with the sisters in Christ with whom they share their lives. When women study the Bible, the effect is on the entire local church. A weekly study of the Bible changes lives. Women
The Importance of Women’s Bible Study W
By Martha-Margaret Cotten
hy is theologically deep, spiritually intimate, and personally applicable women’s Bible study important in the local church? This was one of the questions I studied as I worked on the capstone project Erskine Seminary requires of its MA students. What I found kindled my desire to see women engaged in genuine Bible study
develop discernment, cultivate discipleship and spiritual mothering, cherish and begin to use spiritual gifts, and receive vital accountability for struggles with sin. Most women know they should be studying the Bible, yet are unequipped to study in a theologically safe way, or in
a way that will help them understand the full meaning of the passage. When we read the Bible, we will interpret, even when we don’t realize we are doing it -- but not always correctly. This reality causes us to shy away from actually study- ing the Bible itself. We become more comfortable using an intermediary such as a commentary, video kit, or gifted teacher to lead us into the Scripture. Of course, these resources are a wonderful provision from God. However, there is nothing that replaces the experience of hearing God’s voice through the Scripture for yourself. When churches do not offer a regular focused study of the Bible, many women will leave the local church for a para-
church organization that does. Just as commentaries and other study series are a wonderful resource, parachurch min- istries are as well. They are helping further the Kingdom of God in innumerable ways. Yet, when a church “outsources” Bible study to a parachurch ministry, they lose the ability to know what doctrine is being taught, the possibility of ac- countability, and the opportunity for discipleship. My project created a method that is both theological and practical that will come alongside and support the local ses-
sion and the Women of the Church by guiding women in how to read and study the Bible safely and how to shepherd ladies in their small group. The goal is to help women develop communion with the Father, intimacy with Christ, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit, along with a vital connection and accountability to their local church. I would love to help implement this flexible, adaptable approach to women’s Bible study for any church that is interested!?
Martha-Margaret Cotten
mmcotten@gmail.com 803-322-7980
Helping Christians Grow 20 The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Christian Education Ministries
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