Nebraska Synod ELCA

Cost:

PMA Course for Credit $55
Non-PMA Course $25

The Bible is both essential to our faith and, at times, deeply intimidating. As Lutherans, we have a rich tradition of lay-led Bible study, everyday disciples opening Scripture together and listening for God’s living Word.

If you’re a lay leader who feels called to guide others in Bible study, but you’re not always sure how, this course is for you.

What This Course Is About

Leading Bible Study with Rev. Breen Marie Sipes is a practical, hands-on learning series designed especially for lay leaders in congregations of all sizes, with a special heart for small and rural congregations.

Together we will explore:

• What God might be inviting you and your group to notice through Scripture
• How to create space for honest questions, wonder, and discovery
• Simple, grounded methods you can bring back to your congregation right away

You won’t just learn about Bible study methods—you’ll practice them in class, try them in your own setting, and then return to the group for reflection, help, and feedback.

What You’ll Learn

Across six gatherings, you will:

• Learn and practice three accessible Bible study approaches:
  • Book of Faith Devotional Reading
  • Lectio Divina
  • Serendipity Bible Study method
• Try each method in your own congregation between sessions
• Share your experiences—what worked, what was challenging—and receive encouragement and practical suggestions
• Grow in confidence as a lay leader, able to invite others into meaningful engagement with Scripture

This is a gentle, brave space for people who want to learn by doing, not by “having it all figured out” first.

Who This Is For

This course is designed for:

• Lay leaders who are currently leading or hoping to lead Bible study
• People in small or rural congregations where shared leadership is essential
• Anyone who wants to help others listen for God’s voice through Scripture, even if you:
  • Have never led a Bible study before
  • Feel unsure you “know enough”
  • Are more comfortable asking questions than giving answers

If you carry a desire to help your congregation engage God’s Word more deeply, you belong here.

Class Schedule (All via Zoom)

Wednesdays at 6:30 PM Central

• April 8 – Learn and Practice Book of Faith Devotional Reading
• April 22 – Students Report and Reflect
• April 29 – Learn and Practice Lectio Divina
• May 13 – Students Report and Reflect
• May 27 – Learn and Practice Serendipity Bible Study
• June 10 – Students Report and Reflect

Each session builds on the last, combining learning, practice, and reflection so you can grow steadily as a leader.

Meet the Facilitator: Rev. Breen Marie Sipes

Rev. Breen Marie Sipes is an ELCA pastor based in North Platte, Nebraska, a full-time parent, and a passionate advocate for shared leadership across generations, especially in small congregations.

She brings a rich mix of pastoral and practical experience:

• Has served congregations in rural Pennsylvania and Nebraska
• Currently brings sacraments and worship leadership to Zion, Haigler and Zion, Gothenburg once per month each
• Board co-president and facilitator for Music that Makes Community, where she practices brave shared leadership through communal singing
• Team member for InterGenerate, an ecumenical intergenerational conference
• Team member for Roots & Wings Fellowship, an Episcopal Lily-funded educational experience for clergy designing intergenerational worship

Pastor Breen approaches Bible study as a place for shared discovery, not performance—an environment where lay leaders can experiment, learn, and grow.

What You’ll Take Back to Your Congregation

By the end of this series, you will:

• Have three concrete Bible study methods you can use right away
• Feel more at ease inviting others to learn, wonder, and listen for God through Scripture
• Carry real-life experience from trying these methods in your own setting
• Be connected to other lay leaders who share your call to nurture faith in their communities

Ready to Grow as a Lay Bible Study Leader?

This course is an opportunity to deepen your own relationship with Scripture and to be equipped to guide others—without needing to be “the expert in the room.”

Register now to reserve your place and join other lay leaders who are listening for what God might be inviting us all to notice through God’s living Word.