How did the Bible come together? What do Christians mean when they call Scripture inspired and authoritative? And how can we study a biblical passage carefully without taking it out of context?
Join us at Wellspring Church for Basic Bible: Introduction to Scripture and Inductive Bible Study, a two-part Global Methodist Church Certified Lay Ministry training course led by Dr. Matt Ayars and Dr. Rick Boyd.
Whether you teach, preach, lead a small group, disciple others, or simply want to understand the Bible more deeply, this course will give you a stronger theological foundation and practical tools for faithful study.
Registration is $20.
Part 1: Introduction to Scripture
Friday, October 2 | 5:30–8:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Matt Ayars
How did the Bible come into being, and why does the church receive these particular writings as Scripture?
In the first session, participants will explore the formation of the biblical canon and the transmission and translation of Scripture throughout history. Dr. Ayars will also introduce essential Christian beliefs about the Bible, including its inspiration, authority, inerrancy, sufficiency, clarity, and unity.
About Dr. Matt Ayars
Dr. Matt Ayars holds a PhD in Old Testament from the University of Chester/St John’s College in England, an MA in Biblical Literature from Wesley Biblical Seminary, and a BA in Bible and Theology from Asbury University.
An experienced Old Testament scholar, educator, and ministry leader, he has taught biblical studies at Emmaus University of Haiti, served as adjunct faculty in Old Testament at Asbury University, and served as president and assistant professor of Old Testament at Wesley Biblical Seminary. He currently serves as lead pastor of Wellspring Church in Madison, Mississippi, and as an elder in the Global Methodist Church.
Part 2: Introduction to Inductive Bible Study
Saturday, October 3 | 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Rick Boyd
How can we move beyond simply reading the Bible to studying it carefully, contextually, and faithfully?
The second session will introduce participants to the inductive Bible study method. Dr. Boyd will explain how literary genre, structure, historical context, and canonical themes shape the meaning of a passage. Participants will also learn to recognize and avoid common interpretive errors, including proof-texting and reading verses apart from their literary and historical contexts.
About Dr. Rick Boyd
Dr. Rick Boyd holds a PhD in New Testament from the London School of Theology. He completed his doctoral work under the supervision of Dr. David Bauer at Asbury Theological Seminary.
Dr. Boyd has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Inductive Biblical Studies since 2019 and has participated in the Evangelical Theological Society, the Institute for Biblical Research, and the Society of Biblical Literature.
Grow as a Student and Teacher of Scripture
By the end of the course, participants will be better prepared to:
Understand how the Bible was formed, transmitted, and translated
Explain foundational Christian beliefs about Scripture
Interpret biblical passages according to their literary and historical contexts
Recognize major biblical genres and understand how they affect interpretation
Avoid common interpretive errors
Use inductive study principles in personal study, preaching, teaching, and discipleship
Take the next step toward reading and teaching Scripture with greater confidence, clarity, and skill.
