I Believe

IBelieve: reflections on our shared faith by Janet Dyke, Lakeside Publishing

As belief becomes increasingly individualised by our society, Janet Dyke’s new collection of studies represents a gentle call to something different: belief in community.

I Believe: reflections on our shared faith enables small groups to examine the Apostles Creed, that document of the early church that began to define the lines of demarcation between establishing Christianity and other off-shoots and faiths.

The slim book features seven sessions: Believe, Father, Christ, Ascend, Spirit, Forgive and Life.  Each contains material to draw participants into a conversation with the text.  There is some supporting historical material as well. Janet manages to offer this in a non-threatening way that nevertheless does not shy away from the big challenges that some of the ideas in the creed engender.  Her questions for discussion are foundational, just right for a group finding its feet in the arena of belief.  That she does so in a manner that will enable long time believers to answer and discuss at their own level is to her credit.

There’s a real knack here for connecting ancient ideas with present realities which is the secret of good small group faith formation material.  Drawing on her own life experience brings a personal touch here and there which grounds the studies nicely.

In an age where individualism often brings loneliness, focusing on what binds us together is a vital task of the church.  Ms Dyke has successfully helped us along that path.

You can order the book or find out more here

 Jonathan Sargeant, Lay Education Officer, St Francis College

Book a BIBLE360 event today!

Have you thought about booking a BIBLE360 event for your parish?  Or talking to the people in your parish who might make that happen?  Contact Jonathan Sargeant to make it happen.

There are two options for your consideration:

First, the Introduction to the Bible workshop

This is a one-day introduction to the Bible for people of all ages and backgrounds.

It offers a place to start the adventure of reading the Bible or to pick up the journey again if it has been a while. The seminar provides:

•     An opportunity to engage with others
•     An understanding of the history of the Bible
•     The basic information needed to read the Bible with confidence
•     A brief overview of the Old Testament and New Testament
•     Practical tips on choosing a Bible and other resources
•     Help to get started with a personal Bible reading plan.

You can download a brochure about the program here to find out more

On the other hand you might benefit from the Small Group Facilitation Workshop

This is a practical workshop on the purpose and process of Small Group Bible Studies for experienced and new leaders alike.

This all-day workshop (9.00am-4.30pm) helps equip current and new Small Group leaders with the practical skills and knowledge needed to facilitate a successful Small Group Bible Study. It is interactive in approach and covers the following areas:

•     Why Small Groups?
•     The Five Key Purposes of Small Groups
•     Understanding the Shape of Your Existing or New Group
•     The Five Key Process Areas of Small Group Facilitation
•     Evaluating and Improving Your Facilitation Skills
•     Improving Listening and Questioning Skills
•     Further Resources

Participants are encouraged to actively engage and apply key concepts to their local setting. Whilst the workshop focuses on Small Groups themselves, some approaches to growing a parish Small Group ministry is also covered.

To download the brochure for this program, click here.

Okay, has that caught your interest?  If you have a question or would like to book an event use this form and we'll get back to you.

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Close the Gap Morning Tea at St Francis College

On average, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians die 10–17 years younger than non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous infant mortality is three times that of other Australians.

This is a reminder/request to register for the National Close the Gap Day Morning Tea next Thursday, 20 March at St Francis College. Funds raised will go towards the campaign to improve Indigenous health in Australia.

Register online for your ticket no later than Tuesday the 18th (and preferably much sooner!) ... this is essential for catering purposes. At that time, you can donate directly to Oxfam (a link is provided), or you can elect to make a donation on entry to the morning tea in Lecture Room 1 at 10:30 am.

At the morning tea there will be an opportunity to sign a petition and, all going well, our information pack will have arrived and we'll be able to view a short DVD.

Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Late for Lent?

Left it late to leap into Lent?  Here's a resource for individual use that makes it easy to catch up...

ABM's Lent App

The ABM “Lent 2014” App provides you with a reflection, prayer and action for every day of Lent, starting today!

This Lent you are invited to travel (virtually) around the world with ABM exploring the many facets of mission: reconciliation, building amity, loving our neighbour, embracing kindness, loving justice and walking a way of peace.

Over the 40 days of Lent the App will introduce you to some of ABM’s partners and how they are involved in making God’s love known upon earth, and what you can do to join them in mission.

Download the ABM Lent 2014 Smartphone App in the Apple and Android stores:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lent-2014/id823229503?ls=1&mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abm.lent.app

Expressions of Interest for BIBLE360 Seminars in 2014

It's a great cause for celebration that close to 1500 people have been involved with BIBLE360 events over the last 18 months. Whilst most of these have been involved with the 'Introduction to the Bible Workshop', there has also been great participation in the Small Group Seminar and other special teaching days. With planning now underway for 2014, we are now accepting expressions of interest from parishes, schools, and other agencies who would like to host a BIBLE360 event (either the 'Introduction to the Bible' or 'Small Group Facilitation' workshop) in 2014. If you are interested in hosting either of these seminars, please email adam@bible360.org.au with your contact details, a brief description of the facilities available, and three preferred dates.

