I have been working on an idea for a computer program that I wanted to run by my readers.
One of the major types of Bible study that is done in congregations is the “what does this mean to you” Bible study. This is where people get together, read the passage, and then discuss what they understand it to mean. Asking what a passage means for today is an important step in Bible study, but it should be the last step, not the first (and certainly not the only). A basic understanding of the historical setting and literary aspects of the text should inform the question of what we do with the text in a modern setting.
Many people who lead Bible studies in parishes are not Bible scholars, nor can we expect them to be. They can do a lot of work in preparing for the sessions, but then their problem is getting the information across to the other members. Ideally, all of the participants should have read the background material before coming to the class, and sometimes this happens. But that involves each member buying the books and taking the time to read them.
What I am considering is a computer program that would help people with the preparation for the class. The program would be based on individual books of the Bible. I am probably going to do Genesis first, so I will describe the project in relationship to that book.
I imagine a ten week study of the book. Each week brings a new lesson. The lesson will include a video presentation that will take about 30 minutes. The presentation will be a video version of a PowerPoint presentation with voice over.  This will be followed by a section that proposes discussion questions for the class members to prepare in advance (15-30 minutes). They will be able to enter their answers and thoughts into the program and print them out to take to class. This will also save their answers in case they want to refer back to them later. The program will also include a section of resources such as maps, timelines, short Bible dictionary, study methods, etc.
Lessons would be broken down by passages. The first lesson would concentrate on an introduction to Genesis. The next week could cover Genesis 1, with Genesis 2-3 following. Week four would cover the Flood, and so on.
After the preparation, the class members come to class and engage in the standard “what does this mean to you” discussion. But they will be doing so with an informed understanding of the text. This should make the class meetings more focused and productive.
The program I am envisioning would be sold under a license that would allow the church to make copies of the CD to pass out to each of the participants in the class. This would make it cheaper than a book, since each member of the class would not need to buy a copy of the book. The program could remain on the class members computers so they could refer back to it long after the class was done. The program could also be used for individual study, if someone was not part of a group.
Does this sound like the sort of thing that people would use in their congregations? I hope to get an early version written and use it in a few congregations around here, but I would appreciate any ideas that other people have. I would especially like to hear from those who are not biblical scholars but participate in Bible study in your congregation. Would this type of program appeal to you? What features would you like to see in such a program? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
On March 31st, 2007 at 2:51 am
Kevin, I delayed commenting because I do not fit your desired profile, but still wanted to put in my 2c !
I think this sounds great.
Have you pitched the idea to any publishers?
I’d be inclined to make the video with some talking head shots as well as PPT slides, or clips made up in PhotoStory so as to make the result more engaging. (It would make the presenter more “real”.)
On March 31st, 2007 at 8:02 am
I had planned to do lots of animation in the PowerPoint presentations. I don’t want it to just be text. I plan to include lots of pictures, maps, and other media objects.
I may do some brief talking head shots in the introductory video, but other than that I want it to be about the material. Plus, taking personal video adds another level of complexity to the development process.
As for publishers, I am considering pitching it. I am thinking about publishers like Abingdon and Cokesbury that have a strong presence in church education.
By the way, anyone know a nice foundation or similar group that gives grants to people to develop Bible software?
On April 3rd, 2007 at 1:52 pm
I entirely agree about putting the focus on the material, and so using photos, charts etc most of the time, though I suspect that your audience may feel more “connected” if there is at least a little “talking head” to establish the speaker as a real person. Maybe a very short introduction, and a very short conclusion?
I wish I knew of a source of funding, though I would have rushed to them first!