Book of Faith
As adopted by the Bethany Church Council on September 22, 2009
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Whereas all the baptized when they affirm their baptism promise “to hear the Word of God” and “to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed”;
Whereas all parents and sponsors covenant to place the holy scriptures in the hands of their children and nurture them in faith and prayer;
Whereas pastors at their ordination vow to be diligent in their study of the Holy Scriptures;
Whereas the ELCA has begun a Book of Faith Initiative inviting everyone to join the conversation, to make a commitment, and to become part of the initiative (see www.bookoffaith.org).
Be it resolved, that we become a “Book of Faith” church, committing ourselves to live in and from the Word of God in all our meetings, assemblies and events, so that as we regularly and increasingly hear, read, study, share and are engaged by God’s Word, we lead by example in faithful service and holy living;
Be it further resolved that the leadership of our Bethany Lutheran Church—shall be teachers of the faith of this church and shall provide leadership for the life and witness of this church”—in coordination with the Synod Advocate lead this initiative personally and through collaborative programmatic work within the existing framework of our ministry;
Be it further resolved that all members of Bethany Lutheran Church covenant together to begin a regular practice of Bible study and prayer, gathering with others in the community to speak and hear the Word from one another;
Be it further resolved that we celebrate and continue to support and strengthen those places where Scripture is already taught and engaged, such as Women of the ELCA Bible studies, camping and campus ministries, lay schools, congregational councils, Sunday school and other congregational groups.
Be it further resolved that we encourage other churches and organizations we support to become a “Book of Faith” organization, which will find expression by:
- exploring new opportunities for engaging the Bible,
- sending sufficient numbers of members to synod events for training as Bible study leaders,
- including biblical study as an integral part of all meetings and groups,
We covenant together to do these things in order to become more fluent in the first language of faith—the language of Scripture—that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered, and sent by the Word.
The place to enter Adult Faith Formation.
In 2007 the ELCA began the Book of Faith initiative stating our desire, “That the whole church become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered, and sent by the Word.”
We here at Bethany have been embarking on the journey of becoming more intimate with our scriptures.
Our major emphasis and tool for the Book of Faith Initiative is an intensive year-long study of the Bible from Genesis to the Gospels and beyond called Disciple Bible Study. We began in January of 2008 and have had a number of graduating classes. The journey has been enjoyable and satisfying as we grow in our knowledge, community and discipleship. Hear some of your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as they growing in their faith and leading our congregation on this journey:
I like hearing everyone’s viewpoints on the themes and how they apply to today.
I have certainly made new relationships with fellow BLC members- I love that.
To take a step back and survey the Old Testament has given me a better sense of symmetry in God’s scheme and strengthened my faith.
What started out as work is becoming a joy, I look forward to being more knowledgeable about the remainder of the Bible…this will become a life-long pattern.
I’m more comfortable with my many unanswered questions.
I am able to relate to sermons better and explain to others.
Prayer together is great!
This Bible study is enriching to our community in that it helps us to worship meaningfully, grow spiritually, serve purposefully, share fellowship and witness intentionally. Disciple is a 9-month study that requires reading scripture daily for about 45 minutes and then coming together in community once per week to explore scripture together. This winter we are starting a new Disciple I Bible Study on Wednesday evenings starting with 6:30 PM worship and studying from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Anyone is welcome to join, whether you have studied scripture your whole life or want to begin now. This experience is one that benefits from a diverse group of participants willing to listen to the Bible, one another’s experiences, and how the Spirit is moving. We hope that each and every one of you will prayerfully consider this invitation.
For more information:
Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry
ruthann@bethany-denver.org
303-758-2820
