Recently, God has given me another passion and dream that I would love to see realized. At Ouachita, every student is required to take certain classes including a Bible Survey class and Bible Interpretation. Survey takes you through the entire story of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, and helps connect the characters and themes throughout the full story. I loved that class! Those classes helped to awaken a true love within me for the Word of God. Over the past year, though, something deeper has been happening. I’ve seen what happens when believers don’t have that knowledge of the story. I’ve seen the cracks in their foundation this problem creates. All of this has combined to make me passionate to see the people of God become familiar with the story of God.
In my opinion, the earlier that education starts, the better. I would love to see children’s ministers work the upper elementary curriculum so that kids enter the youth group having gone through the entire Bible and basic strategies for truly understanding the Word on their own.
I don’t know if you know this statistic, but the majority of people that receive salvation do so between the ages of 4 and 14. That’s elementary and middle school. However, when they reach college, over half of people raised in a Christian home stop going to services.
What would happen if, by the time someone reached 14, they had gone through the entire Bible? Through both the battle scenes and love stories. Through both the scary moments and funny tales. Through both the periods of faithfulness and idolatry. Through the character of God displayed in each of those encounters.
What would happen if, by the time someone reached 14, they had learned that Bible isn’t boring? What would happen if, by the time someone reached 14, they had seen someone be passionate about the Word of God? What if they were taught about the relevance it still possesses? What if they were taught how to read the Bible for themselves? What if they understood that it isn't about being a Christian on Sunday mornings but about being a Christ-follower every day?
Well, if you ask me those questions, I’d be willing to bet that those statistics would change drastically. I mean, imagine high school students being able to present and defend their faith with the entire Gospel. Imagine college students that truly desire fellowship with other believers because they understand the importance of it.
Biblical literacy: my newest passion.
I didn’t think there was anything I could really do about it while I was in school. God, however, may have different thoughts on that matter. It looks like there may be a good chance that Second Baptist (my home church) will let me teach the upper elementary students, at some level!!
If it works out, I’d be writing my own curriculum and coming up with how I want to take them through the story of the Bible. I am SUPER excited!! And Pastor Stan said he wanted to use the storytime as an outreach to other kids in the area. Well duh. ☺ And, those are exactly the same kids that I’ve been building relationships with through Big Sister/Little Sister. Basically, they’re all Diamond’s friends and cousins. Perfect!!
I am so excited to see what God does with this opportunity! Who knows where He’ll take it, but I can’t wait to see what happens!! I’ll keep you posted.
I think it’s going to come together, though. I don’t think timing, interest, etc. would work out like it has so far without God’s hand being in it. That, and I don’t think Pastor Stan would trust me with the kids without God’s influence (just kidding...kind of)
Anyways, I hope you dream big. You never know what could happen if you actually went for it. I don't make a habit of taking life lessons from Broadway shows, but I think Mary Poppins has a good point: If you reach for the stars, all you get are the stars. But if you reach for the heavens, you get the stars thrown in. Just a thought...
Oh…and today’s my last day as a teenager. Weird.
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