Formational Reading of Scripture: The African Bible Study Method

Likely the most utilized Bible study method in the catechumenate is the African Bible Study method (also called collation). As Go Make Disciples describes “it refers to the process of ‘collecting’ or gathering thoughts, reflections, and prayers through the hearing of a passage of Scripture read multiple times” (140). It bears marked similarity to the ancient devotional practice of Lectio Divina. New Christian communities in South Africa employed it in the 1960’s and 1970’s as a way of evangelizing and building the church. All three primary methods of Bible study can be utilized throughout any of the stages of the catechumenate. However, I think this method works particularly well in the first two stages of Inquiry and the Catechumenate stage. It exposes inquirers and catechumens to the Word of God in a non-threatening and inviting way. It facilitates an encounter with the Word in which becoming familiar with God’s self-revelation in Christ Jesus is at the center. That encounter takes place through this method in the context of where the inquirer and catechumen are in the specificity of their lived experience. (This would be true of all three methods.) As with the other two methods, the African study method meets the inquirer where they are at, not where the church wants them to be. In other words, the focus is not on discursive, propositional study of the Scriptures. It is not the downloading of all the catechetical and doctrinal knowledge that we believe the catechumen needs to have. With these methods we have to release for controlling the movement toward right belief. We have to let the Spirit lead through the Word in this encounter. But that doesn’t mean this approach isn’t catechetical. The catechesis arises from and out of the encounter with the Word.

So what is the pattern of reading, reflection, and sharing in this method?

• Typically, the biblical text is the Gospel reading for the “current” Sunday (that is, if the group gathers on Sunday, they will use the text from that day). The same reading is used throughout the week, Monday through Saturday, on whatever day the group meets. [Other texts, including liturgical texts or rituals, can also be used].
• The Gospel text is read three times, each time with a different prompt for individual reflection. There are different kinds of prompts that can be used.
  • First reading, reflection, and sharing.
    • The catechist gives the first prompt, “Listen for a word, phrase, or image that captures your attention,” pauses for a brief time of silence, and then reads the text slowly.
    • After the reading and a short silence, each person shares their word, phrase, or image; no one comments on what others have said.
  • Second reading, reflection, and sharing.
    • The catechist gives the second prompt, followed by silence, before the text is read slowly a second time by someone else.
    • Second prompt (here are two options)
      • How is God speaking to you in this story? Or
      • What theme or concerns do you hear in this text?
    • After the reading and a short silence, each person shares briefly; no one comments on what others have said.
  • Third reading, reflection, and sharing.
    • The catechist gives the third prompt, followed by silence, before the text is read slowly the third time by someone else.
    • Third prompt (here are two options)
      • Where does this passage touch my life today? Or
      • A question crafted by the catechumenal team specific to the Gospel reading. These questions were written for Matthew 11:25-30.
        • What burdens are you carrying now?
        • What is the Son revealing to you at this point in your life?
      • Optional addition after the second reading: The catechist may offer a voice from tradition which illuminates the passage in some way (i.e. scriptural teaching and/or catechesis); this “voice from tradition” should be prepared in consultation with the pastor or may be one or two points from the Sunday’s sermon.

This provides the basic pattern, but there are numerous other structural options. Central to this experience is each individual inquirer’s or catechumen’s encounter with the Word. That is why the silence and the prohibition against speaking until all who want to express their response to the prompts have done so. The catechist catechizes in this method by the kinds of prompts they provide, by their guiding of the process, and by their initial teaching that flows from the time together in the Word. This method decidedly expresses the conviction that the agent of conversion and strengthening of faith is the Holy Spirit through the living and breathing Word of God.