For the past six years, a twice-yearly Bible study programme hosted by Bexhill United Reformed Church has quietly grown into something much larger than we first imagined. What began as a local church initiative has gradually become a genuine ecumenical gathering, bringing together Christians from across our town and neighbouring communities.
Today, participants regularly come not only from our own congregation but also from six other churches representing different denominations. Many of those who attend no longer see the programme as belonging solely to my church; rather, it has become a shared Christian venture in which everyone contributes, participates, and takes ownership. In a time when churches often speak about working together, this Bible study has become a practical expression of that unity.
The programme runs on Wednesday mornings from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm. Each session begins with a short act of devotion led by one of our retired ministers. This is followed by a presentation of approximately twenty to thirty minutes, introducing the theme and key biblical insights for the day by myself. Participants then divide into small groups for discussion, exploring together how the material relates to faith, discipleship and daily life.
After a tea break, everyone gathers again for a plenary session. People from each group share significant reflections and discoveries that emerged from their conversations. The morning concludes in a particularly meaningful way. Led by another retired minister, participants stand together in a large circle, holding hands as we pray for one another, share the Grace, and offer mutual blessings before returning home. When the whole course finishes, people bring their own packed lunch, and we have it all together with drinks and refreshments.
Recognising that many people are unable to attend during working hours, we have also developed an online element alongside the face-to-face programme. Video presentations, including reflections on the weekly themes, are recorded and made available through the church website. PDF versions of the study booklets used during the sessions are also freely accessible to download, allowing anyone to participate at a time convenient to them. This hybrid approach has enabled the ministry to reach a wider audience while maintaining the warmth and fellowship of the in-person gatherings.
One of the highlights of this year’s Lenten Bible Study was “Seeing Through Art: The Pictures from the Biblical Texts at the National Gallery.” During the course, participants explored biblical themes through some of the National Gallery’s most significant religious paintings. The study generated such enthusiasm that many participants expressed a desire to see the paintings in person.
As a result, following the conclusion of the course, we organised a day trip to the National Gallery in London. A 23-seat coach was hired, and participants from several churches travelled together to view the works they had spent weeks studying. It was a memorable occasion in which biblical learning, artistic appreciation, Christian fellowship and shared pilgrimage came together in a unique and enriching way.
Perhaps one of the most encouraging aspects of the excursion was the way it was funded. The cost was met entirely through voluntary donations that participants had contributed throughout the Bible study programmes over the years. This generosity reflects the sense of ownership and commitment that has developed over the years. What began as individual contributions towards refreshments and materials eventually enabled a substantial shared venture that benefited the whole community.
Over the past six years, the programme has explored a wide range of themes, including:
- The Grace of Les Misérables
- The Ten Commandments
- Jesus the “I Am”: Ego Eimi
- St Paul’s Mission Journeys in Acts
- The Parables of Jesus
- The Beatitudes: The Sermon on the Mount
- The Holy Spirit and the Church
- Seeing Through Art: The Pictures from the Biblical Texts at the National Gallery
Each theme has sought to combine biblical study with practical discipleship, encouraging participants not merely to learn more about Scripture but also to grow in faith and fellowship.
Looking ahead, our Autumn Bible Study begins on 2 September and will run for ten weeks. Responding to repeated requests from participants, the programme will focus on The Book of Revelation. Often regarded as one of the most challenging books in the Bible, Revelation offers profound themes of hope, perseverance, worship and the ultimate sovereignty of Christ. We look forward to exploring these themes together with friends old and new.
At a time when many churches face challenges of declining participation and increasing isolation, this ministry offers a simple but encouraging reminder. When Christians gather around Scripture, listen carefully to one another, pray together and share hospitality, genuine community can flourish. The friendships formed across denominational boundaries have become as valuable as the studies themselves.
What began as a Bible study has become a living expression of Christian unity. For that, we give thanks to God.
Revd Terry Jin
