What is a Theology Study Group?
Theo (God) + ology (study of) = The Study of God!
Theology groups are open-invitation Learning Groups focusing on studying the person, character, and will of God. Theology Study Groups meet for a limited number of weeks, look for people to commit for all gatherings, and likely have an element of work done ahead of time.
Theology groups are open-invitation Learning Groups focusing on studying the person, character, and will of God. Theology Study Groups meet for a limited number of weeks, look for people to commit for all gatherings, and likely have an element of work done ahead of time.
Exploring Biblical Patterns and Instructions for Gender and Church Leadership
Beginning in March 2022, all who call Zion โhomeโ were invited to join this learning group, which was designed to be an open-handed exploration of Scripture, to discern biblical patterns and instructions regarding church leadership.
Our hope has been to better understand what the Bible does and/or does not say about Godโs design for men and women, particularly as it relates to leadership roles in the Church. A question we are wrestling to address is whether or not Scripture restricts the role of elder/overseer (our โMinistry Councilโ) to men only, or if both men and women may serve in that role. This learning group has helped us to study, share and discuss this topic in general, with the expectation that it will help shape the considerations and conclusions of members in the future.
Monthly study meetings included much prayer, some instruction and lots of dialogue with one another around the main parts of Scripture that seem to speak to the relationship between men and women, particularly as it relates to the Church.
Our hope has been to better understand what the Bible does and/or does not say about Godโs design for men and women, particularly as it relates to leadership roles in the Church. A question we are wrestling to address is whether or not Scripture restricts the role of elder/overseer (our โMinistry Councilโ) to men only, or if both men and women may serve in that role. This learning group has helped us to study, share and discuss this topic in general, with the expectation that it will help shape the considerations and conclusions of members in the future.
Monthly study meetings included much prayer, some instruction and lots of dialogue with one another around the main parts of Scripture that seem to speak to the relationship between men and women, particularly as it relates to the Church.
Commitment
By participating, each person committed themselves to:
- Careful study โ Honesty and diligence before the word of God (Acts 17:11).
- Unhurried reflection โ Content to let the Bible to be silent where it is silent and openminded where the Bible does have something to say.
- Charity and humility โ โโฆmaking every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.โ (Eph 4:3)
- Constant prayer โ For ourselves, our fellow study participants and our church body
Please Note
- Vital to the process, those who registered were expected to make every possible effort to attend all study meetings.
- Homework between each study meeting included much reading of Scripture as well as some articles, in addition to things like basic word studies using the free, easy-to-use online tools provided. Participants could expect to do up to 2 hours of work between meetings each month.
- Zoom participation and/or video recordings are not available, since it is important we are all together to hear one another and the Spirit among us. Strict COVID protocol was observed as necessary for each meeting ensuring a safe learning environment for all.
- The Tools for Studying the Bible Workshop (Feb 5, 2022) was the first step in this process so that we have common language and tools as we talk and study together. We have uploaded the recordings and Dr. Shepherd's handouts to the page. Please view these if you were not able to attend the workshop.
Schedule for Meetings
As of January 2022, subject to adjustments
- Tue, Mar 8 (7-9pm): Establishing a Foundation for Dialogue & Learning
- Tue, Apr 5 (7-9pm): Humankind at Creation (Genesis 1-2)
- Tue, May 3 (7-9pm): Examining the Effects of the Fall (Genesis 3)
- Tue, May 31 (7-9pm): Searching for Patterns in the Gospels & Acts (Asst.)
- Tue, Jun 21 (7-9pm): Marriage, Headcoverings & Worship (1 Cor 7, 11, 14)
- July: No Meeting
- Tue, Aug 9 (7-9pm): Instructions to Men and Women (1 Timothy 2)
- Tue, Sep 6 (7-9pm): Examples of Female Leadership in the Early Church (Asst., incl. Acts 18 & Rom 16)
- Tue, Oct 4 (7-9pm): Other Relevant Texts & Outstanding Questions (TBD)
- Tue, Nov 1 (7-9pm): Considering Next Steps Together