Book of Faith Initiative

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"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" Mark 13:31

In 2007 the ELCA churchwide assembly voted to embrace an initiative call Book of Faith. The bold vision for this 5 year plan is:

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, and sent by the Word.

Please use the link below to get more information regarding this initiative and use the resources available to help you on your journey through the Book of Faith.

The following “Where Can We Begin?” assessment is being used to gather information about your Bible usage, needs, and hopes. The online survey form will allow you to complete your accessment and submit it by email to be reviewed by Scott Kiehn, Director of Discipleship scott.kiehn@bethesdacarlton.org. If you prefer, you may open the printable version of this survey and either mail or drop the completed form off at the church. Results of the assessment, which can be completed anonymously, will be used to discover the needs of our faith community and planning accordingly.

Where can I Begin? - Printable Version

This “Where Can We Begin?” assessment is being used to gather information about your Bible usage, needs, and hopes. This online form will allow you to complete the assessment and submit it by email to Scott Kiehn, Director of Discipleship. Results of the assessment, which can be anonymous, will be reviewed to discover the needs of our faith ommunity and plan accordingly.

Email
Part 1: We Begin by Remembering 1. What memories do you have about reading or not reading the Bible? (Check all that apply.)	I remember a parent reading the Bible for himself or herself. I experienced a parent or grandparent reading the Bible to or with me. There was a Bible in our home, but I do not recall people reading it. I heard the Bible in Sunday school and/or vacation Bible school. I began reading it for myself when I received a Bible of my own. I have negative memories about the Bible. I encountered study of Scripture or Bible study in campus ministry or college religion courses. I have had little or no opportunity to study the Bible. I received a background in Bible through hearing sermons. I studied the Bible in youth confirmation ministry or adult instruction. I remember thinking about the Bible as a book of faith.
Other memories about reading or not reading the Bible:
2. How do you remember studying the Bible? (Check all that apply)	I remember the teacher reading the story as we listened. I remember pastors/teachers giving lectures about the Bible. I remember pastors/teachers leading discussions about the Bible. I had unhelpful or unhealthy encounters with Scripture. I have no memories of studying the Bible within a faith community. I remember filling in workbooks. I memorized verses from the Bible. I remember singing biblical verses in songs and hymns. I remember doing dramatic readings and acting out Bible stories. I remember watching Bible stories on TV and/or using the computer. I remember studying the Bible when I began to teach in Sunday school.
I remember:
3. What memories do you have of someone teaching or preaching the Bible well for you?
4. Note two or three basic insights, if any, which were instilled in you from Scripture?
5. What words describe your past experience in studying the Bible?
Part 2: Where Am I Now? 1. Do you have a Bible of your own? More than one? What version(s) do you have? (Check all that apply.)	Electronic version King James Version (KJV) or New King James Version (NKJV) New International Version (NIV) New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Revised Standard Version (RSV) The English Standard Version (ESV) The Good News Bible (TEV) The Jerusalem Bible (JB) or New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) The Message
Other Bible versions:
2. What joys and concerns do you have about the Bible? (Check all that apply.)	I feel intimidated by Bible study. I enjoy reading the Bible and am strengthened by it. I think the Bible has little relevance for my life today. I believe the Bible is mostly a guide for my moral living. I think the Bible and its interpretation belong not only to the individual worshiper but to the faith community, and is not just for private use. I am troubled by the Bible because of its contents. I believe it is the pastors who should tell people what the Bible says. I do not know where to start and how to have a plan for Bible reading. I study the Bible to learn about God’s encounter with humankind. I believe that studying the Bible leads us to Christ. The Bible is God’s story and Our story. I think that belief in the Bible leads to a prosperous life. I believe that Christ’s incarnation, cross, and resurrection are central in being a community engaging Scripture. I question the reliability of the Bible. I believe every word in the Bible is factual truth. I think that every Christian should engage in Bible study in the community. I believe that through engagement with Scripture people will be strengthened for mission and ministry in daily life. I believe that Scripture interprets Scripture rather than taking reading Bible passages in isolation or out of context. I interpret the Bible in terms of sin and grace (demand and promise).
