Hi I'm new here. I have question for anyone who's ever been in a small group Bible Study, especially if you're in college. Is it OK to miss a Bible study meeting to study for a test, or to work on a paper? I know some people who would say no, believing that putting school before Bible study is putting school before God, that you made a committment to the group, and that you should prioritize your time (be it studying before Bible study, pacing yourself so that you get your work done, whatever). On the other hand, some people would say school should come first since you're primarily there to get an education. What does everyone think? Thanks!
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Missing Bible Study
- Thread starter DiscoGirlie
- Start date
Wide-eyedWithWonder
The Paradoxical Woman
If this is just a one-time thing (ie. you had too many tests and papers at the same time), then I think it's okay. I'm in a small-group Bible study too, and one of my friends couldn't come last night because she had two tests the next day. Obviously, it would be great if you had everything done ahead of time so you wouldn't have to make this choice, but sometimes that's what happens. Don't feel too guilty about it; just make sure your leader knows that you have to miss. 
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AngelAmidala
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I agree....
Yes, God should be the most important part of your life. But at the same time, blowing off studying for a test or writing a paper would not be a good way to honor God.
Another thing would be to try and re-arrange your schedule so that you would have study time for class or paper-writing time that would not interfere with your Bible study.
But it is definitely not wrong to miss one because of school stuffs.
Yes, God should be the most important part of your life. But at the same time, blowing off studying for a test or writing a paper would not be a good way to honor God.
Another thing would be to try and re-arrange your schedule so that you would have study time for class or paper-writing time that would not interfere with your Bible study.
But it is definitely not wrong to miss one because of school stuffs.
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ffI was in a group study (was being the key word) where the leader (a student) had us sign these things saying we'd be at Bible study every week unless we were really sick or had a major emergency. Schoolwork didn't count as a major emergency. What do you all think of this? Keep the replies coming!
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I don't think that you should put school ahead of your spiritual life. However! Bible study does not equal your spiritual life. I think it is part of enriching your spiritual health, as is fellowship with fellow believers, but it is not the entirety. It is nice to be able to put time apart and have an outstanding committment--but that's not always something you can do.
I also probably wouldn't return to a Bible study that made me sign a committment--partially because I would not be able to make that sort of committment. If that means I can't be part of your group, fine. I think that a signed committment would only guilt me into going sometimes--and that's a bad reason to do something, I think. Wouldn't it be better that the group was so inspiring and uplifting and interesting and thought-provoking that people were drawn to it, instead of being bound by a paper chain?
Personally, I found very few college Bible studies that dealt with the questions and issues that I wanted to talk about--they weren't fulfilling or enriching. So, I don't feel bad about not being a part of that. Other people had different views, of course--and that's fine.
I just didn't feel the urge to be a part of an official "Bible study". Good grief, nearly all of my conversations for the first couple of years at college revolved around various Christian theologies and biblical interpretations. I met very vocal, Christian and non-Christian friends and religion and belief were major topics of conversation--and since we ate all of our meals together, we had many conversations! This, I feel, was more valuable than any Bible study filled with people who all believed the same thing.
--tibac
I also probably wouldn't return to a Bible study that made me sign a committment--partially because I would not be able to make that sort of committment. If that means I can't be part of your group, fine. I think that a signed committment would only guilt me into going sometimes--and that's a bad reason to do something, I think. Wouldn't it be better that the group was so inspiring and uplifting and interesting and thought-provoking that people were drawn to it, instead of being bound by a paper chain?
Personally, I found very few college Bible studies that dealt with the questions and issues that I wanted to talk about--they weren't fulfilling or enriching. So, I don't feel bad about not being a part of that.
Other people had different views, of course--and that's fine. I just didn't feel the urge to be a part of an official "Bible study". Good grief, nearly all of my conversations for the first couple of years at college revolved around various Christian theologies and biblical interpretations. I met very vocal, Christian and non-Christian friends and religion and belief were major topics of conversation--and since we ate all of our meals together, we had many conversations! This, I feel, was more valuable than any Bible study filled with people who all believed the same thing.
--tibac
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girlscoutdropout
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i was in the same position last semester. i got a nice little lecture from my bible study leader because i had to miss a bible study. i had two exams the next day. it didn't matter that i got into the word on my own time that night, i had to be at bible study no matter what, even though most of bible study is just casual chit-chat anyways..
oh well, life goes on.
oh well, life goes on.
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We started a new bible study series that will carry us through June. The leader said something that is very true - there will always be a reason to miss bible study, whether studying, homework, personal, or friends.
