Educating Christians

25 responses so far ↓

• 1 Anonymous // Jun 21, 2006 at 5:46 pm

  Please check out this website that is making very bad comments about BSF….thanks.

  http://watch.pair.com/bsf.html

• 2 brenda // Sep 8, 2006 at 11:36 am

  Is it true that your Bible study leaders are required to have never been divorced even if the divorce took place before they were born again?

  what are the requirements to start a BSF in a church?

• 3 Anonymous // Sep 13, 2006 at 3:35 am

  That person who wrote those things about BSF in that link above has no sense of grace and no sense of who God really is. I doubt she’s a true believer at all. Poor thing. She really needs to attend a BSF Bible Study.

• 4 The Merry Rose // Oct 4, 2006 at 4:42 pm

  Having been to a number of BSF groups over the years - it has certainly helped me to know what I believe and why I believe it.

  The best way to find out about BSF is to go to one and ask questions. There are a lot of different classes around Australia - check the website for details of these classes.

• 5 Maggie // Nov 3, 2006 at 2:42 pm

  It is amazing that there is only one internet dissenter. (Provided by the June 21 poster.) Considering that there are so many classes throughout the world. The hardest part of BSF for those who find conflict, is their perspective of their responsibility to point out areas of disagreement during the discussion. If the class member feels extremely responsible for correcting those around them and is unable to permit the discussion of God\’s word to bear fruit in due season, then BSF can be problematic. The dissenter listed first seems to have a perspective of christianity that is more fundamentalist than evangelical. I can\’t go into the details because of the extensiveness of the discussion.

  Regarding divorce. My experience has been than BSF insists on a biblical perspective of divorce and leadership. That having been said, I personally know of divorced women who served as Children\’s Leaders.

  Overall, anyone who wants a complete study of God\’s word and is not determined to engage every potential disagreement, will benefit from BSF.

• 6 anonymous // Feb 5, 2007 at 5:48 am

  From another dissenter: I attended two BSF meetings and learned real quick that you cannot discern nor evangelize there. They render these spiritual gifts useless at their meetings. I wonder if Jesus would be silenced and asked not to return back to a BSF group if he preached Matthew 23 today. Here Jesus can publically condemn those who are against God, yet we cannot condemn a modern day godless group or person at a BSF meeting. The control they assert is scary. This is America what ever happened to freedom of speech?

• 7 Michelle // Feb 14, 2007 at 3:03 pm

  Just to clarify, I have been a part of BSF bible studies for over 6 years, and have found that there are a lot of rules to be followed. As far as leadership goes, if someone interested in leadership has been divorced, or if they are married to a divorced individual, then they are not allowed to be a discussion or teaching leader. Hoever, they are allowed to be a children’s discussion leader or an administrative leader. They are also required to be an active member of a church and to abstain from drinking any alcoholic beverage. If a married woman, their husband must be supportive of their taking a leadership role in BSF as well.

  For members, they must follow many rules, which include not mentioning what church or denomination they belong to, what books they are reading or any sources (such as commentary) other than the Bible or BSF notes.

  Overall, I have found it a helpful tool to studying the Bible. I did get tired of the rules.

• 8 Gayle // Apr 29, 2007 at 5:09 am

  I have been reading some of the comments and particularly the “A Closer Look” which was obviously written by an intelligent, thoughtful woman searching for a pure way to study God’s word and worship him. Some people try to detract from what she has to say by saying she’s just a lost, poor soul, but each of us arrives at our spiritual destination on our own with the help of our dear Lord and our own convictions.

  When I encountered the blunt statement in class that no divorced woman could be a discussion leader (this couched in lessons about not being a stumbling block to others who have a weaker faith and not judging others)
  I got lots of warning bells.

  It seems to me this is quite exclusionary. They seem to be intimating that divorced women leading the class will be a stumbling block to others,
  most likely our sister catholics as their church forbids divorce.

  I can understand that to a point. But this is a very hurtful rule. This does not allow for spiritual growth or the fact that we are all sinners but God has forgiven and therefore we must not judge ourselves or others for past sins. It also doesn’t take into account that Paul was a murderer yet God allowed, no He DEMANDED that Paul go out and teach all nations!. There are other examples of this in the Bible. David was an adulterer and a murderer yet God forgave and loved him!

