About The Kerygma Program
What Is The Kerygma Program? pdf version
The Kerygma Program is an adult Bible study program designed to help lay people engage Scripture with confidence, depth, and imagination. Used by congregations across many Christian denominations, Kerygma Bible studies invite participants to study Scripture actively—learning together in ways that deepen understanding, strengthen faith, and build Christian community.
Founded in a congregational setting, Kerygma provides carefully structured Bible study resources that take the biblical text seriously, honor a wide range of experience, and support thoughtful discussion rather than prescribed conclusions. Our studies are designed for both participants and leaders, encouraging shared learning rather than lecture-based teaching.
Kerygma groups are led, not taught. Leaders serve as facilitators—learners among learners—guiding conversation, reflection, and discovery.
Why “Kerygma”?
Kerygma is a Greek word meaning “proclamation” or “message.” In the New Testament, it refers to the proclamation of the gospel—the good news of God in Jesus Christ.
We use the word Kerygma to describe the message of the whole Bible. The biblical story begins in Genesis and unfolds throughout Scripture. Kerygma Bible studies invite participants to engage that message thoughtfully, faithfully, and in community.
What Kerygma Bible Study Is Designed to Do
- Increase biblical knowledge and understanding
- Encourage personal spiritual growth
- Deepen appreciation for worship and Christian service
- Strengthen Christian community
- Inspire vitality in congregational life
Our studies are biblical, adaptable, affordable, and effective, supporting congregations of many sizes, traditions, and levels of experience.
Educational Approach: Learning Through Participation
Inductive, Discussion-Based Bible Study
The Kerygma educational approach is inductive. Participants prepare individually using the Resource Book, then come together to explore Scripture through discussion, reflection, and shared insight.
- Encourages lively, interactive group Bible study
- Welcomes beginners and experienced learners alike
- Connects Scripture to personal faith and congregational life
Rather than passively receiving information, participants take responsibility for their own learning, enriching the experience for the whole group.
Leaders as Facilitators
In Kerygma studies, “leader” is preferred to “teacher.” Leaders guide the learning process, foster conversation, and create space for discovery rather than delivering lectures.
Educational Foundations and Guidelines
Teaching has always been central to the life of the people of God. The Kerygma Program draws on the best of contemporary adult education theory while remaining rooted in Scripture.
- Every study includes a Resource Book and a Leader’s Guide
- The Bible is the primary text for study
- Participants are supported in learning to:
- Understand both the basics and complexities of Scripture
- Develop skills for interpreting the Bible
- Apply biblical insights to contemporary faith and life
These guidelines reflect a core conviction: adults are capable and willing learners when offered serious, well-designed Bible study opportunities.
Theological Approach: Biblical Theology First
The Kerygma Program emphasizes biblical theology rather than teaching a specific confessional or systematic theology. Bible study is understood as a foundation for theological reflection, not its conclusion.
- The Bible is best studied as a whole. Foundational courses focus on whole-Bible understanding; elective courses are developed in light of this aim.
- Scripture should be allowed to speak for itself. Kerygma resources use the best available scholarly tools to illuminate Scripture in its original contexts.
- Biblical understanding precedes theological belief. Theology grows out of Scripture. Learners are encouraged to remain open, curious, and ready to discover something new.
This approach has enabled Kerygma Bible studies to serve congregations across many theological traditions.
Scripture and the Life of the Church
Throughout history, Scripture has shaped, informed, challenged, and inspired the people of God. The Bible—heard, read, studied, and proclaimed—has formed faith and guided the church’s life and mission.
In the contemporary church, however, adult engagement with Scripture has declined. While the Bible is widely respected, it is often not regularly read or seriously studied by adults. This has resulted in widespread biblical illiteracy, a concern shared by theologians, clergy, and Christian educators.
The Kerygma Program was developed in response to this challenge. Across congregations of many sizes and settings, adults are rediscovering Bible study as an exciting and transformative practice.
Purpose, Principles, and Convictions
Purpose
The primary purpose of The Kerygma Program is to promote and facilitate responsible, effective adult Bible study in the church.
- Publishing high-quality Bible study resources
- Recommending proven strategies for sustaining study groups
- Sponsoring leader training and educational events
- Providing tools for program administration and promotion
Program Principles
- The biblical story is foundational to Christian education
- Scripture should be interpreted within the whole canon
- Critical scholarship strengthens biblical understanding
- Lay people are capable of serious Bible study
- Adults learn best through active participation
- Bible study helps communities discern God’s word for today
Program Structure: Courses and Materials
Courses of Study
The Kerygma Program offers approximately 40 Bible study courses, including:
- Foundational courses covering the whole Bible (30–34 sessions)
- Semester-length studies focused on a single biblical book (10–14 sessions)
- Shorter studies exploring specific themes or texts (4–8 sessions)
Most courses fit into 60–90 minute sessions and may be scheduled weekly or biweekly.
How the Materials Work Together
Resource Book: Written by a biblical scholar in a reader-friendly style and used by every participant, including leaders. Individual preparation is essential and enriches group discussion.
Leader’s Guide and Leader Materials: Written by an educator, offering participatory session plans with multiple activity options. Digital materials may include PDFs, slide presentations, and author background videos. Printed copies are available upon request.
Supplementary Texts: Some studies recommend optional companion commentaries to support preparation.
Leadership in Kerygma Bible Studies
Because Kerygma groups are facilitated rather than taught, leaders need skills different from traditional classroom teachers. Effective leaders are committed to preparation and to guiding shared learning.
- Reading and understanding biblical material
- Facilitating group discussion and learning
- Committing to preparation
Leaders may be clergy, educators, or lay people. Team leadership is common, and training is encouraged.
Structure and Design: Planning for Successful Bible Study
A core principle of The Kerygma Program is that educational design matters. Effective adult Bible study requires planning, structure, and congregational commitment.
Drawing on the academic model, Kerygma encourages congregations to:
- Assign administrative responsibility
- Select courses within a long-range plan
- Schedule studies around participant availability
- Train and support leaders
- Promote the program clearly
- Use registration to reinforce commitment
Flexibility is essential. There is no single model. Studies may be offered in churches or homes, on weekdays or weekends, in large or small groups.
Our Commitment to Congregations
We see ourselves as partners in your congregation’s educational ministry. Our goal is to make planning and leading adult Bible study accessible, effective, and meaningful—so groups can focus on listening for God’s word together.
Think big.
Bring a seminary-level Bible study experience to your congregation with The Kerygma Program.