Is it wrong in this case? Could you have studied at another time? Was there any way around it?
In the end, it comes down to you individual priorities, and how you place God in your life. I tend to put more emphasis on faith that anything while here at college. Some say they are here to study and make that primary. You need to find your balance. Yes, I think there are exceptions sometimes, but we must keep a healthy balance.
Wildernesse- Im sorry to hear about your bible studies not being very challenging/exploring. I do agree that conversations can be valuable. I love the series we are doing right now. My brother is doing it, and it is all about sexuality, what it means to be a man, what it means to be a woman, the meaning of life, marriage, etc etc....it is AWESOME, and most definitly applicable. I know lots of the stuff, but am still learning as we go and able to back up my brother and offer new viewpoints/explanations. Most of the stuff is foreign to those attending the study (38 this week...we are hoping to average 50).
I have had many one on one miniature bible studies just via conversations, talking with friends, etc. It is awesome.
Is it wrong in this case? Could you have studied at another time? Was there any way around it?
In the end, it comes down to you individual priorities, and how you place God in your life. I tend to put more emphasis on faith that anything while here at college. Some say they are here to study and make that primary. You need to find your balance. Yes, I think there are exceptions sometimes, but we must keep a healthy balance.
Wildernesse- Im sorry to hear about your bible studies not being very challenging/exploring. I do agree that conversations can be valuable. I love the series we are doing right now. My brother is doing it, and it is all about sexuality, what it means to be a man, what it means to be a woman, the meaning of life, marriage, etc etc....it is AWESOME, and most definitly applicable. I know lots of the stuff, but am still learning as we go and able to back up my brother and offer new viewpoints/explanations. Most of the stuff is foreign to those attending the study (38 this week...we are hoping to average 50).
I have had many one on one miniature bible studies just via conversations, talking with friends, etc. It is awesome.
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I appreciate all the replies. The Bible study I was in was with a national college Christian group. I don't want to say the name, but since that incident, I've been very dissappointed with the group. I've tried other group, but their just not doing anything for me.
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if i had some advance warning, i'd schedule my time so that i wouldn't have to choose between a college bible study or college. that said, i'd rather miss one bible study, than to miss every one thereafter because i didn't get the grades to stay in college.
studying the Word is very important, but so is compassion. a Bible study leader who excels in the first, but neglects the second isn't really living what he/she preaches.
studying the Word is very important, but so is compassion. a Bible study leader who excels in the first, but neglects the second isn't really living what he/she preaches.
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Wide-eyedWithWonder
The Paradoxical Woman
DiscoGirlie, don't get discouraged that you haven't been able to find a small group that is the right fit. There are good ones out there! If you don't end up finding a group that is helping you, maybe you could start a Bible study with someone or just share devotional times with someone. That can be really awesome too.
P.S. I don't think the legalistic view should have any place in this matter. In other words, signing a contract just seems kinda wrong. Discipline is important, but sometimes you just can't come. It sounds like you small group leader was creating an atmosphere of condemnation if someone didn't show up to meeting.
P.S. I don't think the legalistic view should have any place in this matter. In other words, signing a contract just seems kinda wrong. Discipline is important, but sometimes you just can't come. It sounds like you small group leader was creating an atmosphere of condemnation if someone didn't show up to meeting.
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I have found another small group, but I still have trouble going to going to the Christian org where my last Bible study originated I have tried other groups, but they don't fit. I don't know...
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God knows what is in your heart.
I have issues with groups or people who try to regulate my walk with God. If I choose not to go to a Bible study, whether I have a test the next day or I just feel like staying home, then I should not have to worry about what the other Christians around me are going to think of me or say about me.
An example: when I was a senior in high school I was very active in my church's youth group. Most of the other kids were younger than me (not yet seniors), but still good friends of mine. During my spring semester school became really time consuming. I was concentrating on graduating and would often skip youth group to get my other stuff done. After skipping for several weeks, I finally had a free night when I went back. When I was there a girl came up to me and said, "Oh, I'm so glad you decided to come back to God and to church. I've been praying for you..." I was so offended that she assumed that because I hadn't been going to church that meant I wasn't walking with God anymore. After that I quit going to youth group all together because obviously people were making assumptions about me without talking to me first.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't let other people convince you that if you don't go to Bible study every week then you must be struggling in your walk with God. Like I said, God knows what's in your heart and He totally understands if you have a test the next day. He wants you to put Him first, but He also wants you to take care of your responsibilities. If you can't make it to Bible study, that doesn't mean you aren't putting God first.
