moving forward

Subscribe in a reader  Today the students begin their fifth book, Mark.  They're now finished with what we call the "seminar phase" of the program, and they're ready to start building their own "chart style" commentary on each book, using the inductive Bible study skills they've learned over the past three weeks. The past three weeks have been lecture intensive, with classes everyday morning and evening.  The lecture pace slows now to three mornings a week, giving the students time to study through the content of the book on their own.

So far I'm really pleased with what Im seeing in the students.  They're all very mature, and they all seem driven to discover the text for themselves.  It's such a privilege to be a part of the discipleship history of such amazing people.  It's going to be a very good year.

Looking forward we ALREADY HAVE AN INTERESTED STUDENT FOR 2011!  Last week we had an evening lecture on the historical background of the new testament era.  The lecture includes a skit on Greek culture.  I invited everyone I could think of.  One girl in particular, who came with a former Lurecrest staff member (Iman), was really impressed with the program and is interested enough to come back next week for a more formal campus visit.  She's in her mid 20's, working professionally, in ministry with Young Life, and totally excited about the opportunity to study the Bible like this.  Meeting people like her confirms afresh that what we're doing here, what YOU ARE INVESTING IN HERE is TOTALLY WORTH IT! and TOTALLY UNIQUE, and it's a wonderful reminder that there are folks out there who would absolutely LOVE to do a program like this!  We need to simply pray that God would continue to send the right ones our way.

We're in our second week now

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We're in our second week of the school now.  Tomorrow we will finish our second book (Philippians).  We call the first three weeks of the school the "seminar phase."  During these weeks we have class in the morning and the evening, spending lots of time together in a lecture environment learning the basics of inductive Bible study.  It's a challenging three weeks for the students, as they're having to learn a lot of new concepts in a short period of time, as well as adjust to the workload of the program, which typically exceeds there expectations.

I'm happy to report that all 7 of our students are doing really well.  I can say honestly that I feel better about these 7 students right now than I have about any group we've had thus far.  I have totally been impressed with the caliber of people we've been given to disciple this year.  All 7 of these folks are totally motivated to be here and they're all excited to do this well.  I've seen some things in this years class that I've never seen before: like students helping other students understand and complete assignments once they've already completed their own assignment.  I'm impressed with how well they all get along, and with how well they include each other in extra-curricular activities.  So far Im very pleased.

As a point of prayer please pray that God would continue to bond us all together, and that he would continue to give the students excitement and motivation to press on with the work.  Also pray that God would begin to reveal truth to the students in powerful and life-changing ways as they begin to study these books on their own.

Class of 2011

Today was the first day of class.  It's hard to believe that we're entering our fifth year!  Notice the MOST EXCITING new addition in the front row (little Caleb Hartzler!)

We have 7 students.  Please pray for them as they begin a wonderful. and challenging journey through the Bible.  Two of our students (Nathanael and Abby...red shirt, black long sleeves) are still in need of most of their tuition.  They have just enough for the first quarter, and are doing everything they can to scrounge up money for the rest of the school.  Pray for their finances.  Daniel (back row yellow shirt) is from Norway and needs to get a visa extension or he'll have to leave in Feb...so we need to pray for that also.

SBS North America Leaders

I've had an incredible time in Montana meeting with the leaders of the other 9-month Inductive Bible Study schools in North America.  Listed in this Photo are the school leaders from Kona HI, Calgary AB, Lakeside MT, Col Springs Col, and Boise Idaho.  We've spent three days sharing ideas, praying for each other, talking about how to improve the curriculum, and just getting to know each other.  It has been such a blessing and encouragement to meet with so many other people passionate about doing what we do at the ESBS.  I'm so thankful for this time.  I return to NC on Friday to prepare for our Aug 16th start date.

We have 3 potential students (out of a total of 7) who DONT HAVE FINANCES FOR THIS FALL.  Please pray that God will meet their needs quickly.

Going to Montana

On Saturday Im headed to Montana for the SBS North America Hub meeting.  It's a 4 day conference for the leaders of the SBS schools in North America.  We're getting together to pray, share our vision for the program, strategize, and fellowship.  More to come as the week progresses.....