As the second semester rolls in at Xavier, the campus ministry staff has launched a positive resource for students to unwind and deepen their faith outside their required theology class.
Noah Minton, campus ministry member and teacher of freshman theology class, launched the idea of a Bible study last year. This year, his Bible study was finalized and hosted on Thursday, January 16 at lunch in F211, where it plans to be hosted every other Thursday.
All Xavier students are welcome to attend and bring their lunches, friends and excitement to further their faith journeys. The Bible study is student-led, and besides the Bibles, snacks are provided by Minton.
Bible study is a relaxed student environment, differing from the typical structured, teacher-led theology class. When the students arrive at lunch, they are in a Socratic seminar setting, allowing conversations to flow.
“There are plenty of ways to do a good Bible study, but I think the best Bible studies that I’ve ever been in are the kind that aren’t like another theology class. It’s rather like a setting where we can just read the Scriptures together, sit with them, dwell with them, and allow the Lord to speak into our hearts and share what’s going on,” said Minton.
Minton shared, like many others, that he benefits from reading scripture due to the personal connections he makes. Instead of studying the words in the Bible, he needs to examine how they make him feel and how they resonate with his life.
“The Bible is not everything, but it is a tool we love dearly because it is like God’s diary. It is like him writing about himself for our benefit so that we can know him well. If it sounds intimate, it’s because it is,” Minton said.
Every time the Bible study meets, students discuss the gospel that will be read at the Sunday Mass. This allows students to study beforehand and connect during the following Mass.
Students who understand the content have a better time engaging and participating in Mass.
“Doing this allows the girls to study ahead of time. Suddenly, you’re in Mass and hear these words that we were studying early in the week, and you’re locked back in,” said Minton.
Senior Courtney Harris attended the first Bible study on January 16 and found it a transformative experience, as someone who enjoys a deep relationship with Christ.
“It was interpersonal; we had so much fun reading the gospel. We read 2 John 1-11 and made connections to our lives. I felt that no matter what happens in my life, the world will continue to go on,” said Harris.
Jaina Kaiser, another senior who has attended Bible studies, has also found them impactful and hopes to continue deepening her relationship with God.
“I think that it’s a great way for the students at Xavier to grow in their faith and learn about the Lord through His word,” Kaiser said.
Xavier’s Bible study will continue to flourish and grow as the weeks go by. It is a wonderful, safe place to continue building a deeper relationship with God with guidance from peers and Noah Minton.
