Ask Dr. Couch (#413)

Dr. Couch, what is a good model for a home Bible study class?

Many today use the psychological approach where everybody sits around and shares their ignorance. The leader is but a facilitator who just helps people think through issues. This is all dead wrong, and, the implication is that there is no absolute truth. Truth is simply where you find it, or, truth is simply what is true to you!

We have moved away from the strong objective Bible teacher format. We must return to having strong, well-trained leaders who really know the Scriptures. However, it is getting very late in the evening. Darkness is rapidly closing in on the best of our churches. Good seminaries that taught the Word to dedicated teachers are disappearing. The night is soon coming!

The biblical method of study is being lost. Good Bible study has to do with (1) observation, (2) interpretation, and (3) application. And this takes work and sweat! There is no short changing preparation by a Godly teacher.

Anyone who leads a class should arm himself with outstanding spiritual tools. Good commentaries that can be trusted, etc. The way I was taught, heavy doses of Hebrew, Greek, systematic theology, church history, English Bible, is now going away. The schools I attended back in the "dark ages" of the 50s and 60s are no longer around. They have cut back on such disciplined training so that the men are unable to do solid work in the text. A good friend, who is attending one of the "big" seminaries in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, admits he cannot do in depth exegetical work. The skills are no longer being taught at that institution. The students are getting only about half of such studies as I received.

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch