Why Study the Bible with International Students?

 

·        God’s word speaks into all cultures (Is 2:2-3)

·        Only the words of Jesus endure forever (Mt 24:35)

·        God’s word is effective in regeneration (1 Pet 1:23)

 

Aim of the Study

 

·        To introduce international students to the person and claims of Christ.  Christianity is not a religious system but a personal relationship with Jesus.  (Use the ‘Come and see’ approach found in John 1:46.)

 

Points to Remember

 

·        Have a long-term perspective.  People of other faiths are seldom converted from one day to the next.  The Bible study group may play an important part in a long process, even if there are no immediate results.

·        Try to encourage a desire to return.  For people from different cultural and religious backgrounds, there is much ‘unthinking’ and ‘unlearning’ to be done.  It takes time; don’t be over-eager and put your friends off.

·        Respect other persons and don’t impose your views.

·        Remember that the cost of becoming a Christian is usually far higher for a Muslim or a Hindu than it is for the nominal Christian or agnostic.

 

Who Can Join the Study?

 

·        Any international student from any background who is interested in finding out what Christians believe.

·        Any national student who shows respect for people from other cultures and is willing to listen and learn.  The ideal group size is around 7-8 people, of whom 2-3 (and no more than half) should be nationals.

 

Hints on Leading

 

·        Good leaders are not lecturers or preachers but facilitators.

·        Good leaders have the right attitude.  Avoid betraying a superior attitude or showing off biblical knowledge.  Use language that is acceptable and comprehensible to your international guests.  Avoid cross-references and creating a ‘them-us’ divide.

·        Listen carefully.  Find out what your international friends really think and believe.  Remember that this is often not what you think someone from that culture or religion ought to think and believe!

·        Be sensitive to prejudice and pre-conceived ideas – theirs and yours.  International students may think ‘Christianity is a Western religion’ or ‘Christianity is no good’.  The national student may think ‘Someone who speaks my language so badly can’t be very intelligent.’

·        Be a friend.  You are not there to judge others but to find out together with them what God has said.  Don’t sacrifice friendship for the sake of winning an argument.  Expect to learn something yourself.

·        Don’t feel under pressure to cover the whole gospel in a single study.  One truth at a time is more effective in the long run.

 

What to Study?

 

·        The aim is to confront people with the person of Jesus, so it is probably best to stick to gospel passages.  Luke is a good place to start with Muslims because so much teaching is given in parables.

·        Decide on the key question first, i.e. the question which relates to the main application of the passage.  Choose other questions of observation, interpretation and application which will build up to that main application point.

 

Running the Study

 

·        Have enough Bibles for everyone – the same version.

·        In making introductions it may be helpful to write down people’s names

·        Don’t be ashamed to open in prayer.  ‘It’s our custom when we read the Bible to pray for God’s help…’  Avoid using Jesus’ name when Muslims are present.

·        Give a brief introductory explanation of the context of the passage.

·        Ask someone who is reasonably fluent in the language to read.  Don’t ask people to read a verse each.

·        Give people time to re-read and to ask about any words or concepts they don’t understand.

·        Use your prepared questions but be flexible.  Involve as many people as possible in the discussion but make sure you get on to the application.

·        Trust the Holy Spirit to apply the word.  He will speak, but it may not always be to those who say the most in discussion.

·        Set a time limit and stick to it unless there’s a very clear reason for carrying on.

·        PRAY!  Before, during and after the study, and follow up in personal fellowship.

 

These hints are compiled from material by Birthe Munch-Fairwood. Birthe-Munck Fairwood was an international student staffworker with KFS-Denmark from 1986-91. She then became the International Coordinator for UCCF-Britain (having married an Englishman in the meantime!). She became national coordinator of the Danish Inter-Cultural Christian Centre (Tvaerkulturelt Center) in 1994. The Centre is an umbrella organization for 70 national and ethnic churches and organizations in Denmark.