Rhonda Sholar

Women of the Word

Rhonda Sholar

March 30, 2011

NEW TRENDS IN BIBLE STUDIES CATER TO THE TIME-DEPRIVED AND THE INTERNET SAVVY.
Women have long been known to be the backbone of Christian congregations in America. According to a 2000 report from Christian researcher George Barna, one out of every five Christian women—or 20 percent—belong to a small group that meets regularly for Bible study, prayer or Christian fellowship. The same statistic among men is only 13 percent.
Unfortunately, family and jobs tend to dictate how much time a woman devotes to study of the Word. As women progress through different life stages they desire Bible studies that are tailored to their interests, schedules and spiritual maturity.
"There will always be new moms looking for new-mom studies and a new batch of empty nesters looking for empty-nester material," says Jennifer Leo, marketing director for Tyndale House Publishers. "The same woman will look for different things at different points in her life."
Authors have stepped up to the plate and created Bible studies that cover all areas of the spectrum: some require no homework, others include daily assignments; some are designed for personal study and others are for groups; and some studies are self-contained while others guide users to utilize encyclopedias, concordances and different translations of the Bible.
Here are some trends to consider when looking for your next Bible study and ideas to make current study more meaningful.
Holy Headlock

Rhonda Sholar

August 31, 2003

Ted 'Million Dollar Man' DiBiase is back in the ring. Now instead of slamming bodies, he's working to save souls.
The 49-year-old is recreating the sights and sounds of the world he left behind a decade ago into a wrestling show centered around the gospel of Jesus Christ in parable form. The stage he sets at churches across America resembles one found at professional wrestling venues, with recognizable celebrities, cheering crowds and state-of-the-art technology.
Women of The Word

Rhonda Sholar

July 31, 2003

NEW TRENDS IN BIBLE STUDIES CATER TO THE TIME-DEPRIVED AND THE INTERNET SAVVY.
Women have long been known to be the backbone of Christian congregations in America. According to a 2000 report from Christian researcher George Barna, one out of every five Christian women--or 20 percent--belong to a small group that meets regularly for Bible study, prayer or Christian fellowship. The same statistic among men is only 13 percent.
Unfortunately, family and jobs tend to dictate how much time a woman devotes to study of the Word. As women progress through different life stages they desire Bible studies that are tailored to their interests, schedules and spiritual maturity.
Gift Ideas Blossom For Spring

Rhonda Sholar

March 31, 2002

Americans celebrate moms, brides, grooms and grads with new energy
The events of September 11, 2001, have left Americans searching for ways to honor those who are important in our lives. Spring holidays and celebrations are gift-giving occasions to do just that. Here's a look at some of the top Christian gifts for Mother's Day, graduation and weddings.
MOTHER'S DAY
Anna Jarvis, credited for initiating the first Mother's Day in 1908, may finally see her intention for a nationwide "day of sentiment" honoring all mothers fulfilled this year. A National Retail Federation (NRF) survey shows that consumers overwhelmingly plan to extend the celebration of Mother's Day by honoring someone other than their own mothers.
Giving Meaningful Gifts

Rhonda Sholar

September 30, 2001

It's always a delight to bless those you love. Now you can increase the pleasure by choosing items with spiritual significance.
Several gift businesses and gift lines born from tragedy or overwhelming circumstances have been turned into ministries by people who have the vision to help others survive what they've lived through. Gifts produced by these companies are tools used to encourage humor, healing and remembrance of a loss. And these are just the tip of the iceberg in inspirational products.
HUMOR FOR THE HEART
Sometimes reasons to celebrate are readily apparent; other times one has to look for them, as Sue Buchanan did when she triumphed over breast cancer 18 years ago. Her experience is chronicled in her book, I'm Alive & the Doctor's Dead.