Last Chance to Register for a BIBLE360 Seminar in 2013

With the end of the year fast approaching, there are now only two BIBLE360 Introduction to the Bible Workshops available for registration. The first seminar is on this Saturday at Lutwyche and registrations close soon, so register here. The last workshop for the year is at St Martin's House, specifically for the precinct staff (register here).

BIBLE360 Introduction to the Bible

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to attend one of our popular BIBLE360 ‘Introduction to the Bible’ Seminars (or know a friend who would love to come along), be sure to check the final events for 2013. These include Wondai (November 1), Lutwyche (November 9) and Brisbane (November 22, particularly for the Cathedral precinct). Please promote these in your parish and encourage people to register online.

Free Audio Bibles: "YouVersion allowed me to, for the first time, read the Bible cover to cover"

Last month I highlighted a Bible resource called  YouVersion (a simple, ad-free Bible for your phone, tablet, and computer). What you may not realise is that this app also includes several audio versions of the Bible. If you're someone who struggles to read or perhaps has regular commute time, an audio Bible may be perfect for you. The creators of the app recently shared some of the feedback they've received from people listening to audio Bibles:

“YouVersion allowed me to, for the first time, read the Bible cover to cover. I listened to a 1yr Bible plan in my car every day for a year. I consider it one of my most important life accomplishments.”—Andrew E.

“Being able to listen to Scripture this year has been a lifeline. I could not have managed without it. Thank you!”—Charles L.

“I turn on the Bible App and put my phone in my hardhat so I can work and listen to the great book. TYVM for this app!”—Nicky

It is available on almost all platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone/iPad, and Blackberry) and will help you read and study the Bible, subscribe to Bible plans, and take the Bible with you wherever you go. For more information, visit the dedicated website.

BIBLE360 Introduction to the Bible

If you haven't yet had the opportunity to attend one of our popular BIBLE360 'Introduction to the Bible' Seminars, we've just added some new dates and locations for October and November. These include Crows Nest (October 5), Wondai (November 1), Lutwyche (November 9) and Brisbane (November 22, particularly for the Cathedral precinct). Please promote these in your parish and encourage people to register online.

Free Electronic Version of Bible

With over 100 million installations around the world, the YouVersion app is a simple, ad-free Bible for your phone, tablet, and computer. It is available on almost all platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone/iPad, and Blackberry) and will help you read and study the Bible, subscribe to Bible plans, and take the Bible with you wherever you go. For more information, visit the dedicated website.

Sep 14: Accordance Bible Software Training Seminar

St Francis Theological College is hosting a free training seminar for Accordance Bible software on Saturday, 14 September. The seminar will be presented by Dr Ken Simpson, the Australian demonstrator for Accordance. The seminar will include an introduction to Accordance for new users, training on more advanced features, and a parallel session in the afternoon for people interested in using this powerful software for their personal Bible study, or for parish education programs. There is no cost to attend this seminar, but participants are asked to register online at least one week before at: seminar@accordancebible.com.

Free Resource: Introduction to Old Testament (Yale)

If you’re interested in learning more about the Old Testament then this free resource might be of interest to you. Split into 24 different lectures (by Professor Christine Hayes), the audio and video for this course from Yale University is available free of charge online. The lectures are easy to follow and provide a detailed introduction to the Old Testament.

This course examines the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) as an expression of the religious life and thought of ancient Israel, and a foundational document of Western civilization. A wide range of methodologies, including source criticism and the historical-critical school, tradition criticism, redaction criticism, and literary and canonical approaches are applied to the study and interpretation of the Bible. Special emphasis is placed on the Bible against the backdrop of its historical and cultural setting in the Ancient Near East.

Access the course through the Open Yale website.

Small Group Purpose and Process

I'm passionate about small groups. Aside from the research that indicates numerous benefits individually and as a church, I know from my own experience - as a minister and a psychologist - the positive effects that small groups can have. There are certainly potential problems, but these can be alleviated with good quality facilitation. To help in this endeavour, I've developed two models that aim to bring clarity to the purpose of small groups and excellence in small group process (model shown below). 

Purpose

Small Group Purpose is a descriptive model that helps facilitators and participants more consciously identify the reasons for their group’s existence. Note that a group does not need to cover every component; but it could. What is more likely is that particular groups will more strongly identify with some aspects over others (e.g., they may have a particularly strong emphasis on study relative to the other components). It is not important to achieve a ‘high’ score in each area, because they will not necessarily be of of equal importance.

• STUDY focuses on engaging and studying the Bible. This is what is traditionally expected of a Small Group/Bible Study. Typical behaviours include: Systematic reflection on specific passages of the Bible; In-depth discussion of Bible passages; Application of Biblical ideas to daily life; Members seeking to grow their biblical knowledge; People growing in their understanding of the Bible; and Using other resources to help expound the Bible (e.g., commentaries, guides, study notes, software, dictionaries).
• WORSHIP focuses on the outward expression of praise, and inward experience of spirituality. Typical behaviours include: Devoting time to group prayer; Dedicating time to worship (e.g., singing) or liturgy (e.g., lighting a candle); Members desiring to feel closer to God (through small group); Members wanting to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit; A desire to grow in your relationship with God; Members encouraging one another in their spiritual walks; and A deepening of personal faith.
• FELLOWSHIP focuses on a sense of belonging, community, and caring for one another. Typical behaviours include: Discussing life outside of small group (attending to one another’s life circumstances); Talking about personal problems; Spending time together in fellowship; Caring for one another in tangible ways; Spending time together outside of small group; Feeling a strong sense of belonging; A strong sense of trust and intimacy; Praying for one another’s concerns; and Helping one another in times of need.
• MISSION focuses on an outward expression of faith through word and/or deed. Typical behaviours include: Inviting people intentionally along to small group (from outside of the church) to learn about Christianity; Helping grow the missional reach of the church; Actively addressing social justice issues in the local area; Encouraging one another in their regular mission context (e.g., at work or school); Helping one another to share their faith with other people; Planning to split the group; and Using the group to welcome new people.
• SERVICE focuses on using gifts to serve the local church community and each other. Typical behaviours include: Actively caring for people in the church; Taking part together in regular acts of service in their church; Spending time to talk about practical aspects of ministry; Spending time planning how to be more active in ministry; Encouraging one another and being accountable about ministry involvement; Helping one another understand their respective gifts; and Helping to enable one another's gifts to flourish.

If you currently facilitate a group, think about how you might describe the purpose of your group with reference to these areas. Is there an emphasis on particular areas? Are some areas only minimally related to the purpose of your group? Remember: it is not necessary for every group to cover every component. Three questions are of prime importance however:

• Is the described purpose intentional?
• Is the described sense of purpose shared amongst group members?
• Is the group effective in these areas?

Process

Small Group Process is a practical model that helps groups and facilitators improve the processes of their small group. Unlike the previous model, facilitators should be seeking to excel in each of the process areas (they are skill sets, not individual skills). Many of these components often receive minimal attention, with most effort concentrated on the time actually spent in the small group (i.e., the ‘running’ component).

• FORMING: The formation of the group is a continuous task. The group changes and people are seeking confidentiality, trust, shared vision, and engagement. Behaviours that reflect this skill set include: Members and facilitator working actively to build trust and deepen relationships; Sharing meals; Discussing expectations periodically; Shared understanding of purpose; Members know ground rules and confidentiality expectations; and Group remains an open system.
• RUNNING: The running of the actual group is the process that concentrates on facilitating the actual small group session. Behaviours that reflect this skill set include: Use of questions (e.g., open-ended, clarifying, closed) to foster discussion; Active listening and use of silence; Resources utilised to inform discussion; Interpersonal aspects (open, clear, respect, people feel comfortable, not overly confronted, people, individuals do not overtake/dominate, difficult people managed, conflict addressed); Timing and structure (starts and ends on time, there is a regular agreed pattern); Variety of learning styles are accommodated for; and Physical environment is conducive.
• CARING: The pastoral care of group members is a shared responsibility and includes prayer. Behaviours that reflect this skill set include: The facilitator contacts members regularly outside of group time; The facilitator connects group members so that they can care for one another; Members are encouraged to pray for one another during the week; Members know what is happening in one another's lives; The right amount of time is spent discussing personal problems; Time is spent praying for one another; Members genuinely listen to one another; and Appropriate boundaries are maintained between the facilitator and members.
• LINKING: Refers to the continuous process of managing transitions from week-to-week, between studies, and within studies. Behaviours that reflect this skill set include: The facilitator follows up the last meeting by email, phone, or in-person; Transitions between studies are made; Continuity of leadership; Links are made to practical, everyday, aspects of life; Prayer points from the previous session are followed up (e.g., at the beginning of the session asked how it might be going); and Each session does not feel disjointed from the overall study.
• REVIEWING: Is the continuous and periodic process of reflecting on the health of the group and members. Behaviours that reflect this skill set include: Group purpose and process is regularly reviewed; Facilitator asks people for feedback; There is periodic discussion regarding if it is time to split the group; People feel comfortable in providing feedback; A review is conducted after each study is completed; The facilitator will check on progress midway through a multi-week study; and The facilitator will meet with individuals regularly to see how they are growing.