It is much worse, I think, to be the one demanding attendence or talking about someone not being right with God for whatever reason, than it is to skip Bible study. It is often this judgemental attitude that makes non-Christians look poorly at Christians. If we want to be good witnesses we need to show love and understanding first, not superiority and snobbery. And we have to remember that being a good witness doesn't mean just witnessing to non-Christians. The Christians we are around everyday see our actions as well, and are just as influenced by them.
Sorry, I kinda got off subject a bit.
I have issues with groups or people who try to regulate my walk with God. If I choose not to go to a Bible study, whether I have a test the next day or I just feel like staying home, then I should not have to worry about what the other Christians around me are going to think of me or say about me.
An example: when I was a senior in high school I was very active in my church's youth group. Most of the other kids were younger than me (not yet seniors), but still good friends of mine. During my spring semester school became really time consuming. I was concentrating on graduating and would often skip youth group to get my other stuff done. After skipping for several weeks, I finally had a free night when I went back. When I was there a girl came up to me and said, "Oh, I'm so glad you decided to come back to God and to church. I've been praying for you..." I was so offended that she assumed that because I hadn't been going to church that meant I wasn't walking with God anymore. After that I quit going to youth group all together because obviously people were making assumptions about me without talking to me first.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't let other people convince you that if you don't go to Bible study every week then you must be struggling in your walk with God. Like I said, God knows what's in your heart and He totally understands if you have a test the next day. He wants you to put Him first, but He also wants you to take care of your responsibilities. If you can't make it to Bible study, that doesn't mean you aren't putting God first.
It is much worse, I think, to be the one demanding attendence or talking about someone not being right with God for whatever reason, than it is to skip Bible study. It is often this judgemental attitude that makes non-Christians look poorly at Christians. If we want to be good witnesses we need to show love and understanding first, not superiority and snobbery. And we have to remember that being a good witness doesn't mean just witnessing to non-Christians. The Christians we are around everyday see our actions as well, and are just as influenced by them.
Sorry, I kinda got off subject a bit.
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I hope I'm not too late to reply to this.
Trying to do a college small group is frustrating because college students are'nt reliable. So from a teacher's standpoint I understand why he would try to demand some dedication. By unreliable I mean people who commit to something and put absoletely NO effort into it. However, as a student your job is to be a student. If you need to study, then studying is your number one priority. If your choice is small group or goint out with friends to Starbucks, then that's not cool. As a student you represent God by the effort you put into your school work. So I exhort you to make school your priority, but show the leader of your small group that you value him and that ministry by attending when you can and things like that.
Trying to do a college small group is frustrating because college students are'nt reliable. So from a teacher's standpoint I understand why he would try to demand some dedication. By unreliable I mean people who commit to something and put absoletely NO effort into it. However, as a student your job is to be a student. If you need to study, then studying is your number one priority. If your choice is small group or goint out with friends to Starbucks, then that's not cool. As a student you represent God by the effort you put into your school work. So I exhort you to make school your priority, but show the leader of your small group that you value him and that ministry by attending when you can and things like that.
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This is a dilemma that I have to deal with as the leader of a small group. Do we let people come-and-go on a whim? Or do we ask them to make a commitment? The simple answer is that it depends on the format of the group; however, that doesn't necessarily resolve the issue.
Group format dictates the necessity of attendance. If the group is setup as a class, such as for Bible study, sporadic attendance is detrimental solely (souly?) to the participant. However, if the group is setup as a discussion or accountability group, then irregular attendance impacts the entire group.
How is it that the attendance of one person can impact an entire group? Besides being unavailable to contribute, the random attendee inhibits the intimacy of the group. Group sharing will likely remain superficial because participants haven't become comfortable with everyone present. This is one reason why some groups are "closed" to visitors.
My group is experimenting with a short participation commitment. Anybody else try this? What were the results?
Group format dictates the necessity of attendance. If the group is setup as a class, such as for Bible study, sporadic attendance is detrimental solely (souly?) to the participant. However, if the group is setup as a discussion or accountability group, then irregular attendance impacts the entire group.
How is it that the attendance of one person can impact an entire group? Besides being unavailable to contribute, the random attendee inhibits the intimacy of the group. Group sharing will likely remain superficial because participants haven't become comfortable with everyone present. This is one reason why some groups are "closed" to visitors.
My group is experimenting with a short participation commitment. Anybody else try this? What were the results?
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