UPDATE
March 28th, 2011
I no longer teach in the BSF program but I was very blessed to be part of this wonderful program for three years.The BSF children’s program strived to teach truth to the children about biblical concepts and did not try to merely entertain them. I have never met a more dedicated and godly group of women.
I did leave BSF for other reasons, which is discussed in some of the other articles. The executive branch would not publicly address the issued raised by others concerned about new age and emergent books recommended in their newsletter and the scripture taken from “The Message.” “The Message” is not a bible but a paraphrase written by universalist Eugene Peterson who has alarmed many in discernment circles by his unbiblical writings and endorsement of the heretical book, “The Shack.”
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I am a children’s leader in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and this will be my third year teaching, and my seventh year overall. This year we will be studying The Book of John. September 2009 – May 2010.
The extent of this program to teach the Bible to the children is quite amazing. The children’s BSF program consists of 5 parts. We start in assembly for hymns and prayer. First in the class we have the discussion of questions and answers of the Bible passage we are studying, then we have Discovery or Homiletics which is a fun way of learning Bible truths and applying them. Next we give the the Bible lesson itself from scripture. The last activity varies according to the age group. The younger children are usually playing a verse memorization game. For the older children, we have Basic Truths or The Atttributes of God.
I am amazed at the quality of the lessons that are provided for these children. If you have ever participated in BSF then you may know that the lessons for the children are almost the same as the adults. The only difference is that the lesson is age appropriate. The basic principles that are taught for the Bible passage are the same as the adults.
The goal of the children’s program is to bring families together through mutual study of the Bible, to teach children the Word of God and encourage them to love and serve Him, and apply the principles in their daily lives. BSF is meant to supplement Christian teaching in the home and the church, not replace it. A parent cannot drop off the child on class night. Both have to be in attendance.
We spent a lot of time just on the safety of the children. There are ALWAYS two adults with the children. The same person who dropped off the child has to pick him/her up. This is the same procedure for all age groups, 1st grade through high school. So you can see the importance that is placed on your child’s safety while they are in our care.
I previously attended BSF as an enrolled participant and have been amazed at the wonderful staff and the dedicated discussion leaders who head up each group of ladies when they separate for the discussion groups. Every year my love grows for our teaching leader and know her as a true and loving servant of the Lord.
What an honor and joy it is to be able to work with these women whom I highly appreciate. Surely, I am not worthy….so I am extremely humbled to be offered such an opportunity to serve my Maker and teach children the Word of God.
21 comments
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September 26, 2007 at 11:42 am
Jim Jordan
Hello,
I am a children’s supervisor and a former CL in BSF. You’ve taken on a big challenge but it is also a great blessing. The Bible came alive for me when I had to be prepared each week to give a bIble lesson. I already have a few Matthew studies posted at my blog.
Are you teaching pre-school or school program?
Good luck and God will bless you!
Jim
September 26, 2007 at 8:26 pm
Kim
Hi Jim.. i teach the 4th level…junior high. What a wonderful program this is.. and i am constantly amazed at what level these children absorb the Word of God.
This is a challenge…but also an absolute blessing.
October 13, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Rachel
Blessings on you guys. I too am a CL in BSF (preschool). I was wondering if you had heard of a BLOG or website to share ideas with other CL’s for our program planning.
You think you are amazed at what 10-11 year olds absorb…the perception and understanding of 2-5 year olds is truly amazing, and a mighty feat of the Holy Spirit!
Rachel (in colorado)
October 14, 2008 at 7:52 am
Kim
Hi Rachel,
No I haven’t heard of a blog just to share planning ideas. If we did we would still have to share these ideas at the weekly meeting with the children’s supervisor. But sharing and learning from others is fun and inspiring.
I have never attended or been in a preschool class. I would love to sometime. A friend who attends the day class because her children are in preschool should start her oldest in evening class next year.
I wish to tell others that in BSF we are thoroughly trained in each week’s lesson but we always rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us to instuct, teach and share the Word of God.
During the week all the leaders pray that the Holy Spirit helps us prepare and present a life changing message.
Working and teaching the children in our classes is truly a mighty feat of the Holy Spirit. Mighty acts are the theme next week with the teachings of the plagues against Pharaoh.
Blessings to you Rachel, and for using this opportunity to serve the Lord.