  People who, like these who have been forgiven much learn much and become among God’s most useful and faithful. They are not tainted because Jesus suffered mightily that we might be reborn andbe able to raise our eyes to Him and witness, and yes, even teach to others through our own example, and through diligent study of His Word.

  There is the argument that in the Bible we as women should not be teaching at all. I have no qualms either way, I only question their rigid adherence to rules that are not beneficial.

  n the NT women were not educated and did not read or write. They had all they could do to just manage their households, it was also the culture of the day to cover their heads as a sign that they honored their husbands. In the same way today, we should cover our bodies modestly in order to show respect to our husbands

  There are other rules that detract from our worshipful fellowship, such as not being able to ask for a last minute prayer for a loved one or ourselves during ASK. This is not strictly adhered to and some are allowed to while others are told they can’t. This may be an anomaly of my class, a subtle discrimination or favor of some, or just bad leadership, but it comes across as another hurtful exclusionary practice.

  I put away childish things many years ago (after high school), and in short I find the atmosphere rather cliquish, although I have learned a lot about the scriptures I studied over the last 3 plus years. There are many wonderful ladies that attend, I pray that those making up the rules would reexamine them according to God’s Word

  My above treatise is made in hope that it might cause people to make BSF more effective and welcoming for ALL of those who want to study God’s word. Amen

• 9 Anonymous // Aug 21, 2007 at 5:52 am

  I have been involved with BSF for approximately three years.

  One positive aspect of my involvement with BSF is that it has awakened my passion to study the Word, and it holds me accountable to do so. I am very, very grateful for this.

  However, the organization is far from being faultless. Here are some of the things that I perceive as drawbacks:

  I have mixed feelings about the policy which bars divorced women from being discussion and teaching leaders. If a divorced woman who wanted to be a part of BSF leadership had the attitude of, “I’ve been a Christian my whole life, but I fell out of love with my ex-husband, divorced him, and have been happily remarried to another man for the past five years,” I would agree with BSF’s stance to not allow her to participate. But the rule becomes more difficult to support with respect to women whose divorces constituted unilateral decisions made by their husbands, women who were divorced and remarried before they became Christians, etc. In my opinion, BSF should get rid of its draconian rule and evaluate whether divorced women can participate in discussion and teaching leadership on a case-by-case basis instead.

  BSF’s format does facilitate false teaching. In one instance I made a comment during a discussion time that I later realized was scripturally incorrect. Assuming the discussion leader knew that what I had said was erroneous, I wished she would have been empowered by BSF to correct me for the benefit of everyone in the group. It can also be difficult to get access to teaching leaders if one would like clarification on a lecture item or to point out something problematic that was said (telling the truth in love), as there is not a lot of time after the lectures to do so and they do not give out their contact information. I have a feeling that teaching leaders purposely make themselves rather inaccessible because they don’t want to take the time to answer questions, but I find this troubling as taking time to answer questions is generally viewed by teachers of all disciplines as a component of responsible teaching. I also think it violates the Christian principle of accountability. After all, whenever I want to speak to my pastor about something he said during a sermon, whether it involves a question or a doctrinal difference, I can send him an E-mail message and he can respond!

  I, too, wonder whether the Scriptures permit women to teach in the church at all. I am quite certain that many of the BSF teaching leaders would not support their churches’ having female pastors, so how do they justify their own teaching? (I suspect many would say they aren’t actually teaching in church; rather, they are teaching parachurch groups.) The standards seem pretty arbitrary to me.

  To those who are considering becoming involved with BSF, I say: Do so in prayer, and know that some bad will have to be taken with the good.

• 10 Jim Alderman // Aug 23, 2007 at 5:03 pm

  I have three simple questions:

  When does the next session begin in September 2007?

  Everett Washington is the nearest meeting location?

  What will be the topic for this year?

  Thank you for taking the time in this matter.

  Sincerely,

  Jim Alderman
  former discussion leader at BSF

• 11 anonymous // Oct 9, 2007 at 4:29 am

  BSF is a very good bible study for someone who really wants to examine the scriptures. I\’ve participated on and off for several years. If a person compares the attendence rules (no more than 3 consecutive absences; you will be disenrolled; people on waiting lists in some areas) to attendence in a college course, it will make more sense. The other rules are not without controversy. The gospel is for a lost world, for people who have many faults and failings. If they require marital perfection (in their view) for leadership, the obvious result of such a policy is a kind of self righteousness. This self righteousness comes across at times. (Some of the leaders are more mature and spiritual so this observation is not a universal one; just like at your local church.) Hopefully, the BSF hierachy will prayerfully reexamine this policy and allow God to speak to them afresh. They have recently relaxed some rules, so that\’s a good sign. Be careful not to speak of any personal issues that you don\’t want revealed without your permission. Take a balanced approach to BSF. If there are teachings that you disagree with and have Biblical support, stand firm in what you believe. Having said that, I would heartily recommend the study to any and every person. I do and will continue to.

