MINISTRY//What makes 316NOW special? The teachings

Recently, a longtime Chinese friend explained what makes 316NOW’s online Bible institute an extraordinary blessing to the Church in China. Since she has taken classes with all of our teachers, she can speak with a authority.

We are dividing her comments among three Ministry Blog posts (September 21-October 5). Last Monday’s installment focused on our professors. This post concerns what we teach in our Bible institute.

316NOW’s approach to teaching God’s Word is not known in China. No matter the topic, the Bible institute professors all emphasize the good news of God’s grace in Jesus and carefully explain — as well as live out — the differences between God’s law and his gospel. In Chinese churches the law message is what is emphasized. That leaves most Christians burdened by the impossible demands of God’s law.

The Bible institute differs from Chinese courses for Christian leaders by explaining the value of structuring worship services and sermons based on the seasons of the church year. Usually sermon series in China are disconnected from Advent, Lent, Easter, and other seasons. Pastors preach on topics that interest them or topics that the Three-Self Church tells them to address.

316NOW’s Bible institute also teaches students how to study the Bible. Students learn how to dig deeply into a section of Scripture before teaching a Bible class or preaching a sermon. They also discover how to suggest appropriate applications based on the portion of the Word of God they are studying. Most pastors in China do not know this systematic approach to studying Scripture exists.

What you can do: 316NOW’s professors strive to model Biblical scholarship and pastoral care for their students. Ask the Spirit to continue to empower these pastors to shepherd their students.