An insight into a Bible Month Training Day
Rev. Dr. Jasmine Devadason, Learning and Development Officer
of the North West and Mann Region gives an overview of their
Bible Month training day.
We found our Bible Month training day most useful as a call to address the
growing illiteracy of Biblical stories by giving an exposure to the theological and
Biblical understanding of the chosen book, Colossians.
Around 80 participants from different parts of the North West region
representing various churches actively participated in the regional Bible month
training day at Knutsford Methodist Church on 9th March 2019. “Carry your
Bible when you are young, and it will carry you when you are old,” was the
saying that was emphasised throughout the day.
Rev. Steve Wild began the day with a powerful Bible study, explaining the
importance of the visible image of Christ in contrast to the invisible image of
God. He called on the participants to engage in mission and evangelism as Paul
had done to and through the Church of Colossians.
We had two workshops on the theological perspective of Colossians. Canon Rev.
Dr. David Holgate led a workshop on “the cosmic Christ of Colossians versus
human tradition and elemental spirits of the universe.”
The second workshop was led by Rev. Dr. Raj Bharat Patta on “a public
theological reading of Colossians”. Raj explored the kind of public conversations
going on at Colossae during Paul’s time, which include a multi-faith
conversation, Rome’s exit and growing philosophies of their times.
Towards the end of the training day the call was to discern to the public square
of our 21st century and try to apply the gospel of Jesus Christ relevant and
meaningful for us.
On the whole, the training day was a rich learning experience for many
participants and all really enjoyed interacting with the magazine. Participants
gave very positive feedback on the insights received during the day. As a region
we look forward to next year and to focus on another book from the Bible
together.
4 LWPT