Bible Study Fellowship

Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) is an international Christian interdenominational or parachurch fellowship of lay people offering a system of structured bible study. It was begun in 1959 by Audrey Wetherell Johnson, a British evangelist to China.

The BSF system of Bible study

The BSF system of Bible study is highly organized and disciplined, and uses the technique of exegesis for expository study of the scriptures. BSF holds classes for men, women, children and young adults in 35 countries (2006). There are nearly 1000 classes worldwide. Classes for men and women are segregated, the exception being young adults where males and females are allowed to mix. Children’s classes are also unsegregated. Each study lasts for approximately nine months, and over a seven-year cycle BSF classes cover Genesis, Romans, Matthew, Life of Moses, John, Israel and the Minor Prophets, and Acts of the Apostles.

The BSF system involves four elements; daily questions to encourage personal Bible study, discussion groups (of up to 15 people) for sharing of personal answers to questions, a lecture by the class Teaching Leader covering the past week’s scripture with applications for daily living, and finally a set of notes reinforcing lessons from the previous week (plus a new set of questions for the week ahead). BSF classes and materials are provided free of charge.

Often the Teaching Leader and the notes will present historical details obtained from external sources, as an aid to clearer understanding of the context and background of the scripture being studied.

Discussion groups are led by Discussion Leaders, who are specifically directed to avoid any formal teaching role (this being left to the Holy Spirit during member’s personal quiet times during the week, and the Teaching Leader in his/her lecture). Discussion Leaders facilitate the discussions, and also perform a shepherding role with group members. They attend a separate two-hour training session each week, which involves an initial pass through the week’s questions and answers, and generally a sharing of homiletics (see links below) on the passage being studied.

History of BSF

BSF grew out of a program of structured Bible study that A. Wetherell Johnson agreed to run for a group of friends in California in 1952. "In 1958, Ms. Johnson accepted an invitation to go to San Francisco to conduct bible classes for the revival converts of Billy Graham's neo-evangelical crusades." -http://www.withchrist.org/bsf.htm BSF began in 1959.

Miss Johnson was initially a missionary with China Inland Mission. Her autobiography is in the book "Created for Commitment". Born in 1907, she died in 1984.

"Upon Johnson's retirement, Rosemary Jensen became Executive Director (ED) and served for nearly twenty years. In 2000, she reportedly moved to the ministry of Wall Watchers, Matthews NC. Mrs. Jean Nystrand assumed the position of ED. Ms. Jensen maintained close ties to the largely Reformed/Presbyterian Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals (ACE) where she was (1996) a standing member of their Executive Council. ACE adheres to and advocates covenant theology and the sacramentalism of the Protestant Reformation." -quoted from http://www.withchrist.org/bsf.htm

In Australia, BSF spawned a popular and less intense program of Bible study called "Know Your Bible" or KYB. The first teaching leader in Australia, Jean Raddon, recognized a need in Australia for a structured Bible study that could be run over a shorter time and with smaller groups than the BSF program. The KYB study is run under the auspices of Christian Women Communicating International (CWCI).

The aims of BSF

The Vision of BSF International reads "Worldwide training centers teaching the Bible to produce in all participants a vibrant relationship with God and, in as many as are called, a passion to commit without reservation to lead in the cause of Christ in the world."

The main aims of BSF International include:
*personal relationship with God
*daily Bible study
*know Christ in his fullness
*relate Bible study to daily life
*equip members to serve in churches
*help individuals communicate truth
*train Christian leadership
*support churches in the community
*teach preschool and school children
*aid and encourage families in the Christian training of their children.

BSF doctrinal position and practices

BSF takes the bible literally. Its evangelical origins cause it to be non-controversial on most non-salvation issues. "Fundamental in its beliefs, but ecumenical in its bent, its strategy is to provide an avenue of study without denominational influences. Their suggestion is to use scripture to interpet scripture rather than outside commentaries. When there is more than one interpretation for a text, more than one interpretation may be given but biblical references are encouraged rather than personal opinion. Discussion leaders are encouraged to discourage denominational disagreements and to try to keep the discussion on the biblical references being studied.

There is some variation in teaching on non-essential issues depending upon the viewpoint of the particular Teaching Leader, but on all major points of doctrine the teaching is consistent, in this tightly structured and highly disciplined organization.

BSF has a statement of faith that all leaders must agree to (see link below). It holds strongly to the "once saved, always saved" tenet, and always emphasises salvation by grace through faith (Eph2:8) while encouraging a holy (sanctified) lifestyle.

Catholics are not allowed to be small group Discussion Leaders, as their basic doctrine varies with the BSF statement of faith. Thus, Catholics are excluded from any leadership position.

External links

* [http://www.bsfinternational.org/ BSF International]
* [http://www.ministrywatch.com/mw2.1/F_SumRpt.asp?EIN=941514010 BSF Ministry]
* [http://www.ministrywatch.com/mw2.1/F_FullRpt.asp?EIN=941514010 BSF Statement of Faith]
* [http://www.4smallgroups.com/default.asp?SectionID=0&SubSection=1&HeadID=3 BSF history]