Created for Twenty-first Century Christians
We live in an age where the body of knowledge is greater than at any time in history. While we are smarter and have access to more information than ever today’s Christian is Biblically illiterate.
George Gallup, Jr., head of the national polling group that bears his name, reported to a gathering of The Evangelical Press Association that most Americans say they believe in God and Jesus and trust the Bible.
“However, statistics show that Americans are ignorant of the doctrines and history of their chosen faiths, and half the nation’s Christians do not know who delivered the Sermon on the Mount. We revere the Bible, but don’t read it. We believe the Ten Commandments to be valid rules for living, although we can’t name them,” Gallup reported.
“Biblically Challenged,” an article in the November 3, 2009, Christian Century magazine affirms the notion.
“The Bible is the all-time best selling book – according to a 2002 Gallup poll, nearly every American (93 percent) owns at least one – yet it seems people know little about it. A Kelton Research survey in 2007 indicated that people know more about what goes into a Big Mac than they know about the Bible and can name members of the Brady Bunch far better than they can name the Ten Commandments. A 1997 Barna survey showed that 12 percent of adults think that Noah’s wife was Joan of Ark, and about half don’t know that the book of Isaiah is in the Old Testament. Yet another poll (Gallup, 2004) revealed that one in ten teens thinks that Moses was one of the 12 apostles.”
The Bible contains the formational material upon which we build our faith, but if people do not read or do not understand what is in the Bible one has to question the foundation. Finding time to read in this hectic, stress-filled culture is difficult, especially reading scriptures that might be difficult to understand.
Efird Bible Studies were created for twenty-first century Christians, people who earnestly want to learn more about what is contained in the scriptures. These studies are designed so as to accommodate many of the more popular learning methods.
Because this culture is accustomed to getting information and entertainment from television, Efird Bible Studies contain video-based instruction. Dr. Mickey Efird has the scholarly knowledge you want while also being a master communicator so understandable that most all can comprehend the material.
For those who struggle with short attention spans each video lesson contains about twenty minutes of material. Those who learn best through the written word find the accompanying participant workbook, with a printed outline of key points made in each video lesson extremely helpful. Further, thought-provoking discussion questions follow each lesson so that experiential learners can hear others’ feedback to the material presented.
Finally, each study is kept as compact as practicable so as to present the material in the shortest number of lessons without requiring lengthy reading assignments.
User friendly
In addition to the video DVD format each Efird Bible Study is available on compact disc (CD) format, ideal for listening while driving or exercising.
DVD studies are easy to view on laptop computers, DVD players or projection systems.
Participant workbooks accompany each study and contain key points made in each lesson along with six to ten questions that are guaranteed to generate further thought or discussion about what was covered in the lesson.
Every Efird Bible Study was filmed with Dr. Efird teaching a live audience in a local church. They are edited into lessons containing about twenty minutes of content so as to make them flexible for most every group or individual application. For instance, Sunday School classes find they can easily accommodate one video lesson and group discussion within a 50 minute format. Other groups enjoy combining two or more lessons into one sitting, reducing the number of sessions required to complete the study.
Users also appreciate the lack of extensive homework or study assignments in Efird studies. To be sufficiently prepared for the next lesson generally involves no more than reading one or two chapters of scripture.
Easy to facilitate
Even though Pastors understand the critical importance of Bible study they often find there just isn’t enough time to prepare and teach these studies themselves. They are justifiably concerned about allowing others conduct studies within their churches. Laypersons often feel inadequate to lead Bible studies because they don’t feel qualified to present the material.
Efird Bible Studies were designed so that either clergy or laypersons could easily and comfortably facilitate the studies. After review most pastors report great comfort with Dr. Efird’s scholarly and theological approach to the Bible. Laypersons take comfort in the fact that they don’t need to be an expert in the Bible to facilitate these studies – Dr. Efird taught this same material to pastors for more than 45 years so it is nice to allow him to be the biblical expert.
Each group study is accompanied by a very thorough Facilitator’s Guide which contains helpful information about promoting the studies within your church, arranging the room for maximum effectiveness and tips for ensuring full participation by group members.
Efird Bible Study team members are always happy to answer questions or help in coaching facilitators.
Can I feel comfortable with Dr. Efird’s theology?
Before purchasing or using any Bible study it is wise to learn more about the theology and approach of the teacher. We welcome such an examination. From our very beginning Efird Bible Studies have gladly offered each purchaser a sixty day money-back guarantee if the content or material is not satisfactory.
Dr. Mickey Efird thoroughly understands the forms of literature found in the Bible, the historical context in which scriptures were written and he is an acknowledged scholar of the languages found in the earliest transcripts. He is an ordained Presbyterian pastor and a person of deep faith. As such he is careful to be true and faithful to the texts, employing a historical-critical perspective in teaching.
