Bible study group sets meeting

An informational coffee and study of Old Testament books Ruth and Esther will begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in Jefferson City, hosted by a prayer group for a future Community Bible Study at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 3011 S. Ten Mile Drive.

The international organization supports interdenominational Bible studies, which reach a variety of knowledge levels.

"Because it's God's word, everybody gets fed," said Beverly Polly, a local organizer.

Community Bible Study organized in 1975 as the result of a group of women praying for an influx of Bible study groups in the Washington, D.C. areas.

In 2012, more than 75,000 adults and 24,000 children in the United States were part of a Community Bible Study course. The program was taught in 70 additional countries and in 40 languages.

Each 30-week course is based on a book of the Bible.

All courses follow this statement of faith: "The entire Bible is true; belief in the Trinity, faith alone in Jesus Christ is the way to God - not good works. We believe the Holy Spirit lives in and seals every believer."

By design, leaders must come from varying denominational backgrounds. But denominational differences are not discussed during the classes, Polly said.

A group of ladies have been praying for Community Bible Study classes to form in Jefferson City. They met as a result of attending Community Bible Study courses in Columbia.

"It's for those who have studied all their lives and for those who have never cracked open a Bible," Polly said.

Each week participants study their lesson at home, first reading the direct scripture text and then allowing the Holy Spirit to guide further study.

The class begins with a large group discussion then divides into permanent small groups, where personal relationships can be formed.

Because the study is not affiliated with a particular church, Polly suggested it makes better church members.

The setting allows Christians to get to know others who share their faith, whom they might not meet otherwise.

"We discuss Jesus and scripture, not doctrine," Polly said. "In 20 years, I've never seen a disagreement."

Call 573-635-0021 or email to [email protected] for more information.

On the Web: www.communitybiblestudy.org