Matt and I are in a couples bible study with 3 other couples from our church, the pastor and her husband, my sister and brother-in-law, and another couple down the road from me. We started it almost 2 years ago and have had so much fun getting together and discussing the Bible and questions from our study. We start a 6 o'clock with supper (sort of potluckish...the host/hostess makes the main dish and everyone brings sides or desserts) and drinks (yes, drinks - beer, wine, sangria, pop or koolaid). We get a babysitter for our kids - there are five of them running around - and it takes the pressure off us parents. We are able to focus on what we're talking about. After we finish supper, the babysitters take the kids and we sit down for a short video and discussion. It can last as long or as short as you want...we usually start talking about things and it lasts over an hour. I love it! I love being able to share my faith with my friends and my husband! It makes me feel closer to Matt knowing his relationship with God and being able to share mine with him.
Before we actually start our bible study, we share our highs and lows of the last month...something positive in our lives and something that's frustrating or bothering us...it's a good ice breaker and helps us feel more comfortable talking the rest of the night.
Last night, we finished our study on the book of Romans. We're going to start a new study on discipleship in our community. I'm hoping it will give us some good ideas about things we can do with our friends and neighbors to get them more active in their faiths!
At the end of the discussion, we pray, sometimes with one person leading it, sometimes praying for the person on the right/left, popcorn praying, etc. It's a great way to pray out loud and not feel uncomfortable.
After we're done with Bible study, we have dessert and visit until the kids are super tired and ready to go home for bed.
I recommend starting a couples Bible study with some of your friends...it's a great way to learn more about your friends and encourage them in their faith journeys. It's also a good way to get husbands/boyfriends involved and thinking about their faith (not judging here...it just seems like the men sit and let the women be the involved ones...this gives them a chance to shine!).
We all love our bible study and look forward to the time every month! It's a chance to let our guards down and share with each other who care.
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Today, we're headed to the Roseau County Fair to watch Auntie Mary, Matt's 15 year-old sister, show her 4-H steer. We love going to watch, help, and encourage her with her project. Clarence enjoys going to watch...he's such a cowboy!
We're going to eat fair food, visit with Grandma and Grandpa and Auntie Mary, go on RIDES (although the kids don't know it yet), etc. I love fairs! Must be the kid in me.
Have a super duper day!
I agree that Bible study is important. If you don't share your faith, you don't live it out loud as we are called to do as Christians. And I agree with you about the men... they do just sit behind unless they are encouraged to share. Otherwise they can feel hindered and not be encouraged to be a leader at home and at church:) Thanks for sharing. What a blessing Bible studies are!
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