Bible-Less or Bible-More? The Importance of Biblical Literacy
The decline of biblical literacy. In his book, The Invisible Bestseller: Searching for the Bible in America, Kenneth Briggs records his pilgrimage in search of biblical literacy. Remarkably, he says he found the most intimate familiarity with God’s Word, not in the hundreds of churches he visited, but in a prison! The general decline of […]
How to Measure Scripture Engagement
How to measure Scripture engagement … Since Scripture engagement is crucial to the spiritual health and growth of individuals and communities (churches, schools, Bible agencies, ministries), it is helpful to understand “the conditions necessary for such growth to be sustained – to become permanent – and to continue” (Mark Forshaw, Global Scripture Impact). Here’s how […]
Bible Engagement Defined
Bible engagement defined … Bible or Scripture engagement, defined by agencies, forums, societies, centers and research groups, has many shades of meaning. Here are some definitions: Scripture engagement is an identity-forming, learning experience, rooted in the Scriptures and practiced throughout the history of the church, involving the whole person, in which the Word of God, […]
Working Definitions of Scripture Engagement
Working definitions of Scripture engagement … Bible Research Summit working definitions. In ongoing efforts to understand the nature and scope of Scripture engagement, researchers and practitioners at the recent Bible Research Summit drafted the following three working definitions: 1. Scripture engagement is encountering God/Jesus through a process/lifestyle of quality interaction in/with the Story as part […]
Bible Engagement and Evangelism
Bible engagement and evangelism … In Canada in 2002, 34% of 15-29-year-olds said religion was important to them. Seven years later, it dropped to 22% and continues to decline (Statistics Canada General Social Survey). This isn’t new – faith in Canada and the USA has been on a significant downturn since the early seventies. In […]
Nurturing Bible Engagement
Nurturing Bible engagement … How do we nurture Bible engagement? Are there things we can do to facilitate, encourage and help people grow in the discipline of Bible reading and reflection? Research presented by Rick Hiemstra and Ed Stetzer at the December 2013 Forum of Bible Agencies – North America meeting in New York identified […]
Bible Engagement and Church Engagement: Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down
Bible engagement and church engagement … In “Lost and Found: The Younger Unchurched and the Churches that Reach Them” Ed Stetzer (LifeWay Research) surveyed 1,000 unchurched young adults about the issues of church and spirituality. The study revealed that young adults are more open to issues of Bible engagement than older generations. The Lifeway research […]