is ran.

The Pikes here do Bible studies, but I don't think they are mandatory. However, many of the Pikes choose to participate. If it's made optional, I don't think there's anything wrong with it.

It's true we must be respectful of others' religions. However, many Christian denominations (if not all) work hard to win people to Christ; you can't do this by being silent. Being respectful of religions also means respecting that Christians believe in spreading the gospel to others.

Like I said, though, if it is mandatory, that's a bad idea. You can't force ideas on people. I say making in an optional thing, but still inviting folks to come without being pushy, is fine.

It may be different for me since I'm in the south. We can get away with that here. :)

I would have to agree with 33girl and kddani. Tread lightly in this area. Some members may not be interested in bible study because they are of different religious backgrounds or they are not religious at all. Pushing religion on people can and will offend some. Just watch out. Like kddani said, your chapter knows it's available to them. Those that are interested will come out.

Now, if you're looking for some structure in your group. Why not pick a theme each week and have several different versus from the bible and discuss that. Easter is coming up soon, so you may want to have a discussion about that.

In the Baylor greek system it was unheard of to not have a bible study of some sort or some sort of church time with your sisters/brothers. I think maybe a good way for you to go about this, AggieDelt, is to just take a quick poll in your chapter meeting and it can even be done on paper. Make it clear that attendance is not mandatory, but if they were to come, what would they like to study? Would they want to go through a book together(i.e. Purpose Driven Life, Wild at Heart, etc) or discuss certain topics? If certain topics are discussed, maybe you can prepare something with related verses, and then have the brothers discuss. I agree with the fact that pushy religion is not the way to go, but at the same time, if we do not tell others about what believe (any religion, not just Christians), how much do we really believe it? Anyway, [/soapbox]. Hope that gives you some ideas. Make it interesting, fun, applicable to their lives, and others will come. Good luck. :D

That's fine, I respect that. But leave that to the Christian student groups. Spreading the word of God really shouldn't be present in a social sorority or fraternity.

It doesn't matter where you come from- 100% of your brothers and sisters are not going to believe in the same thing, and you're going to make someone uncomfortable.

I'm Catholic, not particularly religious, and if members of my sorority were constantly doing bible studies and trying to get me to go, I'd feel really strange and awkward.

I am very against forcing your religion on others and "recruitment" in religions... to me religion is a very personal thing.

I am not against brothers or sisters getting together for a bible study. But trying to get more people to come- that I do have some issues with because it could get ugly.

Why do I sense Reverand Hatchett popping up in this convo?

Danielle,
I agree with you for the most part. I do not believe in pushing religion. The bible says in Corinthians that religion should be done behind closed doors. I think, though, that it is fine to "recruit" people into the bible study, but do not force it by making people feel uncomfortable. ZTA used to do a bible study here called white violet. Then, one of the girls got together with one of the KA's and started a greek-wide bible study. They post signs on the sorority halls, talk about it at sorority council, etc... I think that is perfectly fine. And I even think that it's fine to ask someone to go with you. I don't think we're talking about telling people that if they don't go they're going to hell.

I'm a methodist minister's daughter, and I was always really active in my church. I was even chairman of the district council on youth ministries. When I got to college, I went to a bible study. The bible study was made up of all baptists, and for those of you who haven't heard anything about southern baptists, well, this religion is a LOT different than methodist. Anyway, I would've loved to go to the greek bible study b/c I felt like they were more in line with the kind of religion that I have. BUT... No one from my chapter ever went, and even though I knew the vice president, since she was in a different chapter, I didn't feel comfortable going. Point being, there may be someone out there that would be interested in going, but just needs someone to offer to go with them.

There is a huge difference in inviting people and pushing religion on people. Who knows, there may be someone who's just intimidated to go to a bible study that has already started? Just be careful with the way you ask.

We do regular Bible studies at my chapter. Maybe I can help.

Concerning a "good way to run" your Bible study:

Going through a book as a group can be a great idea if your group wants to add more reading material to their work load. At my chapter, we've found that guys don't like this idea as much simply for that reason.

Recently, our chaplain organized a group viewing of the "Passion of the Christ". For the past few weeks, our Bible studies have been focused the Gospel passages that the movie follows. This has provided him good structure for several weeks now.

Your current approach of reading verses and discussing them is great too, especially if you prepare in advance. Pick a theme (such as service to others), choose several verses that apply to the theme, think of discussion-starting questions to ask, and be a facilitator of those verses and questions during the group time. This preparation usually allows for more meaningful group time. If you need help with "themes" and verses, PM me with want you would like to do. I'd be more than happy to look things up for you.

Concerning "chapter participation":

Continue to make sure the entire chapter knows the time and place of the Bible study and that everyone is invited to come. We announce at chapter meeting each week. Also, announce what you will be covering that week in the Bible study. More members may attend if they hear you are discussing something important to them.

