THE “PUBLIC READING OF SCRIPTURE” HOME GROUPS -

What are they?

These are gatherings where Scripture is read out loud with others.  This is a spiritual practice as ancient as the Bible itself. Extensive Biblical examples exist (Ex 24, Deut. 31, Josh 8:34-35, 2 Kings 23:1,2, Ezra, Col 4:15, etc.). Church history, from both Christian and Jewish perspectives, as well as secular accounts, confirm that this has been a practice of God’s people for centuries. 

Timothy was personally exhorted by Paul to:

“…, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, …” [1]

What is their purpose?

 The purpose and goal of each group is simply to read through God’s Word systematically, audibly, together, and to let God’s Word do the “teaching.” 

How do they work?

Each group meets at a set time and location. They listen to Scripture being read aloud (either one of the group reads or they listen to an audio recording) while reading along in their personal Bibles. They then spend time discussing the passages. 

All Groups have these five things in common:

1.   They are communal

a.   Minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 people

2.   They are regular 

a.   Groups meet between 2 and 4 times per month

                         i.     Each group decides when, where and how often

3.   They use only God’s Word

a.   20 minutes of listening to Scripture being read plus a discussion time. 

4.   They read through the entire Bible over an extended period:

a.   At least 1 Old Testament and one New Testament chapter and 1 Psalm are read at each gathering

5.   They spend time talking about how the passages which were read impacted them individually.

What these groups are not:

1.   Bible Studies (where each person studies a passage and receives instruction from a teacher).

2.   A replacement for existing Bible Study groups.

3.   Opportunities to talk about politics, COVID restrictions, current culture, sports, etc.

If you are interested in becoming part of one of these groups (and we hope you are!) please contact the church office for more information!

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Ti 4:13–16). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.