Bethel Bible Series: a new chapter for Bethel

Way back in the late 1950’s, Pastor Harley Swiggum, then an Associate Pastor at Bethel (and still a member here), developed a study of the entire Bible, which became known as the Bethel Bible Series.


His idea was to train a carefully selected group of the congregation’s members using a disciplined, high commitment arrangement, and then have these trainers teach the rest of the congregation.


This experiment, or should I say ‘dream’, worked! After remarkable success here at Bethel, the Adult Christian Education Foundation was established and the Bethel Series was born. The Bethel Series was then offered to other congregations throughout the country, and later, around the world. Again the Bethel Series was greeted with great enthusiasm and participation.


Enter Yours Truly! In the summer of 1964, my congregation in Ohio sent me to Madison for two weeks of intensive Bethel Series training. Harley Swiggum was the teacher and I shall always remember that experience. In many ways, it was an awakening. I enthusiastically returned to Ohio and, for the next two years, had the privilege of training sixteen dedicated students. It was a wonderful experience for me, for those students, and then for our congregations.


The Bethel Series still lives on and, here at Bethel, each year a couple of classes are offered to members and taught by dedicated fellow members. Those will resume this fall.


The Bethel Series was born here at Bethel. It was and continues to be a blessing for many of our members and for others around the world. We are hoping for a re-birth experience here at Bethel Lutheran, and I am excited about this project.


Please contact me, the Education Office (Lori Poulson), or speak to anyone who has Bethel Series experience.


On Sunday mornings, in August and September, we will be at a table in the Emmaus Room to provide information.


The Bethel Series theme is ‘Blessed to be a Blessing.’ I look forward to sharing this blessing with you.

In Christ,
—Pastor Curt Everson
 

For more information and to register:
Call Lori in the education office (608-257-3577, ext. 335)
 

Bethel Bible Series:
How it Affects Our Lives

As a baptized, confirmed, and committed Christian, it wasn’t till I had taken the Bethel Bible Series that I understood why my faith was rooted in the scriptures, and to Jesus Christ and his teachings.

In a confusing world of many faiths and religions, beliefs and opinions, the Bethel Bible Series has given me the tools of knowledge and understanding for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I now feel secure in my daily life and to express my faith with others whether it be Christians on the right or left of Bible philosophy, evolutionists or creationists, atheists or antagonists. It is comforting to have the ability to communicate accurate facts with assurity’s confidence.

Questioning has always been a part of my nature and to go beyond the surface is an opportunity. The Bethel Bible Series is an in-depth study—perfect for those who have a mind-set of why, not how…

Being a professional educator I respect a well structured, inspiring class. Teachers of the world-renowned Bethel Bible Series are well trained, informed, encouraging, and stimulating.

Many Christians have not experienced any study since Sunday School or Confirmation. Learning is a life-long process with rewards that are bountiful and meaningful. Why not add some fun and spice to your life and reacquaint yourself to a fascinating history of HIS STORY?

—Don Hunt

Editor’s note: Don Hunt is the director of Bethel Horizons’ Art Ventures program, Bethel member for forty years, and former Bethel Bible Series instructor.