Bible Study Fellowship (also known as BSF) is an international Christian interdenominational or parachurch fellowship of lay people offering a system of structured bible study. It was begun in 1959 by Audrey Wetherell Johnson, a British evangelist to China.

The BSF system

The BSF system of Bible study is highly organized and disciplined, and uses the technique of exegesis for expository study of the scriptures. BSF holds classes for men, women, children and young adults in 35 countries (2006). There are nearly 1000 classes worldwide. Classes for adult men and women are segregated, though classes for children and young adults are not. Each study lasts for approximately nine months, and over a seven-year cycle BSF classes cover Genesis, Romans, Matthew, Life of Moses, John, Israel and the Minor Prophets, and Acts of the Apostles. The study of Isaiah has been added for 2010.

The BSF system involves four elements; daily questions to encourage personal Bible study, discussion groups (of up to 15 people) for sharing of personal answers to questions, a lecture by the class Teaching Leader covering the past week’s scripture with applications for daily living, and finally a set of notes reinforcing lessons from the previous week (plus a new set of questions for the week ahead). BSF classes and materials are provided free of charge.

Often the Teaching Leader and the notes will present historical details obtained from external sources, as an aid to clearer understanding of the context and background of the scripture being studied.

Discussion groups are led by Discussion Leaders, who are specifically directed to avoid any formal teaching role (this being left to the Holy Spirit during member’s personal quiet times during the week, and the Teaching Leader in his/her lecture). Discussion Leaders facilitate the discussions, and also perform a shepherding role with group members. They attend a separate two-hour training session each week, which involves an initial pass through the week’s questions and answers, and generally a sharing of homiletics (see links below) on the passage being studied.

History

BSF grew out of a program of structured Bible study that A. Wetherell Johnson, a missionary with China Inland Mission, agreed to run for a group of friends in California in 1952. "In 1958, Ms. Johnson accepted an invitation to go to San Francisco to conduct bible classes for the revival converts of Billy Graham's neo-evangelical crusades." BSF began in 1959.

"Upon Johnson's retirement, Rosemary Jensen became Executive Director (ED) and served for nearly twenty years. In 2000, she reportedly moved to the ministry of Wall Watchers in Matthews, North Carolina. Mrs. Jean Nystrand assumed the position of ED. Ms. Jensen maintained close ties to the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals where she was (as of 1996) a standing member of their Executive Council. The Alliance adheres to and advocates covenant theology and the sacramentalism of the Protestant Reformation."

In Australia, BSF spawned a popular and less intense program of Bible study called Know Your Bible or KYB. The first teaching leader in Australia, Jean Raddon, recognized a need in Australia for a structured Bible study that could be run over a shorter time and with smaller groups than the BSF program. The KYB study is run under the auspices of Christian Women Communicating International.

The aims

The vision of BSF International reads "Worldwide training centers teaching the Bible to produce in all participants a vibrant relationship with God and, in as many as are called, a passion to commit without reservation to lead in the cause of Christ in the world."

The main aims of BSF International include:

• personal relationship with God
• daily Bible study
• know Christ in his fullness
• relate Bible study to daily life
• equip members to serve in churches
• help individuals communicate truth
• train Christian leadership
• support churches in the community
• teach preschool and school children
• aid and encourage families in the Christian training of their children.

Board of Directors

In addition to BSF's executive director Jean Nystrand, the organization has the following people on its board of directors:

Officers:

• Judge Ron Rogg, chairman (lawyer and judge)
• Dr. Garth Bolinder, vice chairman (district superintendent, Evangelical Covenant Church)
• Mrs. Lois McCall, treasurer (former BSF Teaching Leader)
• Mrs. Suzanne Sloan, secretary (former BSF Area Advisor)

Other members:

• Dr. John Amuasi (nuclear scientist and educator)
• Mr. Bob Duggins (international businessman)
• Mr. Steve Gately (former BSF Business Manager)
• Dr. Ernest Hastings (pastor)
• Dr. Walter Kaiser Jr. (former President, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary)
• Mr. Bruce Smith (lawyer)
• Mr. Anthony Tan (international businessman)

Countries

According to the organization's Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2006, BSF has offices in the USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Kenya, and Singapore, and has a financial interest in the following 35 countries:

• Australia
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Brazil
• Canada

• China
• Ecuador
• United Kingdom
• France
• Ghana

• Hong Kong
• Hungary

• India
• Indonesia
• Israel

• Japan
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Malaysia
• Myanmar

• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Nigeria
• Peru

• Philippines

• Singapore
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Taiwan

• Tanzania
• USA
• Uganda
• Vietnam
• Zimbabwe

Doctrinal positions and practices

BSF takes the bible literally. Its evangelical origins cause it to be non-controversial on most non-salvation issues. "Fundamental in its beliefs, but ecumenical in its bent, its strategy is to provide an avenue of study without denominational influences. Their suggestion is to use scripture to interpret scripture rather than outside commentaries. When there is more than one interpretation for a text, more than one interpretation may be given but biblical references are encouraged rather than personal opinion. Discussion leaders are encouraged to discourage denominational disagreements and to try to keep the discussion on the biblical references being studied.

There is some variation in teaching on non-essential issues depending upon the viewpoint of the particular Teaching Leader, but on all major points of doctrine the teaching is consistent, in this tightly structured and highly disciplined organization.

BSF has a statement of faith that to which all leaders must agree. It emphasizes salvation by grace through faith (Eph 2:8) while encouraging a holy (sanctified) lifestyle.

Any BSF participant who agrees to the BSF Statement of Faith, when that statement is not in conflict with the church they are a member of, can be called into leadership positions in BSF. There have been controversies in the past that certain denominations or sects are excluded from BSF leadership. BSF is careful not to call someone into leadership where the profession of their faith as a member of their church would be conflict with the BSF statement of faith.

References

External links

• BSF International official website
• BSF Ministry from ministrywatch.com
• BSF history from 4smallgroups.com
• Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals website