Abide In Me

The collaborative Christian Ministry of
Wes Howard-Brook and Sue Ferguson Johnson

Bible Study

The Crucifixion

Scripture is the foundation of all that we do in our ministry. But studying Scripture is never an end in itself, an "object" to be "mastered." Rather, the Bible contains the stories and traditions of our ancestors in faith that were gathered and kept so that God's people might be formed ever more deeply and completely into the image of God. For Christians, this means being formed into the Body of Christ, individually and collectively.

For people who have been brought up or find themselves in Christian traditions where the Bible is heard only in disconnected chunks on Sunday mornings or perhaps in isolated quotes on refrigerators or greeting cards, it can be an excited and liberating discovery to listen to each section of Scripture speak in its own voice. Our own journeys have included much of this powerful process of coming to a gospel, a Pauline letter, or a book of the Hebrew Scriptures with open ears and heart, listening for God's Voice to comfort, challenge and transform us.

We offer a variety of opportunities to engage this process for individuals, groups or parishes, ranging from short series (6-8 weekly sessions of two hours each) to more open-ended ones (see more about our ongoing John's Gospel study). No matter what portion of the Bible we are engaging, we always do it in a context of prayer, presentation and small group sharing, so that we can be prepared both to receive the Word and to listen for how God is calling for our own unique response.

Below is a sampling of Bible study topics for your group or church. If you have suggestions for other classes, please let us know!

New Testament classes

  • Gospels of the lectionary year: Matthew, Mark or Luke
  • Acts of the Apostles
  • Gospel of John
  • Letters of Paul
  • Book of Revelation
  • Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
  • "discipleship catechism" (Mark 8.22-10.52)
  • Lent "scrutinies" (John 4, 9, 11)
  • Holy Week (John 13-21)
  • Infancy narratives (Luke 1-2; Matthew 1-2)

Hebrew Scripture classes

  • The Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy)
  • Book of Genesis
  • Messiahs Before Jesus (1-2 Samuel)
  • The Prophets
  • The Psalms
  • Roots of Revelation: Jewish Apocalyptic in the Bible and Beyond