Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)
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 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 31 countries (2005). There are close to 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 one year, 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.
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. The system of structured weekly study, including the weekly questions and notes that Miss Johnson prepared for her friends, formed the basis of BSF today. BSF itself 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.
In Australia, BSF spawned a very popular and less-intense program of bible study called
Know Your Bible or KYB. The first teaching leader in Australia, Jean Raddon, recognised 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 Vision of BSF International reads "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 takes a strongly orthodox line in its teaching. It aims to be non-controversial on most non-
salvation issues. When there is more than one interpretation for a text, both are usually given. Members are not encouraged to accept one or the other. 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, as expected of a tightly structured and highly disciplined organisation.
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.
As with all Christian organisations, BSF is not without its critics. Some of the criticisms are documented on the internet (see links below). On the other hand, many Christians from all denominations, both
Protestant and
Roman Catholic, as well as non-Christians, find ample blessing from the disciplined approach to personal bible study. One long-standing Discussion Leader made the comment "BSF is not perfect, but it's simply the best bible study going around."
*
BSF International*
BSF Ministry*
BSF Statement of Faith*
BSF history*
Homiletics*
BSF method of homiletics*
Letter of Resignation*
BSF: A Closer Look*
KYB bible study program*
CWCI*
Jean Raddon
