It never ceases to amaze me how some Christians do not find corporate Bible Study (or any Bible study for that matter)to be a necessary priority for the church. I was informed of a deacon who commented after a church split, "We don't have time to think about the teaching ministries of the church right now. We have too many other things on our plate."

WHAT?! I was floored. Church is not a social gathering, democratic assembly, political arena. It is the House of God. And, if we do not come to church for solid doctrinal teaching, then what do we come to church for? Not to mention, the very fact that this deacon believes that the teaching minitries of the church are not a priority speaks to the dire need of sound beliblcal teaching in that church (and every other church with a similar beliefs of minimizing teaching).

This is how Satan works - making Christians too busy to know God through His word.

I believe that Bible Study and studying God's word is extremely important in the church. Our church not only has Sunday Bible Study classes, but also home groups (some meet at the church - others in members homes, Bible Studies during the week days and on Wednesday nights.

It is also another opportunity to fellowship.

Everytime I go to church, I feel like I am back in the Middle Ages.

Dear Jim,

May I ask why? If it is for the reasons I think (like what is taught seems to not relate to what one is going through today or people are so stuck in tradition that the teaching does not seem relevant), I can understand. About 8 months ago, I joined a new church my third over the course of my lifetime. In my former church of 15 years, I did not experience the community, iron sharpening iron, authenticity, or shepherding I studied in the Bible or longed for. Thankfully, I found a church home that is intentional about spiritual growth, developing relationships with each other in small groups to help each other through temptations or despair, and pursuing God. This church appeals to my desire to connecting my intellect and my heart so that I can live a life of obedience. I wanted to learn more about God and how to experience Him in a genuine way. I have never been drawn to "just" an emotional response to the church experience (meaning I never needed loud music, entertaining preaching, or liveliness) in order to worship.I needed more of HIM not more programs, concerts, or more of the same. God's Word does not change (the principles), but how we apply the Word to address the issues of the culture (the method)does change in order to meet people where they are. It is my prayer that you not give up on the church, but to find a church home that is out of the "Middle Ages."