The weblink for Quest should be https://www.quest-series.com/ It used to be the one you’ve listed but has changed - whole story there but not for a webboard!

Kent

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!

Each session of these courses includes two 10-minute videos, where the foundational course includes just one. One of the great features of the OT course is that one of the videos each week focusses on biblical archaeology. James Tabor is presenter. It’s fascinating stuff a- groups love it!

I highly recommend these two short courses. They are an excellent introduction to the Disciple materials and provide a way in for people who are tentative about committing to the year-long courses.

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.

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.

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