• 12 Sheila // Oct 15, 2007 at 12:50 am

  Where do you have sessions close to the Bellevue, WA area?

• 13 Trish McCarthy // Oct 22, 2007 at 6:58 am

  Wow! I knew that the Holy Spirit was “pricking” my conscience, but I didn’t know on how many levels. I just had this nagging feeling that something wasn’t right with BSF. It started when I just didn’t feel comfortable each week listening to a woman “preach.” This is not biblical—–bottom line. There is no gray area in this matter…the Lord makes it very clear.

  Then, today at lunch, my friend was mentioning that when her neighbor was a discussion leader she was not allowed to drink at all. Another red flag. Didn’t Jesus participate in drinking wine in His day? This is SO legalistic…I know what the reasoning is…they don’t want to be a stumbling block to others. But, they are coming across as being pious, self-rightous and extremely legalistic. This, in the long run, will do WAY more damage than beeing seen having a glass of wine at dinner.

  Then, I got on the internet and found out that you can’t lead a group if you’ve been divorced…WHAT?????????? This is the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard. (In the same vein, are there NOT sins that the current leaders have committed that should prevent them from leading as well?) What did Jesus come to earth for? Didn’t he provide forgiveness and atonement for the divorces/sins of these women? Can’t the Lord use an experience like a divorce to minister to another woman in the group? Is a woman going to be LESS of a leader because of a failed marriage? Or has she become stronger…learned to depend on Him more through her trials? Has she maybe been able to identify with Christ’s sufferings more?

  And, I will never understand the rule about NOT witnessing to others in the group. Have they forgotten about The Great Commission? This goes against the very core of what we are called to do as followers of Christ.

  I’m done with BSF…no looking back or second-guessing this one.

  There are a variety of other Bible studies out there that will keep me in His Word (like maybe just reading strictly HIS WORD!?!?!?!) without having to compromise my beliefs…

  Those of you who stay in BSF because you like the study…why not just read HIS WORD????????????? Don’t be lukewarm… we know what the Lord says about that! Don’t you think He’ll give you what you need? He will honor your decision to follow Him and not man.

  Trish McCarthy
  Austin, Texas

• 14 Trish McCarthy // Oct 23, 2007 at 2:38 pm

  I posted a reply yesterday…I don’t know if it made it to the blog or not…but there is no need to post it if it hasn’t. I felt I made some strong statments based on emotion without getting all my facts straight first.

  I still have many questions and concerns and do not agree with several of BSF’s “rules”…especially the one regarding not allowing a divorced person to be a discussion leader. What if the person wasn’t saved when they went through their divorce? What if they didn’t choose to get divorced or the other person was unfaithful?

  I, myself, am not divorced, but I know some godly women who are…and I know they would make wonderful leaders…in BSF or any Bible study for that matter. To not allow them to serve in that capacity would very hurtful…a lot of damage would be done…and BSF would be making a huge mistake (as I feel they truly are.)

  My prayer is that the Lord would continue to reveal truth to me, and to all those involved in BSF…especially those in leadership roles. May He grant us all His mercy and GRACE.

  In Jesus’ holy and precious name,
  Amen.

• 15 Julia // Nov 15, 2007 at 6:57 am

  In response to the previous reference to Paul being a murderer who was not only allowed, but commanded, to preach:
  The difference is that students of Paul’s would not then look at his example and decide that was a fine road that he took and that they might be happy like that too if they, too, kill someone. A discussion group member could, for example, decide that the divorced leader appears better off for her divorce and take it as encouragement to do the same (not seeing that she may be just as much happier after a few more years working on her current marriage). This wouldn’t happen with other sins I can think of which are repented and turned from or struggled against. Some sins, unfortunately, have a fall-out of consequence in this life that continues despite the fact that they are totally forgiven.

