What conversations have you started?

[Kristina Patten]

I have been at different ELCA events lately meeting Bible study leaders and participants (I've even met some of you!) and talking about Book of Faith resources, namely some of the new Augsburg Fortress resources that are available. I have really enjoyed hearing about all the new conversations that have started and the new directions groups have taken since the Book of Faith Initiative began.

So...what conversations have you started? What kinds of groups have started in your congregation, or how have existing groups changed?

[R Don Wright]

I will be starting a discussion of Martin Luther's "Introduction to Paul's Epistle to the Romans." I have prepared the text as a handout and guide (if anyone wants a copy). This is such a fantastic introduction to Martin Luther's thought and theology, as well as a simple overview of "Romans." In 1738 Charles Wesley attended a meeting at the Aldersgate Meetinghouse of the Moravians in London, England. There he heard Luther's Preface to Romans being read and it had a profound effect on him. I believe that it can still have a profound effect on people. I wish the whole ELCA would take it up for a common reading effort.

[Pastor Justin Johnson]

There have been many blessings from the Book of Faith initiative, but a few of them in my congregation have been new studies based on the women of the Bible, a study of Revelation, an upcoming study on marriage images of the Bible, and a general increase in excitement about the Bible.

The great news is that these studies are being attended by a variety of people and not just the same ole, same ole folks who keep coming to studies.

[Wayne Giese]

I can attest to this same thing occurring in our congregation. We are currently studying the booklet "A Gardener, Two Travelers, and a Cheat". This has certainly involved lively discussion and a most recent The Lutherans' topic of Patriarchy has enhanced our study. We have a good mix of long term more mature members and younger and newer members. The discussions take longer because our Pastor uses the opportunity to clarify and reinforce some of the theological background. He lays out a good road map for us.

Pastor Justin Johnson said:

There have been many blessings from the Book of Faith initiative, but a few of them in my congregation have been new studies based on the women of the Bible, a study of Revelation, an upcoming study on marriage images of the Bible, and a general increase in excitement about the Bible.

The great news is that these studies are being attended by a variety of people and not just the same ole, same ole folks who keep coming to studies.