Other thoughts you have about the Bible:
3. How do you use the Bible now? (Check all that apply)	In no personal way, because I do not own a Bible In daily Bible reading As a source of help in time of trouble To help me realize the human situation and God’s unconditional love For devotions/conversation among friends and/or family For discussion and growth within my faith community To challenge me to engage in social justice issues I attend a Bible study group outside my congregation. I read a daily devotional book that has some Bible passages. I follow along when Scripture is read in worship services. I have a Bible but do not read it very often. I study the Bible on the Internet. I regularly dig into Scripture in order to empower my ministry in daily life. I am confused by interpretations of the Bible that people around me use. I study the Bible with others to prepare for teaching and/or preaching.
Other responses you wish to give:
4. What sources from the world around you influence the way you think about and interpret the Bible?	Books that I purchased or received from a friend or coworker Radio broadcasts Friends and people with whom I spend time each week Speakers at workshops and synod assemblies (conferences, and so on) The Internet Television, films, and/or other media.
Give examples for your choises above:
5. What one biblical teaching do you hold as central for your faith today?
Part 3: What Needs Do You Have Regarding the Bible and Its Use? 1. What would be helpful for your own personal growth? (Place a check next to those items that you think are needed.)	Help with developing a plan for reading the Bible Basic skills in reading and understanding the Bible Further understanding of the various types of biblical literature More help with Lutheran doctrine in interpreting Scripture An advanced course in digging deeper into Scripture An opportunity to learn more about various ways to teach the Bible An opportunity to help me connect my biblical faith with daily life More help and experience in talking about the Bible with others A time to pray the Scriptures and develop some spiritual disciplines An opportunity to teach the Bible to others A safe environment in which to talk honestly about issues in the Bible
Other things that you think are needed:
What would be helpful for your own personal growth? (Place a check next to those items in which you would participate.)	Help with developing a plan for reading the Bible Basic skills in reading and understanding the Bible Further understanding of the various types of biblical literature More help with Lutheran doctrine in interpreting Scripture An advanced course in digging deeper into Scripture An opportunity to learn more about various ways to teach the Bible An opportunity to help me connect my biblical faith with daily life More help and experience in talking about the Bible with others A time to pray the Scriptures and develop some spiritual disciplines An opportunity to teach the Bible to others A safe environment in which to talk honestly about issues in the Bible
Other things you in which you would participate:
2. What do you think is needed in this faith community and in this church body? (Check all that apply.)	I want my church to be more clear about how to interpret the Bible. I want my church to be more clear about how to interpret the Bible. I think the number of Bible study opportunities we have now is about right. I think we need small groups to help people share faith in caring ways. I think Bible study should begin church meetings. I think we need more kinds of methods for studying Scripture. I think we need more Bible study for children I think we need more Bible study for youth I think we need more Bible study for young adults I think we need more Bible study for middle and older adults I think we need training for more people to know how to teach the Bible.
Part 4: What Do I Envision? From where you are now and given the needs you indicated above, how do you envision thefuture for you and this faith community? What participation and leadership would you be willing to give? (Check all that apply.)	I envision people loving Scripture and hungry to hear and read more I envision people not debilitated but energized for mission and ministry I envision people enriched and equipped for leadership I envision individuals using the Bible more regularly for personal prayer I envision a worshiping community recognizing the biblical themes in the liturgy I envision a safe environment where people are not fearful but open to various meanings in ascriptural text I envision people able to use their biblical knowledge to question, learn, and teach I envision people sharing biblical stories across generations I envision a community able to claim and use their Lutheran theology I envision a community able to fluently speak about its faith in Jesus Christ both within thecongregation and to people beyond the congregation. I envision a consistency and faithfulness in continuing study
Optional Information: Name, address, phone number
You may contact me with questions?	YES NO

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Book of Faith Assessment Tool