The African Bible Study
time = 1/2 to 1 hour
This method and variations on it have been used
throughout many parts of the World. It is a variation on the base
Christian communities methods of South America.*
STEP 1. Each person shares
his or her experience in the area of prayer from the session before. (If
this is a first session, begin with Step 2.)
STEP 2. Read the passage slowly (one person reads out
loud).
STEP 3. Recall the word or phrase that catches your
attention (one minute).
STEP 4. Each person shares only the word or phrase with
the group.
STEP 5. Read the passage again (opposite sex of the
first reader).
STEP 6. Think out/write: "Where does this passage
touch my life, my community, our nation, our world today?" Think
about all the people you encounter, not just those in your own circle of
friends." (3-5 minutes)
STEP 7. Each person shares the above using an
"I ..." statement.
STEP 8. Read the passage out loud again.
STEP 9. Think out/write: "From what I have
heard and shared, what does God want me to do or be this week? How does
God invite me to change?" (3-5 minutes)
STEP 10. Each person shares the above using an
"I ...." statement.
STEP 11. Each person prays for the person on their
right naming what was shared in #10 and prays that prayer daily until the group
meets again.
Note: In 3, 7 and 10 be brief.
Do not elaborate, explain or teach. That which is said is offered to the
center of the group. Others do not respond to or build on what is said as
if they were in a discussion group.
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* This method was published by Office of Evangelism Ministries under the
name "The African Method."
For Anglican daily readings, see: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/bcp/texts/pdfs/2-revised-tables-of-lessons.pdf
As more contemporary set of daily readings are:
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/bread1.html
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/bread2.html