February 23, 2009 at 1:24 am
dawn
dear Sister,
i stay in Singapore. I have heard of BSF for Adults. But this is the first time i hear of BSF for Children.
i am interested in signing up my little girl for BSF for children, if there is one in Singapore. Do any of you happen to know where or how is it being conducted ? or who can i possibly contact or email ? what is the youngest age they can join ?
Thanks very much, for all your kind help, sisters!
God bless!
dawn🙂
February 23, 2009 at 8:44 am
Kim
dawn,
Hello, Thank you so much for inquiring. The youngest age is 2 years old. The day classes offer preschool classes for children 2-5 during classtime. The evening classes offer 5 levels of classes for students ages 6-17.
You have be enrolled and be attending the class to bring your children.
Wow, I looked at the list of Singapore classes and there are 7 locations for daytime classes and 6 locations for evening classes. I have provided two links below. The first one is the home link and the second the class location link. You will not find on the site which location has the children classes. This is because we need a certain amount of enrolled children to have a certain level open. So please find the location nearest you and contact that person for more information.
http://www.bsfinternational.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx
http://www.bsfinternational.org/Classes/Locate/tabid/81/Default.aspx
This year i am teaching the 7-8th graders. We are assigned a new age every year. This program is awesome and teaches children many Bible truths. The goal is to bring families together in Christ.
The programs are blossoming in other countries, and BSF has been very blessed to somehow open classes in China, through a small window of opportunity.
I hope and pray you find a class for your dear family. You will be blessed indeed. The first class of every month is an introduction class. You will not be able to bring your child to the introduction class but you can sign up there for the following week.
See also my article
https://kimolsen.wordpress.com/2008/09/06/introduction-to-bsf-bible-study-fellowship/
February 25, 2009 at 12:20 pm
dawn
Bogor
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i have a maid, hometown in Bogor (Indonesia). She said many poor parents with young kids are very hungry for the precious, living Word of God over there. Presently, there is only one small church in Bogor, run by Pastor Esther. Pastor said she is very keen to receive help to set up “BSF for Children” in Bogor, so that more families can be reached out to, and be blessed.
Pastor said for past 10 years, she had persevered in praying unceasingly faithfully for miracle to happen. That Lord Jesus will create a miracle 1 day somehow, to teach Word of God to less privileged, poor children in Bogor, through BSF. So that they too can grow up and become soldiers of God’s Army for – God’s mighty use and God’s glory one day. For Faith comes by hearing, and hearing from the Word of God.
however when i visited website, i realized that “BSF Children classs” are only conducted in Jakarta so far. But Bogor is far away from Jakarta, as Indonesia is very large. Thus, my question is: – i appeal to you …. is there any way to help Pastor Esther set up “BSF for Children” classes in Bogor? If so, how may she go about doing it ? I can forward you her email. Pastor said at present, below 1% population in Bogor are devoted Christians. 99% are Muslims. Pastor Esther said with the help from God, she hope to grow this 1% figure.
Please extend your help, to set up “BSF Children” programme in Bogor.
Thank you so much for … helping to win souls for the kingdom of God; to plant seeds for the Kingdom of God, to help the Poor and less privileged children in Bogor.
God bless you!
Thank you very much for your kind advice.
Most importantly, Thank you so much for … helping to win souls for the kingdom of God and to plant the seed for the Kingdom of God, through providing Christian Education for the Poor and the less privileged.
February 25, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Kim
dawn,
I have forwarded your message to BSF headquarters in San Antonio
As a volunteer I don’t have much clout, but God can do anything.
Also here is where to call or write.
Bible Study Fellowship, International
19001 Huebner Rd
San Antonio, Texas 78258
(210) 492-4676
March 22, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Mildred Johnson
I really miss BSF. I had to take a temporary leave because of family obligations. I am excited to get back to BSF as soon as I can. Studying God’s word with other BSF student was exciting . I hope to be back soon.
October 6, 2009 at 8:55 am
Ronald Oliver
My name is Ron and I am a CL, in Washington State, and I am looking for the site that I can get on so I can get some more Discussion lessons, I can not get anymore from our CL leader, we have alot more kids then we have lessons for. So could you help me out, and tell me where I can get some more copies of our lessons, Thank you, In His service, Ron
October 6, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Kim
The site is
http://www.bsfgroups.org
You can only get the questions, not the lessons.