Make the topics you discus relevant to your chapter. My Fraternity puts out a few Bible study resources discreetly based on our Ritual (ATO Devotional and the Relevance Series). Yours may or may not do the same, but you can create your own series of Bible studies based on your own Ritual. You may attract more of your members with a Bible study that delves into your own founding principles.

There are also many Bible verses that concern "being brothers". While I personally believe the verses apply to how to treat others in your Christian family and other humans in general, they certainly can give you good discussion about how to treat each other as brothers.

Hope some of this helps,

Jason

I don't think informing people of a weekly bible study is psuhing religion on anyone. Making it mandatory is.
I think the best way to do it is during your chapter meetings, let them brothers know that there will be a bible study at this time, at this location and everyone is welcome.
If you're having trouble getting your chapter members out (whether it be time constraints or lack of interest, etc, etc) contact other fraternity/sorority chapters and let them know that there will be a bible study and that everyone is welcome.
Also, why not serve refreshments? You may have people show up for free food, but these people might also stay because they are enjoying it.

You can spread the Gospel by being a silent witness rather than ruining a brotherhood or sisterhood by making your brothers/sisters feel uncomfortable over this unwelcome intrusion into their home.

You can announce it, but if more brothers do not want to go, that is their choice, and leave it at that.

OK well let me clarify. I do not think you should EVER push religion on anyone. HOwever, what I meant was that it's good for the Christians in the group to encourage others to come, as long as it is done correctly. There's a huge difference between saying, "Hey, we just started a chapter Bible study. I'd love for you to come!" and "If you don't come to Bible study, you are going to Hell." You know?

I am a Christian. I come from a church that firmly believes in spreading the gospel by your actions yes, but also by talking to them. The key is to approach them correctly. You must understand that some religions are like this, and it is a huge part of being a member of that particular religion. This must be respected as well. I invite everyone I know to come to church with me, but I never look down on anyone for not coming, or whatever. I just feel it is my duty as a Christian to do so.

Also, someone else (maybe kddani? Not sure :) ) said to leave it to the campus religious groups. Yes, for the most part. But why SHOULDN'T a Christian (or Jew, Muslim, or any other religious person) be able to talk to a brother/sister about their beliefs? If it is done correctly, you should have every right to do so.

When I said, "it depends on where you're from", well, this CAN make a difference. I used to live in Connecticut, and the Bible study thing wouldn't have flown up there. In Arkansas, no one would care. Some of the GLOs even have "chapter church". There tends to be more Christians here.

I would have been extremely offended if one of my sisters had asked me to come outside of a general annoucement at meeting, or if this was held in our chapter house. It didn't say in my lease anything about the home being used to indoctrinate people with religious beliefs.

If you like studying the Bible with your brothers, great, but I don't think you should expect enormous attendance or ever pressure anyone to come.

Re: Bible Study
 

Since I've replied to everyone but you, I guess I'll reply to you finally. ;)

First of all, I think chapter Bible studies are awesome. Kudos for your chapter! Like kddani, 33girl and others have stated, do not make this mandatory. I understand Christ is probably very important to you and you want to share that, and that's great. But not everyone will believe the same. Encourage them to attend, but don't get upset with them or anything if they choose not to. After a while they may decide to come. It takes a while to build a pretty good group.

If you WANT a larger group, contact other Greeks, like people on here have said, and consider an all Greek Bible study.

The key to a good Bible study in this situation is not to cover stuff way over everyones' heads. Pick topics your brothers can relate to, find a few verses or a chapter covering it, take turns reading, and then discuss. Make it very casual so everyone feels comfortable participating. Or, ask your brothers what they would like to study.

I hope this helps. If you want any more tips, PM me anytime! :)

We had bible study in my chapter and although I am not into organized religion (I was raised southern baptist-what a turn off!) I went a few times. It was not mandatory at all. It wasn't unusual to have bible study at Texas A&M, I thought all sororities and fraternities did this. Maybe it is just in the south.

I have to agree with the tread lightly comments.

I am also Catholic and until college was very active in quite a few aspects of my church (including Catholic schools) but no way would I have gone for any type of Bible study with my sisters. The term even makes my skin crawl. And as my sister already said, I sure wouldn't have wanted a group "spreading the gospel" in the house I was paying room and board on.

But I spent my freshman year with a Muslim room mate (and Jewish sisters).

Why would it offend you for a sister simply to invite you to come? Would you be offended if someone else (not Greek) asked you to come to church or a Bible study?

ASKING someone to come is one thing, and FORCING is another. If a religion means a lot to someone, they should have the right to invite you to come. Do you understand what I mean? As long as they are respectful of you and your decision not to come, I don't see the harm.