Dr. Efird explains his approach to teaching the Bible. “To understand those books is not an easy task, for they were written many years ago, from 2000 to 2500 years ago, in a different time, different culture, different thought patterns, and in different languages from ours.
“We affirm that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are THE revelation of God to the human race. If we believe that, it behooves us to approach those documents reverently and openly to try as best we can to ascertain what the originally inspired writers were led to say to the people of that time and place. The classic statement about Scripture indicates that it is the ‘only infallible rule of faith and practice.’ Note carefully what that says and does not say. There is no claim here for infallible history or geography or science or politics, but there is the claim that these books contain the infallible rule of faith and practice, i. e. these are books which tell us about ‘religion,’ the nature of God, how God relates to the world, why God created the world, how we humans are to relate to God and how do we get into proper relationship with this marvelous Deity, and how we are to behave and act if we accept God's offer of relationship. When the books speak at these points, it is assumed that the teaching is true and is to be obeyed whether we agree with those teachings or not.
“We do believe that the solution to humanity's sin and subsequent problems lies in the teaching of these documents. If so, it is imperative that we try to understand them correctly and properly and insofar as it is possible to set aside our preconceptions about what those books teach and approach them afresh as if we were hearing them in their original setting.”
What others say about these studies:
"Mickey Efird teaches with faithfulness, creativity and energy, opening the ancient texts in ways that are ever-new. Clergy and laity return to the refreshing well of his teaching over and over again."
Rev. Hope Morgan Ward, United Methodist Bishop, Mississippi Annual Conference
"Dr. Mickey Efird has spent a lifetime sharing his excitement and sheer joy in Bible study. Both lay people and clergy will benefit from his mastery of what the Bible says and how it relates to us today. Mickey Efird is a treasure. Whether you know a lot, a little or nothing about the Bible, you will be blessed by studying it with him."
Dr. Denny White, Secretary, Western NC Conference UMC, Charlotte, NC
"People respond very warmly to Dr. Efird. He’s fun, clear and precise, and explicit. The theology is palatable for laypeople, not too heavy and deep that you have to digest for a long time to understand. Dr. Efird has a winsome southern style of lecturing and teaching that is very warm, and something people really respond to – a little of Charles Kuralt’s personality."
Dr. Ivan Peden, First UMC, Charlotte, NC
"Dr. Efird is truly one of God's elect, who was predestined to help people interpret the books of the Bible. His style is comfortable and cozy, making the studies a real joy. During the Acts of the Apostles Series, our group developed a deepened spiritual connection which led to making a church banner with a quote from Acts. The Revelation Series was a distinct epiphany for me, bringing home the message of "hope" and releasing any misunderstood fear of the book. Thank You, Dr. Efird!"
Patricia Gordon - St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, High Point, NC
Comments about From Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Overview of the Bible
"In this study, Dr. Efird answered questions that I have had for a long time. His overview of the major sections of the Bible helped me understand better how all of the Scriptures fit together. He puts into perspective how to interpret the Scriptures by applied practices, problems, and reasoning for what was happening during Biblical times. He shares overall information that gives you a new perspective in studying and interpreting the Bible. Dr. Efird brings humor, depth, and understanding to difficult-to-understand Scripture and gives information on why things were written as they were, and how we can apply them today."
Vicki Walton, Holland's United Methodist Church, Garner, NC, layperson
“Mickey Efird is the best scholar in the world! I have a layperson leading our study, and the attendance is amazing. The video curriculum works well for us and we are enjoying it thoroughly.”
Jim Goddard, Pleasant View UMC, VA
"We are getting tremendous response from Acts. The first night had 10 or 12; ended up with about 25 in the course. We are thoroughly enjoying it. We would recommend it to any church or any group. You can tailor it to 5-10 people, or 20-50 people. We are also using the tape ministry for shut-ins.”
Retired Rev. Richard Benninghove who serves with his wife Rev. Lorertta Benninghove; Victoria UMC, VA
"The video study on John is great! I am running it on Wednesday mornings and nights for over 20 people. Anyone that knows Mickey knows that he is a great teacher. Mickey is just a blessing. He is such a nice fellow. He truly cares.”
Rev. Allan Murphey; Brookneal UMC, Brookneal, VA
"We did Revelation in the fall. It opened our eyes so completely. It is a book of comfort when you are going through hard times. Everyone is so favorably impressed that they want to get more of this man! We've done Disciple 1, 2, and 3 and this is what we need now. We can't get enough of his Bible study."
Nancy Berry, layperson, Sharon UMC Charlotte, NC
"Our youth wanted to study Revelation. They are impressed with Dr. Efird’s study so much that they are telling their friends at High School how neat the studies are, and have hung the flyers there! You’ve got a great product. We’ll be doing more of the studies when this one is over."
Rev. Will Pruett, Brown’s View UMC
Return to Home Page |