How can the use of a lectionary in church encourage biblical literacy? That’s the focus of the Feb. 10 Lay Bible Institute, “The Bible We Read in Church,” led by Dr. Vilson Scholz, visiting professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

During the one-day workshop, Scholz will demonstrate how The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Three-Year Lectionary’s series of readings for each Sunday intercommunicate with each other and illustrate the principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture.

“Participants will learn what to expect (and what not to expect) as they listen to the various Bible passages being read in church,” Scholz said. “For example, should they expect a closer connection between Epistle and Gospel or between Old Testament reading and Gospel lesson? It will also become clear that, even though the lectionary doesn’t cover the entire Bible over a period of three years, what is read can, with full confidence, be called ‘the Reader's Digest version of the Bible.’ It is the heart and marrow on the basis of which all the rest can be understood.”

Open to anyone interested in the study of Scripture and proclamation of the Gospel, the workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 10, 2024, in Sieck Hall 202 on campus, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. The registration deadline is Jan. 6, 2024. Cost is $20 per person, $35 with lunch.

The Lay Bible Institute, offered three times a year by Concordia Seminary faculty members, is an ongoing study of the Bible and how it relates to today’s life and events.

For more information or to register, visit csl.edu/lbi or contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu.

About Concordia Seminary

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit csl.edu.