Blessings to you as a CL
March 27, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Lisa
I was emailed a statistic the other day from BSF that I find hard to believe and would like to know the history/research involved in coming up with it. The lady who sent the email told us: “Last Wed., as she spoke before the women’s class about the children’s program, she said that the staff at BSF Headquarters has calculated that only 1/2 of 1% of the next generation of children in the world will have Biblical knowledge. ” Please enlighten me and send me the research and statistics behind this startling, but hard to believe, statistic.
March 27, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Kim
Wow, that is a sad statistic. While I don’t know how they arrived at the figure…..it doesn’t surprise me.
I left the BSF children’s program to teach in my own church grateful for the fine training. Most of the children who attend my church are brought by their grandparents. There are only a few faithful parents who bring their own children.
Many of the churches in my area are experiencing the same trend. Every week I work hard to prepare a bible lesson for only a handful of children.
Today my children’s classroom was turned into an area to accomodate a buffet line and I had to relocate into the fellowship hall. There seems to be more of a call for potluck… than the true bread, Jesus. I am weeping.
March 29, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Lisa
Kim..do you know anything about how the statistic was derived? I have not had anyone else comment and would really like to see some real scientific or at least an attempt at a study that was done to come up with this statistic. Who at BSF would know who came up with it in the first place? Thanks! and God Bless!
March 29, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Kim
I am no longer involved in the program but here is the phone number and address.
Bible Study Fellowship, International
19001 Huebner Rd
San Antonio, Texas 78258
(210) 492-4676
March 29, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Kim
Wait a minute…you said you were emailed a statistic from BSF? That doesn’t sound like their mode of operations. can you copy the email and post it here?
March 29, 2011 at 5:34 pm
Lisa
“xxx(to protect the innocent!) is the children’s supervisor in the xxxxxx Bible Study Fellowship Class. Last Wed., as she spoke before the women’s class about the children’s program, she said that the staff at BSF Headquarters has calculated that only 1/2 of 1% of the next generation of children in the world will have Biblical knowledge.”
that is what the email said.
March 29, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Kim
Oh okay, sorry. I wasn’t reading carefully enough. I get it. Someone emailed you about what was said at the women’s class.
I remember my CL supervisor would speak at the beginning of a few of the classes about the children’s program. I attended many leader’s meetings but i can’t recall if it was mentioned the source of information.
Nothing I know of holds a candle to the BSF childrens teaching materials.
March 30, 2011 at 6:44 am
Lisa
Thanks Kim. I’m going to call them and see what they say. I just want to see the research. I am a research scientist and as someone that has done many clinical and socio-economic studies, this statistic sounds very unreasonable. I’ll let you know what they say!
October 29, 2011 at 6:44 am
Jim Jordan
Hi Kim,
Sorry to see you’re no longer with BSF. It is really meant as a training center for people to go out from to spread the gospel. I’m still CS after 7 years in the children’s program. I know there are bound to be disagreements with doctrine and especially the book selection. My leaders and I complained about the prohibition of a non-denominational church’s members in leadership a few years back. They changed their policy a year later.
Although I don’t know how much longer my schedule will allow me to continue, serving somewhere in the cause of Christ is now as important as breathing for me.
God bless,
Jim
October 29, 2011 at 7:55 am
Kim
Hi Jim, It is a pleasure to hear from you.
I agree that BSF is a good center for training in biblical knowledge and it is my desire that it remain so. One of the lectures pierced my heart when we were asked about our personal ministries for Christ.
There are no perfect bible studies but it is important to me that doctrine is addressed.
There were some women who left BSF because of the variety of denominations in the discussion groups…I never had any problems with this because BSF holds close to their doctrinal statement. Let’s say a Mormon signed up for classes. They would finally hear the truth about Jesus and have to truly consider if they following the Jesus of the Bible and learn about true salvation. But it would not be right to allow a Mormon into leadership or a Roman Catholic. This is a more extreme example than what I think you are referring to though.
The Bible predicts a one world religion and ecumenism is occuring today. A putting aside of biblical foundations so that we can have common ground is an indication of the woes to come.
Yes I know the demanding schedule but I know the Lord will lead you.
kim
There are many issues that do not divide, but there are some that do. And I believe in biblical separation on some major issues.
That BSF would endorse a book that is written by Dallas Willard shows extreme lack of discernment. When Paul instructed us to be Bereans and search the scriptures to see if what we are being told is true…this is wisdom.
I am indebted to BSF and the Childrens Program for the training I received there so that I could serve the Lord as He guides me in conducting Bible studies in my own church and Sunday School.