YES! My sisters more than anyone should know my religious beliefs, and know that those do not involve discussing the Bible with others. I would be extremely offended by anyone who asked me to attend a Bible study. Like my sister said, the term makes my skin crawl. I study the Bible in Theology, and that's all the Bible I need.

Yes, as a matter of fact I would be offended by anyone asking me to attend. By asking me to attend a bible study (or any other religious thing) the other person is automatically assuming that either a) I don't already attend or b) I'm in need of it. And that assumption is incredibly offensive.

I don't feel the need to spend an hour of my time sitting in church just so others can see me and think that I'm a good believer. I prefer to spend my time helping others less fortunate than myself. My hour a week is much better spent on Monday nights babysitting for women who have been abused and are in support groups.

I don't understand how those are the automatic assumptions. I have asked people because of many different reasons, and neither of those apply. I have asked people I assumed would be interested. Are you offended when guys ask you out? According to you that would mean they assumed a) you aren't dating someone or b) no one else wants you.
I am not trying to be rude, but you make it sound like people who want to include you in their religous beliefs are looking down on you, which is rarely the case. People have all sorts of beliefs, and these beliefs get them through hard times and give them hope. They just want to share that with you with an invitation to learn about what makes them so happy. If you know already that whatever they are teaching isn't going to work for you, then fine, politely decline, but please don't be offended when someone just wants to share with you what makes them happy. Be glad that they thought of you!

Our chapter has our own Bible Study group :) It isn't at all mandatory, just something a few of the sisters do.

On our campus we even have an All Greek Bible study which is held in the Chi Omega chapter room.. again, not mandatory, but all greeks are invited :)

Wow.

Someone inviting you to a Bible study doesn't mean they automatically think that! In fact, often the people *I* invite to my church are other Christians, often of another denomination. I'm not asking them to convert them to my church, but rather to share mine with them. That's all. Obviously, I invite non-Christians as well, but whenever they turn me down, I respect that as well.

Normally, an invite to church is just meant as a friendly invitation. Yes, they want to share Christ with you, but it doesn't mean they look down on you OR your beliefs.

I had Jewish friends in Connecticut who invited me to their services. I went a few times. No, I did not believe what they did, but I was glad they invited me. They came to my church a few times as well. None of us meant it as, "you need Jesus!" or, "convert to Judaism!". We were just sharing our beliefs.

I respect what you believe, but it's a tad offensive to me that you say your one hour a week is better spent helping others. That's fine that you do not wish to attend church, but please don't make it sound like others are wasting their time for doing so.

The difference is that in the Jewish religion we don't "spread the gospel".

I personally think yes people should do it in the chapter if they want because well hey it's your chapter, do what you can that doesn't violate a rule and brings you closer to your brothers/sisters. But I think that if your chapter becomes a tool in "spreading the gospel" you've gone too far. There is a very thin line between that 99.9% of people would not see.

-Rudey

What would constitute being a tool in "spreading the gospel"? When would that line get crossed?

I'm telling you that most of you people just wouldn't get it. Out of sight, out of mind.

When you're thinking about "spreading the gospel" and Christianity and start recruiting or trying to get more people to your group, I'd say it has. Now if you say hey i have a bible study, here is the time, here is the place and people come the chapter is not a tool for it.

-Rudey

Re: Bible Study
 

Make sure your brothers are Christian first. If not, then they might not care too much about the bible. Trying finding verses from whateever other religions that are similiar to the bible verses you're talking about and you should have more people there

GP makes a very important point. I would be offended if I were a collegiate and a sister invited me to Bible study because I would hope that my sisters would know that my religious beliefs do not involve Christianity/the Bible. I would never invite someone to come to a Buddhist temple with me because I feel that religion is a personal decision.

I agree that religion is an extremely personal decision, that you should make on your own completely. But how does inviting someone to a Bible study, temple, church, yoga class violate that personal decision? I am not saying you don't have the right to feel offended I would just like to better understand why it is offensive.

There's a difference between them knowing it's there and being invited and you constantly inviting and "recruiting" them.

-Rudey

Bible study
 

I think the bible study is a good idea as long as it is announced lightly as something someone in the chapter is starting as THEIR project, not as the CHAPTER's project.

i do NOT think it is a good idea to:

- refer to it in a way that implies that people are expected to go because they are in your chapter

- try to convert people (is that what "spreading the gospel" means? well, i wouldn't try to convert people unless they chose to show up to your bible study of their own accord)

- do anything that would make people of other religions uncomfortable

depending on where you go to school, things like this might be perceived differently, but i personally wouldn't want to be a part of a chapter that has any religious affiliation (especially one other than mine)

Well, I understand that. If someone invites me repeatedly to something that I have already expressed no intrest in (like the girls with the Mary Kay parties :rolleyes: ) it can get annoying. And with something as personal as religion, repeated invitations can get offensive. I guess I just assumed that people were offended by a casual one time "Ya wanna go to Bible study with me tonight?" type thing...

