Women's Bible Study Fellowship?

[Craig Laughlin]

What do you know about BSF (Women's Bible study fellowship) They have asked if we could sponsor a group. I'm inclined to do it but know nothing about them.

What say you? Good, bad, ugly?

[Jon Twitchell]

The CotN in South Portland hosts them... I know a handful of good people who participate. My understanding is that they tend to be very clear about being non-denominational, and group members aren't allowed (maybe too strong a word) to quote from authors/preachers... only from scripture.

I suspect that implementation of the program may vary, depending on the personalities involved.

[Dave McClung]

What do you know about BSF (Women's Bible study fellowship) They have asked if we could sponsor a group. I'm inclined to do it but know nothing about them.

What say you? Good, bad, ugly?

Linda has participated in several different locations. She says that the lessons are really good, but the rules are too inflexible for her. The lessons are "nondenominational" but Baptists are most comfortable with them.

[Dave McClung]

While they are "nondenominational", they do require that their leaders agree to a Statement of Faith:

http://www.bsfinternational.org/Home...4/Default.aspx

I don't see anything in it that would cause a Church of the Nazarene to object; however, some might question the use of "preordained" in the last statement. I would use a different term, but it wouldn't keep me from signing that I agree with the statement.

[Gina Stevenson]

The participation rules were not bad in Phoenix weather, but I found it hard to keep going in WINTER(!!) no matter what the year we tried it here. Ridiculous. So, did not try a second time here. If you miss two weeks, that's it. There is a waiting list often ~~ it is a good discipline/networking vehicle ~~ and someone else gets your spot after missing two weeks.

So, have to agree with Linda.

[Marian Schwaller Carney]

I read the statement. I guess it is up to the local pastor as far as comfort level for hosting a group.
I do have one observation: If it is a women's group, why does it use the male pronoun when it implies it speaking of the condition of humankind? They missed a great opportunity to affirm a woman to have her own healthy view of herself as being of value and worth simply because she exists, and not live her faith vicariously through any man. It may look subtle, but it (the language) is powerful nonetheless.

[John Kennedy]

Because we all know that the Bible is quite clear in its denunciation of uppity wimmen!

[Kyle Borger]

My experience is that they tend to be a great group of women who are very organized. My suspicion is that they have a heavy calvinist foundation even if they claim to be nondenominational. That is based on comments made by Nazarene women who pay more attention to theology than others.

[Gina Stevenson]

My experience is that they tend to be a great group of women who are very organized. My suspicion is that they have a heavy calvinist foundation even if they claim to be nondenominational. That is based on comments made by Nazarene women who pay more attention to theology than others.

Right, yet not a good reason to stay away. In fact ~~ in spite of my previous comments re some of their "rules" (esp attendance) ~~ having those lessons to complete weekly can help someone with the discipline of study. It does help to have a solid base before attending to see where you/they may differ, so as to not end up w/some confusion (re your mentioning the Calvinistic tendency). The main teacher there the one year I did try it back here in Michigan was inspirational enough, it was worth it to go just for that (for those not familiar with it, there are both an all together session, as well as breaking up into smaller discussion groups). It also happened to be a nice surprise to learn that the main teacher was someone I had known for years who had not taught much back when I knew her prior to moving out West, but had since "blossomed" into a very good teacher ... and has since been lost to lung cancer.

[Alisa Stoll]

I read the statement. I guess it is up to the local pastor as far as comfort level for hosting a group.
I do have one observation: If it is a women's group, why does it use the male pronoun when it implies it speaking of the condition of humankind? They missed a great opportunity to affirm a woman to have her own healthy view of herself as being of value and worth simply because she exists, and not live her faith vicariously through any man. It may look subtle, but it (the language) is powerful nonetheless.

Maybe because it isn't Women's Bible Study Fellowship but simply Bible Study Fellowship - ie there are groups of men who also go through the program. They do segregate the groups and it just happens to be a women's group who is requesting the use of the church.
Alisa

[Alisa Stoll]

I have gone through all 8 years of study as have my in-laws (yes Father and Mother). If they offered another study I would go back. Be aware that it may take over your church for a morning. We met at a large church but had roughly 500 women participating - most of whom drove alone. So we had to reserve parking spaces for the staff or there wouldn't have been spaces for them to park. We used just about every available space in the church for small groups. The church got 20% of the offerings but the teaching leader did not feel that this covered the cost to the church. We met on Thursday mornings so if it snowed, they had extra cost in snow removal also.

As to theology, both the teacher and the written notes gave the various view points and pointed out where BSF stood on the issue (for example, pre, mid, or post for the rapture). 95% or more of the time they did a good job of not disrespecting opposing views. The term eternal security wasn't used but there was a heavy emphasis on God not letting you go - it wasn't your strength that kept you in good standing with God. I felt I could present opposing view points in my small group without worry.

I would definitely consider this a ministry and work with your board on the impact of your church not being available for other uses during that time for 33 or so weeks.

Alisa

[Greg Gates]

We've had BSF using our building for a while now. I have absolutely no complaints. They clean up super well after themselves and are helpful to our church. They are a group of 300+ women.

[Jean Johnson]

I'm following this thread with interest, as a friend recently talked with me about this organization, and I finally decided that I would try it for three months. One of the groups actually meets at First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena, but I'll probably join the group that meets at another church in a nearby town. Anyway, I've gotten the impression that they are very solid and thorough in teaching the Bible. From what I gather, they probably do lean more toward Calvinistic beliefs, but if one is secure in what he/she believes, I don't know that should be a major obstacle. I currently teach a couple of Bible classes at my church and I love exploring the Word in depth. I'm hoping it will strengthen my Bible knowledge, in general.

[Greg Gates]

I'm hoping it will strengthen my Bible knowledge, in general.

I don't think you can go wrong with them. They do a solid job of helping people know Jesus. The church is in too much disarray for us to be arranging Calvinist or Wesleyan deck chairs. Get what you can that helps you help others, say thank you, and go with it.

[Jean Johnson]

Amen, brother. I'm with you on that one.