Antioch Baptist Church

“The Powers That Be” has encouraged re-activation of in-person gatherings on the 20th. Because of the fear and paranoia the Media has caused we will not be meeting on the 20th but Antioch will resume Sunday Morning Services only on the 24th; this may change so check back and see if there is an update with changes. We are encouraged by possibility of in-person services but Antioch is taking it slowly at first then add services to our Sunday Morning Worship. Be in prayer as the members make decisions concerning the fear for one’s health in mass gatherings.

In His Servant & In Antioch’s Servitude

Bro. Robert

This Bible Study may be different than the way you have experienced Bible Study here at Antioch. It isn’t really structured yet it does have some structure to it. Think of it as “Pot-Luck” Bible Study. Everyone brings something spiritually to the group. For Example you could bring:

1. A Scripture which you want to better understand

2. Something new you have learned from the Bible recently

3. Scripture from the Sunday School’s lesson you want to run by the group

4. A doctrine you want to better understand or study through the group

5. A theology term you want to better understand or study through the group

6. Something someone has said which you would like input from the group

7. How does the group apply certain Scriptures to their daily life

8. etc.

I hope you will come and enjoy the conversations produced by a combine spiritual knowledge (Pot-Luck) from the group. Below are three guiding principles to keep in mind as you bring your questions to the group and search for answers.

Three Guiding Principles

“Round Table” or “Pot-Luck” Bible Study is rooted in three fundamental principles.”

The first principle is the importance the Bible is in the foundation for all Biblical beliefs.

The Bible is the main basic text for theological reflection and congregational life. Congregations which are not grounded in the biblical story are rootless and rudderless. Congregations knowing and understanding the basic stories of the Bible find themselves in continuity with the historical spiritual church. They find a source for a vision and clarity for imagining a missional and evangelical future. Discussions around the table works when the congregation wants a deeper engagement into the truth revealed in Scripture.

The second principle is that the pastor, as a student of the Word, is a great resource for Theological and Doctrine questions.

Historically, the Church has viewed the pastor as the primary teacher of the Word in the congregation. The question may arise “With so many things that call for a pastor’s attention during the course of a week why add another brick to the load, especially when there are other people in the congregation capable of teaching and leading?”

Because the pastor is a student and a teacher of the Bible and one who is trusted to be a spiritual guide through the Scriptures. He will not know the answer to all the “Pot-Luck” questions which may come to the group but if research or clarification is needed He is there to help with the Theological Reflection & any Doctrinal controversy which may arise from the questions. The groups questions may also need further research outside the group and the Pastor is always eager to do the “Leg Work” associated with helping the group find the truth through commentaries and people resources not available during the group’s session.

Third is the participation of everyone, including youth and children.

Based from the experience of other study groups children benefit most from having their own sessions. The children and their leaders should have separate rooms for their own activities. This shouldn’t be a “baby sitting event” but should invited questions and spiritual conversations from the children.

Study groups have tried several options with youth. One option is for some or all of the youth to serve as leaders in the children’s sessions. Mentoring and teaching the Bible stories is often the best way to learn them. Another fine option is to set up separate tables for youth alongside the tables for adults & can hold their own Table Talk discussions. A third option is for churches that are eager to integrate youth into the church mainstream, is for youth to sit with the adults at their tables. Any or all of these options have been very valid in teaching the children and youth. This model and these principles have worked for whatever the size or makeup of your church.