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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T183000
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UID:16438-1779906600-1779912000@nebraskasynod.org
SUMMARY:Lead Bible Study with Confidence & Curiosity
DESCRIPTION:Cost: \nPMA Course for Credit $55\nNon-PMA Course $25 \nThe 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. \nIf 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. \nWhat This Course Is About\nLeading 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. \nTogether we will explore: \n\nWhat God might be inviting you and your group to notice through Scripture\nHow to create space for honest questions\, wonder\, and discovery\nSimple\, grounded methods you can bring back to your congregation right away\n\nYou 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. \nWhat You’ll Learn\nAcross six gatherings\, you will: \n\nLearn and practice three accessible Bible study approaches:\n\nBook of Faith Devotional Reading\nLectio Divina\nSerendipity Bible Study method\n\n\nTry each method in your own congregation between sessions\nShare your experiences—what worked\, what was challenging—and receive encouragement and practical suggestions\nGrow in confidence as a lay leader\, able to invite others into meaningful engagement with Scripture\n\nThis is a gentle\, brave space for people who want to learn by doing\, not by “having it all figured out” first. \nWho This Is For\nThis course is designed for: \n\nLay leaders who are currently leading or hoping to lead Bible study\nPeople in small or rural congregations where shared leadership is essential\nAnyone who wants to help others listen for God’s voice through Scripture\, even if you:\n\nHave never led a Bible study before\nFeel unsure you “know enough”\nAre more comfortable asking questions than giving answers\n\n\n\nIf you carry a desire to help your congregation engage God’s Word more deeply\, you belong here. \nClass Schedule (All via Zoom)\nWednesdays at 6:30 PM Central \n\nApril 8 – Learn and Practice Book of Faith Devotional Reading\nApril 22 – Students Report and Reflect\nApril 29 – Learn and Practice Lectio Divina\nMay 13 – Students Report and Reflect\nMay 27 – Learn and Practice Serendipity Bible Study\nJune 10 – Students Report and Reflect\n\nEach session builds on the last\, combining learning\, practice\, and reflection so you can grow steadily as a leader. \nMeet the Facilitator: Rev. Breen Marie Sipes\nRev. 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. \nShe brings a rich mix of pastoral and practical experience: \n\nHas served congregations in rural Pennsylvania and Nebraska\nCurrently brings sacraments and worship leadership to Zion\, Haigler and Zion\, Gothenburg once per month each\nBoard co-president and facilitator for Music that Makes Community\, where she practices brave shared leadership through communal singing\nTeam member for InterGenerate\, an ecumenical intergenerational conference\nTeam member for Roots & Wings Fellowship\, an Episcopal Lily-funded educational experience for clergy designing intergenerational worship\n\nPastor Breen approaches Bible study as a place for shared discovery\, not performance—an environment where lay leaders can experiment\, learn\, and grow. \nWhat You’ll Take Back to Your Congregation\nBy the end of this series\, you will: \n\nHave three concrete Bible study methods you can use right away\nFeel more at ease inviting others to learn\, wonder\, and listen for God through Scripture\nCarry real-life experience from trying these methods in your own setting\nBe connected to other lay leaders who share your call to nurture faith in their communities\n\nReady to Grow as a Lay Bible Study Leader?\nThis 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.” \nRegister 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.
URL:https://nebraskasynod.org/event/16410/2026-05-27/
CATEGORIES:EMMAUS
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