Reading Scripture for Transformation

While Christians take the Bible seriously, they do not all approach it in the same way. Some, for example, study the Bible to gain information or knowledge. They are seeking detailed information about biblical events, the practices of the early church, or doctrines of the faith. Such knowledge, of course, may or may not have an impact upon how one lives, which ought to be the central priority. The serious disciple of Jesus Christ is not reading the Bible just for information, but also for transformation of his or her life.

Some go to the Bible to solve a pressing and immediate need. They are in search of healing, comfort, forgiveness, or another special need they see in their lives. But we must go deeper. We must approach Scripture in humility and repentance not just to meet what we see as a need, but to open ourselves to being transformed in the totality of our lives. We need to approach the Bible not just for information, or a solution to a pressing need, but for transformation.
This retreat will center on experiencing Scripture in this manner.  It will include various ways of reading Scripture, meditating on it, praying it, and making it the core of our being. We will read the Bible to foster a life of intimacy with God reading to engage the heart, not just the head.

In this retreat we will practice engaging the Bible in a variety of ways that serve this purpose. We also will consider individually as well in dialog with others how such use of Scripture can become an ongoing and deep part of our lives.