• 16 annoymous // Nov 16, 2007 at 2:58 pm

  I have been in BSF for quite some time. The Lord has used this ministry to grow me closer to Him, and I have seen the way it has changed the lives of many other women. The ministry is dedicated to focusing on the truth of God’s word. Yes, it allows people of all denominations and unsaved are welcome to attend if they choose, but that does not change the fact that BSF always focuses on what God says in His word. This is most important to me.

  Yes, there are many guidelines to follow in BSF, but I have learned that each one has a reason behind it. The guidelines help the ministry to stay focused on the Bible.

  The guideline on not allowing divorced women to be a discussion leader or teaching leader is difficult, and may seem to some at first that the rule is condemning those who have been divorced. BSF acknowledges the fact that divorce is a sin, but a sin that can be forever forgiven by Jesus Christ. Though divorced women in BSF cannot lead other women they can still be in leadership positions such as Class Administrator or a Children’s leader (because these positions would not require a leader to shepherd someone who is considering divorce). This guideline does have a good reason behind it. Divorce is so prevalent in our culture and something that many women deal with everyday. Many women in BSF seek guidance from their Discussion leader if entertaining the thought of divorce. If BSF allowed divorced women to lead other women then it may be a stumbling block for a young Christian considering divorce. They could think, “You got a divorce and your fine so why don’t I”. This is NOT to say that this situation would happen with every divorced woman in leadership because many divorced women do regret the decision or perhaps did not even have a say in the decision. However, the strong possibility of this happening has caused BSF to stand on that guideline.

  In the end, we know that BSF is a God honoring ministry which is prayed over daily. It glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ, and desires women to both know and apply His word to their lives. Though Christians may disagree with the guideline about divorce, at least we can agree that God is moving in this ministry that honors His word. He will certainly use any women divorced or not who is willing to be used by God (It may or may not be through the BSF ministry, but He will certainly use us as long as we make ourselves available).

• 17 Anonymous // Nov 28, 2007 at 5:35 pm

  I am in my sixth year in BSF. I have served as both a discussion leader and an assistant class administrator. I’ve read through the comments above and regret that so many take issue with the matter over divorce. It is a difficult stance–one that the leadership at BSF Headquarters prays over continually. As a former discussion leader, I can testify that women do come to you with problems in their marriage. This is a shepherding role, so the life experience of the discussion leader can have great influence in a discussion group member’s marital decision.

  I confess that it has been hard for me to reconcile the pain this issue causes. I have absolute love and mercy for those that have suffered an unfaithful spouse. I know many women that never wished to be divorced, but were unable to keep their marriages together–after all it takes three (two spouses and the Lord). It would be gentler if class members that have suffered through a divorce, but have adhered to biblical standards, could be allowed to serve in this position. It is hurtful to many that they can not–although there are plenty of other leadership roles where they CAN serve.

  I do not profess to know the prayerful reasons why BSF Headquarters has decided to leave this leadership standard in place, but I feel confident that it has nothing to do with legalism. Divorce is at best messy. If BSF were to accept divorced discussion leaders on a case-by-case basis, who would discern whether one person qualifies, but another does not? Would it be prudent to discuss the intimate details behind the reasons for the divorce to determine qualification? These are private matters and best left private. With such a large organization, Headquarters could quickly become bogged down in dealing with these details instead of focusing on the higher purpose of the ministry.

  Divorce is unavoidably hurtful and scarring. BSF does not wish to add to the pain of divorce, but they do believe in promoting marriage and desire their discussion leaders to have strong marriages so that they can shepherd effectively. By leading others to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ, they also lead them to the One that heals all pain.

  There are many other negative comments that have been made that I will merely address with the following: BSF now has over 1000 classes around the world. This growth would not have been possible without God’s hand of blessing upon the organization. The organization takes a very high view of God and encourages this high view in those that attend the study. The Bible study is a four-fold approach. An approach that causes you to not only read your Bible, but to apply it to your life. Any misunderstandings/errors that arise during the discussion period are usually resolved when the discussion leader refers the group members to the detailed notes (commentary) and the lecture which follows the discussion period.

  BSF has transformed my relationship with God. It has taught me who God is, and who I am in relationship to Him. I highly recommend the organization to anyone that wants to seriously study God’s Word and apply it to their life. If you are the type of person that detests “rules”…you should know that we refer to these “rules” as guidelines. The guidelines keep our discussions focused on Jesus Christ–and for that, I am most grateful. And I am most grateful to the godly wisdom of the BSF organization.