Well, this is surprising for me but I find myself having to agree with Rudey here.

He said it all perfectly.

And Wine&SilverBlue makes some VERY good points as well.

And yes, "spreading the gospel" is akin to trying to convert someone.

I think Bible studies are a wonderful idea, but as mentioned, keep them elective. Making an announcement in chapter and posting little reminders in the hall/house, in my opinion, would be ok.

I think what GP and SBGPhiB are saying is that they would hope that their sisters would know their beliefs and not push the issue of attending, which I can understand. I think that we can learn from their posts, though. When thinking about inviting anyone to church/Bible study/temple, you should take the time to learn more about the views that your prospective visitor holds before just inviting them to join you for a service. I know that as Christians we are supposed to "share the good news" with everyone, but I think it takes tact to do that.

I dont have a problem with it either. Ok i am lil miss molly go to church every sunday girl since i was a child ...yes i was raised inthe church but i dont go forcing it down someones throat of my own personal beliefs.


I think were all grown up here and enough to say to a sister or a brother who put that invitation out "NO THANK YOU" and be done with it. Its a strictly volunteer activity and having a joint study with other GLOs is great. Be grown up enough to not come unglued at someone for asking you be polite and say no thank you .... dont condone one another for what you or he or she believe in. Just be polite and say no thank you end of sentence.

I think a lot of good advice, both as to structuring a Bible study and being sensitive to other members of one's chapter, has been given here. But I would add a few more things.

First, everyone involved should have a clear distinction between personal spiritual growth and evangelism/"speading the gospel." A chapter Bible study should be about the former, not the later. That should be made clear to everyone in the chapter.

Second, there is a distinction between inviting people and letting people know they are welcome. Everyone should know they are welcome. No one person should be "invited" unless the "invitor" is already fairly sure they would be interested.

Third, just as some have noted that this all might be more common and acceptable in the South (or perhaps at church-related colleges as opposed to public colleges), I think differences between Greek groups needs to be taken into account. (Refer to Erik Conard's post Fraternity Histories, read 'em.) The "culture" of your particular GLO (not to mention your chapter) might have a bearing on how a Bible study should be approached and would be received.

Many threads on GreekChat have noted how some groups -- Phi Sigma Sigma and Delta Phi Epsilon come to mind -- were founded with non-sectarian principles, and that might affect how a Bible study would fit into the chapter. And of course, there are the traditionally Jewish GLOs.

Perhaps at the other end of the spectrum there are groups like Alpha Tau Omega. It, like many other fraternities of its founding era, was founded upon "Christian Principles," but unlike many GLOs, ATO still stresses a distinctively spiritual, faith dimension. As ATOtnBetaTau pointed out, ATO publishes an "ATO Devotional Book." It also has a national Spiritual Leadership Consultant, an Outward Bound-type spiritual leadership program (Noah's Ark) and an ATO Prayer Web on its national website. Quite a different environment for suggesting a Bible study.

Very well said. This sums up everything I tried to say but it came out wrong. :D

Condoning means you accept their behavior so I'm really not entirely sure what you were getting at...chastise, maybe?

I think it's inappropriate to ask when you've already made it public to the chapter. Like I said earlier, if Holly Roller stood up at chapter and said "Some of us are having a Bible study at the Newman Center Wednesday at 9:30 and you're all welcome" I wouldn't be bothered. That wouldn't be any different than Rachel Republican reminding us that CReps meets Tuesdays at 6:30. However, if after the meeting Holly came to my room and asked me to come, I would then be offended.

Being grown up means that you respect the beliefs of others. That means you don't ask people to do something you know they aren't interested in. I would never ask one of my pro-life sisters to come to a VOXX meeting with me, I know she wouldn't want to go...

I'm guessing she meant condemn.

You don't get it. Part of the religion is to spread the religion.

-Rudey
--Part of my religion is to get someone to do my bond-by-bond analysis

Another way to do Bible-studies (finding topics) would be to either informally ask the group (or maybe the chapter, if they'd be receptive) as to what they want to know, and create a list. You can find very good Bible study resources at any Christian book-store, or, if any of your members belong to a local church, the church library may have some resources for you to use to help develop one.

One we did at our church, that was VERY successful, and brought in a few non-members of the church, was a Bible study on finances - Christian perspectives of money management - I can't remember the name of the author of the book we used, but he recently passed away - it was very enlightening for all involved.

Also, I absolutely love learning anything Max Lucado puts together - his writing style and ability to tell stories really makes it a personal experience.