An Important Tuesday

 WOULD YOU RATHER~
             
              cater a luncheon? 
              learn how to study the Bible inductively?
              get locked in the office right before speaking? or,
              help set up a breakfast of tea, rolls, and bananas?

Depending on whom you ask, the answers may vary. However, the correct answer is learning to study the Bible inductively.

Tracy and Steve Allen

Yesterday about 35 people attended a seminar at our APC training center to learn inductive Bible study methods~those of observation, interpretation, application, and summarization. The majority of the attendees were students of our discipleship program.

Steve Allen, a former AZ missionary, raised the funds for this seminar, which included breakfast prepared by Beth and I, and a catered luncheon. He also became the office prisoner. Accidentally, of course.

Rousing worship led by Mtonga

Right before speaking, Steve needed to get a book out of the APC office. I had the keys, so I opened it. Before latching the door I looked around to make sure Steve was gone. In a few minutes someone came to let us know that we had locked someone in the room. There was Steve waving to us from the window~I guess I didn't look too thoroughly!

Steve did end up speaking, on the skill of observation (guess I should've been in that session!). Tracy, Andy,

and Wozifera, shared the other important tools of Bible study. In his introduction, Tracy explained that learning to study inductively is like digging with a shovel instead of a broom when working in the garden. The broom just scratches the surface, while a shovel produces a higher yield. In the same way, studying the Bible inductively yields greater knowledge and understanding.

Certificates presented

The day ended with each participant receiving a certificate of completion and a book. Pray that this would not just be another seminar, but that each person would put these tools to use in their lives, as well as teach others.