“Taken as a whole, the church clearly can’t live without the Bible, but it

doesn’t seem to have much idea of how to live with it.”

--N. T. WrightFrom: Scripture and the Authority of God:

how to read the Bible today

Marlene Harder BogardMinister of Christian Formation

Western District Conference, MCUSA

Why embark?– The Bible is basic for Christian formation.– Biblical Illiteracy is high these days….– We live in a Post-Christian world.– Biblically-based living is faithful living.– God’s Word is alive! – _________– _________– _________

• What’s your lens?– From what angle do you see and experience

life?– What is your role in your congregation?– To what degree do you have “shaping-

power?”Knowledge is power, so be glad you are here!

• When I say “Year of the Bible” – what is your first response?– Ugh – quit preaching to me!– Cool – what a great idea!– Ahmm - what in the world is that?– But - I already read the Bible every year.– Seriously – I am already overloaded with jobs

and commitments– Or…????

• A way to nurture your Christian faith, growth and development.

• Much more than simply reading through the Bible, although you may want to do just that!

• Immersing yourself in new faith practices as part of a congregation, small group or individually.

What is a Year of the Bible?

• An opportunity to focus on the Scriptures for one year.

• For all ages, all abilities! 

• Filled with possibilities!

“Bind these words as a sign

on your hand." Deut. 6:8

What is a Year of the Bible?

1.Year of the Bible does not need to start on a January 1 and end on a December 31. – Start and end anytime you want it to! – It's your choice!

2. You and your congregation take initiative to dream, plan and do and be what you want based on your needs and desires. – Key idea = is customize!

Debunking a few Myths . . .

Debunking a few Myths . . .3. Year of the Bible does not ONLY mean reading

through the Bible in one year. Although it would be a wonderful idea!

4. Year of the Bible- not only about reading.

- Think experiential, art, drama, music, sermon-series, think extra-intense (but formational) dig-into-the Bible time.

Debunking a few Myths…

5. Year of the Bible is not only for adults. Imagine multi-generational story-telling or Bible memory challenge, games, camps, potlucks with Biblical foods.

6. Year of the Bible is not just for Mennonites! Google and discover Christians everywhere yearning for more Biblical knowledge and action.

We all have so much to learn!

Debunking a few Myths . . .7. Year of the Bible does not have to last

just one year! What if we . . . – Adopt faith practices during the "year" that we

would keep on doing long after 365 days are over?

– Brought our Bibles (or smart phones with a Bible app) with us to church, every Sunday ?

– Get so hooked on claiming scriptural texts as a way to form our daily lives, that we want it to go on and on?

Debunking a few Myths . . .

8. Year of the Bible is not just for pastors, or teachers, or children, or adults.

It might be for the Hospitality Committee, Trustees or Elders, the Church Retreat, youth group, the mentors / mentees, the Women’s Fellowship or Men’s Group, or the worship planners, or ?

Step One: Think and Ponder

• With regard to the Bible, what is your passion? 

• What do YOU want to experience in a year-long focus on the Bible? 

• Are you entering this process as a leader of a congregation or small group or for personal faith-enrichment?

• Are you seeking resources and ideas for adults? children? youth? multi-generational?

Step Two: Explore!

• Identify one thing you would like to find on the web with regards to the Bible.

• Share with a neighbor (briefly).

• I pick three – let’s go see….

• www.yearofthebiblenetwork.org

• The Bible in 50 Words   God made

Adam bitNoah arked

Abraham splitJoseph ruledJacob fooledBush talked

Moses balkedPharaoh plagued

People walkedSea divided

Tablets guidedPromise landed

Saul freakedDavid peeked

Prophets warnedJesus bornGod walkedLove talked

Anger crucifiedHope diedLove rose

Spirit flamedWord spread

God remained.

Exploring the Site

• Brows each drop down. 

• Each link to an additional site is in blue.

• Dozens of pdf’s and downloadables.

• Most print and DVD resources can be found at the  Resource Library, courtesy of the Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA. mennowdc.org

Step 3: Join Up! • Join the Facebook group  Year of the Bible

Network  for an ongoing conversation about what works in different contexts.

• Send us your ideas, links, plans.  We may post them! See the page:  Live It / Connect With Others to submit.

• Plan to attend the Year of the Bible Launch, to be held on August 1-2 on the campus of Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas.  Connect with leaders / pastors in your congregation and make your plan.

Step 4: Start Planning!

Find this grid: Live It / Congregational Plans...(YOBN website)