Bible Study

Introduction
The purpose of the Bible Study is to train up people to righteousness.  This is done via study of the Bible so that we properly understand its doctrine and apply the truth to our lives, growing more and more into the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Since the point is to grow up into spiritual maturity we must keep each other accountable, which requires that everyone share how they are applying the lessons from each week's study and honestly answer when asked how their application of the scripture is going.  We must keep each other accountable.  If you do not want to grow and be kept accountable, this study is not for you.

Rules
1. Confidentiality: In order to be open about our struggles, no one may share outside the group what members of the group share during the study.  Each person in the study must sign a pledge to that effect.  Note: it is the responsibility of the leaders to report any information about illegal activities that might be revealed.

2. Participation: It is expected that attendees will have prepared their study prior to the start of the meeting.  Anyone may attend and listen, but those who arrive unprepared are not allowed to speak during the study portion of the evening.

3. Organization: The study is partitioned into three parts: worship, study, and prayer requests.  Study and prayer requests involve taking turns so that everyone who is prepared has a chance to share what they've learned.  While it is allowed for others to ask clarifying questions, everyone must be quiet while others are sharing.  Prayer requests or praise reports should be limited to prayer request time.

4. Prayer Requests: People are limited to no more than five (5) minutes to share their prayer requests.  Although some context may be required when making a request, this should be as abbreviated as possible.  Extensive details should be avoided.  Some examples: you can ask for prayer for your relationship with your wife, but sharing that you suspect she is cheating would be inappropriate.  A struggle with an addiction may be mentioned, but details about related sexual behavior may not.  Interpersonal issues at work are a valid area of prayer, but names of individuals, a list of their wrongs, or expressions of your distaste for others are not allowed.  This is a Bible study, not a therapy session: if you have marital problems, for instance, get them addressed with a marriage counselor - not at the meeting.  We can pray for the relationship without having to know the details.

5. Start/End Time: The study starts at 6:00 pm.  Someone else will lead if that night's leader doesn't arrive by 6:00 pm.  Leaders should arrive before 6:00 pm.  The meeting ends after everyone has a chance to share prayer requests, but no later than 8:00 pm.

6. Fellowship: before and after the study, attendees can fellowship with each other if they wish.

7. Behavior:
a) People who arrive under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave.  People who arrive smelling of marijuana will be asked to leave. 
b) People who are disruptive will be asked to leave.  Disruptive behavior includes swearing, being abusive or physically aggressive toward others, being a distraction, disturbing others who are meeting in the church, trying to monopolize attention, or acting out in ways that are clearly contrary to scriptural directives (for example, promoting clearly unbiblical doctrine, expressing hatred towards someone or an unwillingness to repent of sin). 
c) Sinful behavior will not be tolerated: this includes gossip, complaining, unkind comments about others, activities which are illegal, and demonstrating ungodly attitudes.  
d) Non-church-related business may not be conducted on church property.
e) Unsolicited advice should not be given to others.
f) Damage to, or causing disorder on, church property is not allowed, and may result in criminal proceedings.

8. Politics: We want the Bible study to be welcoming to everyone regardless of political persuasion.  Therefore politics should be avoided - especially partisan politics.  Examples of inappropriate political behavior:
a) Asking for prayer that a particular candidate or party would win/lose (it is okay to ask for God's will to be done or for protection/wisdom for our leaders).
b) Bringing petitions for people to sign.
c) Promoting web sites, influencers, organizations, or shows that are political in nature.
d) Soliciting aid for a candidate or political party.

9. Corrective action: Leadership may ask that someone violating the behavior guidelines leave the meeting and/or that they not return for a period of time.  The intention is to be corrective, not punitive.


Some relevant scriptures:

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful...  James 2:12-13

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.  James 1:22

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers and sisters, this should not be.  James 3:9-10

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.  Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it...  James 4:11

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  Colossians 3:13

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language frmm your lips.  Colossians 3:8

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  Colossians 3:2

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.  Galatians 6:1

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  Ephesians 4:29

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.  2 Thessalonians 3:6

But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler.  Do not even eat with such people.  1 Corinthians 5:11

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time.  After that, have nothing to do with them.  Titus 3:10

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.  Luke 6:45b