Keeping in mind that facilitators should aim to excel in each of these areas, which are your particular strengths or weaknesses? What are the key priorities for development?

Next Steps

Remember that these models are primarily designed to help you focus the purpose of your group and improve its processes. By keeping in mind the five areas of purpose and process, you can continuously reflect on the status of the group and how continuous  improvements can be made.

Feedback from Initial Small Group Facilitation Workshops

The feedback from the initial Small Group Facilitation Workshops has been overwhelmingly positive. Both workshops were booked out (60 participants in Brisbane on May 11; 65 participants in Toowoomba on June 29) and a total of 41 people indicated an intention to start at least one new Small Group in their parish. Part of the day involves a brainstorming and problem-solving activity in which the various groups (Small Group Coordinators, Small Group Leaders, New Small Group Leaders, and Potential Small Group Leaders) identify the key challenges they face in their role, and some possible ways of addressing them. If you would like to read a copy of the material generated so far, please download it here. If you would like to come along to one of these workshops, please check the dates and locations.

Free Resource: Introduction to New Testament History and Literature (Yale)

If you're interested in learning more about New Testament history and literature then this free resource might be of interest to you. Split into 26 different lectures (by Dale B. Martin who is the Woolsey Professor of Religious Studies at Yale), the audio and video for this course from Yale University is available free of charge online. The lectures are easy to follow and provide a detailed introduction to the New Testament.

This course provides a historical study of the origins of Christianity by analyzing the literature of the earliest Christian movements in historical context, concentrating on the New Testament. Although theological themes will occupy much of our attention, the course does not attempt a theological appropriation of the New Testament as scripture. Rather, the importance of the New Testament and other early Christian documents as ancient literature and as sources for historical study will be emphasized. A central organizing theme of the course will focus on the differences within early Christianity (-ies). This course was recorded in Spring 2009.

Access the course through iTunes U: Audio or Video, or directly through the Open Yale website.

Archbishop Affirms BIBLE360 Project

During his presidential address of the 77th Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane, Archbishop Phillip Aspinall affirmed the work of BIBLE360. The relevant section is included below, including some summary feedback from the "Introduction to the Bible Seminar" and "Small Group Facilitation Workshop".  The full presidential address available here...

At Synod last year we launched Bible360, a one day course to give people an overview of the bible. We recognised that the bible is a complex collection of 66 different books, written at different times, in very different places for a wide variety of reasons, over about 1,000 years. A lot of people didn’t find it easy or straightforward to understand what they read. Bible360 was designed to help people get hold of the big picture and so to situate particular books and passages to improve understanding and applying them.

You will remember that I asked each of you to participate in that one day course during the coming year. And I asked you to go back to your parishes and organisations and encourage others to do the course as well. I said that I hoped that hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands, of Anglicans would do Bible360 in the coming year.

Well, up to the middle of May, Bible360 has happened in 23 locations around the Diocese. 850 people from 75 parishes have participated, more events are scheduled and we expect to pass the 1,000 mark sometime in July. (If you count the 200 people in Grafton Diocese who have also done it, we have already passed the 1,000 milestone, and Adelaide is expressing interest as well.) So hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands wasn’t pie in the sky – o ye of little faith!

And what’s more the feedback from people who did it is stunning:

• 96% said it met their expectations
• 98% said they’d recommend it to a friend
• 91% said they were more excited about the bible
• 93% said they planned to read the bible more as a result
• 72% actually wrote a personal bible-reading plan
• 52% were already in a small bible study group and 60% of the rest said they planned to join one (that would make over 80% altogether)

Getting those small groups happening is the next step. Already a workshop on running small groups has happened. 60 people attended and 24 of those 60 plan to start new small groups. A small group leaders network is about to see the light of day.

I have to say I am absolutely thrilled at what’s been achieved in 12 months. I congratulate and thank those who’ve made it happen: in particular Greg Jenks and Adam Lowe, the Project Officer, but others in the MEC and PMC teams who have pitched in as well. You have done a mighty job. Don’t stop. I know you won’t because as well as Bible360 – Introducing the Bible, on the drawing board already is Bible360 – Deep Dive, with more to follow.

What we’ve been part of over the last twelve months is the launching of a long-term initiative to help Anglicans approach the scriptures with their brains switched on and to find in those ancient texts food for the soul, wisdom for living in the 21st century. What we’re after is generations of Anglicans who are biblically literate, thoughtful about faith, spiritually perceptive and energetic and generous workers in God’s mission.