Leader’s Manual (#095511) $19.95
Participant’s Book (#095512) $5.95

Would you like to see a large portion of your congregation joining together in a major, exciting project? Would you also like to see your members focusing on reading the Bible seriously? If so, “The Year of the Bible” is for you.

Of course, reading the entire Bible in one year is a big undertaking. It is amazing, however, to see how many people are enthusiastic about a challenge like this. Some people who have hardly ever read the Bible are inspired by the challenge to read it and consider its meaning for their lives. Other people who have attended Bible classes for years still feel a desire to experience the grand sweep of the Scriptures.

At last count, more than 50,000 people in large numbers of congregations throughout the United States and Canada have used the program. The combination of three vital elements in “The Year of the Bible” seems to make it work so successfully.

1. The Whole Bible. Yes, we’re talking about reading the whole thing—Leviticus and Obadiah, as well as Matthew and Ephesians, but that is why people sign up. They want to read the entirety of the Scriptures rather than simply the same books again and again.
2. The Whole Year. This is what gives bite to the challenge. Participants know that they will have to be disciplined. On average, they will need to read about twenty minutes a day. The commitment is ambitious, but not overwhelming. Making this sort of commitment, and following through with it, are valuable in themselves.
3. The Whole Congregation. This means everyone in the congregation is encouraged to participate. Those members unable to commit to the reading are encouraged to participate by praying for those who are. Still, the usual report is that more folks—often, many more than planners expect—will sign up. On another level, the program coordinates with many aspects of the life of the congregation. For example, worship services can allude to this project regularly. Sermons can be preached from the readings of the previous week. A banner proclaiming “The Year of the Bible” may be installed at the front of the sanctuary as a reminder of the congregation’s commitment. Bible studies, workshops, retreats, and other special events can keep the project in front of the whole congregation.

To help you develop the program in your congregation, I wrote a Leader’s Manual that contains materials not only to organize and publicize the project, but also to carry it out during the year. I emphasize that while this manual provides many ideas for use by the planning team, the intention is to tailor “The Year of the Bible” to your congregation as much as possible. Imagination and creativity are encouraged!

I have also written a Participant’s Book, which includes the daily readings along with a monthly overview article. The articles suggest what readers should look for and what primary themes they will find as they read.

What is the effect of undertaking “The Year of the Bible”? The Bible will become much better known and appreciated by folks in your congregation. In addition, a deeper sense of unity will develop within the congregation. People will share their impressions and questions with each other and relish the sense that they are “in this together.”

Again, if you want your congregation to get involved in a serious, exciting project, and if you want your members to focus on reading the Bible, consider using “The Year of the Bible” in your church.

“The Year of the Bible” program need not begin in January. Many churches begin the program in September, in conjunction with the commencement of church school.

Year of the Bible Leader’s Manual (#095511) $19.95
Year of the Bible Participant’s Book (#095512) $5.95

To order call (800) 524-2612 or go to www.pcusa.org/marketplace.

The Rev. James E. Davison, Ph.D, is Director of Continuing Education and Lecturer in Greek Language and Exegesis at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 616 North Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. He may be reached by phone at (412) 441-3304, x2197.