• 18 anonymous // Dec 7, 2007 at 5:16 am

  Is a teaching leader supposed to restrict their friendship and fellowship with those attending BSFI who are not discussion leaders? And where can you find a list of distinctives/rules/guidelines? signed, not sure what to think

• 19 anonymous // Jan 29, 2008 at 2:01 am

  BSF does not restrict the Teaching Leader friends or tell them who they can be friends with in the study. BSF is not a cult. It’s like any other Bible study but more indept. Yes, they do require commitment to come every week because membership is limited by the host church facilities. BSF does not want to use the hosting churches resources. Everything BSF uses at the church is put back the way it was found. If a person is not commited to showing up every week another is waited to take their place. Individual discussion groups are limited to keep it small and personal. Some classes have 300 members.

  I have been a member for ten years. That’s how wonderful it is to belong. I have been to church all my life. I even work for a church as secretary for five years but nothing I have been taught holds a candle to what I have learned in BSF. BSF teaches you how to read the Bible and see what God is saying to you personally.

  BSF has changed my life for the better. I now teach in my church and attend regularly. I teach my grandchildren what the Bible says and show them how to read it on their own. My marriage is better because I know what God expects of me.

  Yes, there are guidelines but with that many members you have to have an understanding what is expected of you.

• 20 Anonymous // Mar 11, 2008 at 10:04 pm

  Are there other requirements for being a group leader other than not having been divorced?

• 21 Lamb // Apr 16, 2008 at 9:57 am

  I recently checked out BSF for a friend. I found the website cold but was not sure why. I check out the belief statement and it seemed right. Later I realized why the site was so cold,…of all the pages on the site Jesus’ name was only mentioned on ONE!!! (the belief statement page). Other than that, Jesus name was sequestered out of the picture.

  Isn’t a personal relationship with Jesus the goal? An intimate walk with our loving Shepard? If this is really the purpose of BSF why reduce Jesus name to one page???? This is a HUGE red flag.

  We are in the last days. Discernment is necessary. Satan will implement a one-world church. Ecumenical groups should be questioned during these last days. Do not be deceived, many will appear as angels of light. I am not saying BSF is a cult but restricting Jesus name on a website bringing all denominations together in one group without letting them discuss what church they belong to is just plain wrong. We are to be accountable and BSF is trying to eliminate accountability.

  I find it quite interesting that BSF wants to give the historical background to the books of the bible being studied but won’t allow for those in the background to provide their history so that group members know where they are coming from. Even if most of the group members are Christians and only one is from a cult don’t we know that when that person comments they may bring in destructive heresies????! Especially when the discussion leader does not correct the error of that persons comments???! This is dangerous.

  I would urge those who want to study to spend much time in prayer and then going to the word and reading with Jesus. The Holy Spirit will guide you and be your teacher. He is awesome. I learned so much more from Him than I ever did in a class. Give Him a chance to teach you and He will! And the best part is, you can trust Him completely.

  Love and Grace to each of you in Jesus Christ our good Shepard,
  Lamb

• 22 Blessed Discussion Leader // Apr 28, 2008 at 1:23 pm

  I have been a discussion leader for 3 years. During this time, I have greatly deepened my faith and walk in Jesus Christ and am learning day by day to yield more and more to His will for my life and not my own.

  When I first began hearing about BSF, I was convinced it was some legalistic organization that was rule focused, not Christ or people focused. However, as I have participated in BSF these past years, I have come to have a very different perspective.

  As for any organization, BSF is not perfect. However, it is an organization, I believe that wholeheartedly seeks to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to educate all who come to know Jesus through the Bible, to develop and strengthen one’s walk with Christ, and encourage them to serve in a local Christ-centered church.

  BSF began many years ago with basically no or little guidelines. Throughout the years, in it’s efforts to teach scripture effectively and to help people become disciplined and committed Christians, guidelines has been put into place. Guidelines as well as all aspects of BSF are regularly prayed for and evaluated by BSF Headquarters staff.

  As a Discussion Leader I am encouraged and trained to shepherd the women in my group each week. As we share our lessons, each woman is encouraged to apply scripture as they learn it through their lesson questions to their lives. Some have said there is never “correction” in class. This is not true. If something is said that is way off base scripturally, there is room for clarification from the leader. Further clarification is given in the notes and in the lecture. The discussion period is not a “free-for-all” where any opinion goes, but the questions are designed for the woman to seek answers from scripture itself and answers the questions based on whatever scriptural references are given. As a discussion leader, we are also encouraged to remember love and grace and our aim is to help people in their walk with Christ or help them develop a relationship with Christ. If clarification is needed, it is best done with gentleness and kindness and there are many ways to do this within the discussion period or afterward if necessary.

  BSF encourages not mentioning denominations because many have preconceived notions as to beliefs of particular denominations. However, when studying scriptural truths, your focus is not on denominational differences, but what scripture is actually teaching in a particular passage. There is no room for sharing of destructive heresies because throughout the sharing, a good discussion leader will ensure that a Biblical answer is given. As we study scripture, we begin to learn discernment through the Holy Spirit as well as scriptural and personal accountability. If there is any confusion in the class, it is generally clarified in the reading of the notes, in the lecture following the group discussion or through personal discussion between discussion leader and class participant. There may be questions that are geared for more “application” or “opinion” to get class members to think. However, a discussion leader will manage a discussion group to keep discussion Christ centered and Biblically focused.

  As far as the divorce guideline, that is a very difficult one. Divorce can be a terribly painful experience, especially if one is an unwilling participant. The reasons for this guideline are 1) It may be difficult to shepherd a woman contemplating divorce if a leader has been divorced. 2) It would be difficult to evaluate on a case-by-case basis as far as whether one perspective leader’s divorce situation is all right, but another’s isn’t. Never in my experience does BSF teach that divorce is unforgiveable or different from any other sin. There are several areas in BSF where divorced women can serve. For any divorced women out there, please be encouraged to know that the BSF Headquarter’s leadership that makes and evaluates these guidlines knows how difficult this one is and I am convinced that it is not in place to cause or deepen the hurt of anyone having gone through a divorce. It is a difficult thing to consider when setting up leadership qualifications. Perhaps this guideline will change in the future.

  As far as the cricism for A.S.K., the group is encouraged to support each other through prayer for family situations. It is not designed to be exclusive, but a way where each member can support each other’s BSF learning and family experience. The reason why last minute requests are not taken is because each leader has a limited amount of time at the end of discussion period to read the requests. Each member is encouraged to contact the leader before-hand to give their request. This is to help encourage discipline in daily prayer and thoughtfulness to submitting prayer requests.

  A teaching leader gives tremendously of their time throughout the year to giving lectures, leading Leader’s meetings, prayer, and many other responsibilities. It is a “volunteer” full-time job they do selflessly because God has called them to it. I don’t believe any purposely try to be inaccessible. I’m sure there are some that are more outgoing than others and they all differ in personality. They are different than Pastors whose job it is to shepherd their flock through preaching and many other avenues throughout the week at their church.

  I have grown tremendously, more than from any other Bible Study, through BSF. It is because of the studying straight from scripture, the emphasis on applying God’s word, discernment through the Holy Spirit, encouragement of personal accountability, prayer and personal support. I have no doubt God is blessing BSF. As stated before, like any organization, BSF is not perfect and does evaluate and implement change at times. Satan will always try to bring division and discord anywhere where the word of God is being taught and proclaimed. BSF is not immune to those “Satanic attacks”. Yet I firmly believe that it is an organization that seeks to teach, proclaim and apply scriptural truths to the lives of those who take it’s classes.

  Love in Christ,
  BSF Discussion Leader

• 23 oncealeader // May 6, 2008 at 5:09 am

  Regarding other requirements, a dozen years ago they included the above mentioned (never divorced, has a position of service in her own church, can’t discuss denominational affiliation), as well as that one’s church membership must be non-Catholic and non-charismatic. Also…. you could not be over weight. Apparently it was considered a mark of discipline to maintain a proper physical appearance. I remember one early morning (our leadership met weekly at 5:00 a.m.) being oh-so-sweetly reminded that our skirts needed to cover our knees when sitting down (and I do mean skirts, at that time, if I remember correctly, we were not allowed to wear pants).

  Oh yeah, we were also not allowed to tell anybody else what the “rules” were….

  Perhaps the rules have been relaxed, but after ten years, when I revisted BSF and observed the widening ecumenical practices, I feel that if I recommended it today to anyone other than a mature, discerning Christian who could wisely eat the fish and spit out the bones, I would be sending that person into a situation where the truth may not ever be clarified.

• 24 Ann // May 19, 2008 at 11:19 am

  As one who has seen numerous lives changed, families reconciled and people brought to faith in Christ through the power of God’s Word as it is taught at BSF, I wanted to clarify a few things for those whose information is off-base. What makes BSF helpful to many, I believe, is is its logical, consistent and coherent approach to presenting the complete truth of Scripture in a way that aims to help people estaplish spiritual disciplines for themselves - disciplines like Bible study, prayer . . . which many don’t know how to do and have trouble establishing as daily habits. This in itself is Christ-centered - the Bible is the story of Christ and our need for Him and this is clearly taught, as anyone at any BSF class can tell you.

  The overall aim of BSF is is presented at every BSF Introduction class every month, worldwide, and is to teacht the Bible to produce in all participants a vibrant relationship with God and, in as many as are called, a passion to commit without reservation to lead in the cause of Christ in the world.

  Frankly, it pains me deeply to see all the focus on the extraneous. Many of the things others write about, such as skirt length, are not requirements and even if they were, is it such a bad thing to be somewhat modest when doing the work of Christ in the world? Nonetheless, BSF leaders wear pants and skirts alike and are a variety of weights too. Of course the teaching leader can be friends with class members (ours has many close friends in the class, as well as many excellent relationships developed through the class) but whether or not she has time to do a whole lot of “hanging out” is another issue, I guess! These people are not super-human, and preparing a 45-minute lecture, plus preparing for the leaders’ meeting, running the class, etc. all takes a lot of time, in addition to their normal family & work lives. I’m sure she’s more accessible than the previous writer thinks. . . but watch her after class. Ours is always mobbed, but she always stays until she talks to everyone and she always seems happy to do so. If you want to talk to her (or him, if you’re a man), it just might take a few minutes of waiting, and don’t expect a 20-min. in- depth conversation. If she doesn’t give out her contact information, it’s probably because everyone would call her all the time and, again, she is a volunteer with a busy life. She probably already gets a lot of calls from those determined to seek her out, from leaders, etc. It is sad, I think, that Christians are often quick to criticize those who are willing to step out as leaders rather than take a minute to put ourselves in their place. These classes often have 200-500 people. Would I want that many people to call me every week to discuss doctrine?? I don’t have that much free time! Besides, every BSF class member has a discussion leader (small group leader), and that is what they are for - to help people find answers to questions. And, the best thing to do when you have a doctrinal question is to search out the answer for yourself - this is what BSF teaches people to do - study & search the Scriptures and ask God to teach you as you do, rather than depend on someone else as a “crutch” to provide all the answers.

  Even a rather in-depth study like BSF can’t provide all the answers, as I’m coming to see . . . and that’s the beauty of it. It’s supposed to just make us want to learn more about God for ourselves - after all, it only lasts 7 years and after that, there’s no one to call except God!

  The focus of the organization is the
  goal stated above - teaching the Bible with the goal of helping people developing that wonderful vibrant relationship with God. Matt. 28:20 clearly says that lifelong learning is part of the Christian’s life and while many may already know how to study the Bible on their own, many more do not . . . and many, many more are not yet Christians. There is certainly a need for the Bible to be taught in as many venues as possible, and for people to be encouraged as they study it so they can get started on that path to lifelong learning that leads to a vibrant relationship with God.

  It is my hope that all Christians, whether they choose to attend such a ministry or not, or whether they agreee with any or all of the relatively minor procedural points that are used to carry out this greater mission (especially when not sure if they have their facts correct or not) will support all ministries endeavoring to carry out Christ’s work of reconciliation on earth and, when they don’t find it possible to say something edifying, will refrain from saying something that could be used by our enemy as a hindrance to Kingdom work and for which, quite possibly, we may be held accountable one day when we stand before our King.

• 25 T // Jun 7, 2008 at 10:01 am

  If you’ve never been to BSF first hand then please don’t say anything about it negative based on ignorance.

  It lets YOU study the bible and learn what its telling you. There’s nothing better than having a structured study to learn God’s word and have a lecture leader who says “some Christians interpret these versus this way” some interpret it this other way. It has helped me learn to listen to the Holy Spirit speak to me and really focus on why I believe what I do.

  I agree, its not for everyone, but if you are ignorant and haven’t done your homework, please don’t discourage others from trying this AMAZING study.

  Now, I’m saved. And I’m praying daily. And I love Jesus! Thank you for BSF!

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