AP and Class Staff Bulletin
January 2024
The Joy and Privilege of Teaching God’s Word
By Debbie Young | Study Content Specialist
“What the Bible says is more important than what we say about it.” That quote, or some version of it, has long been implanted into my thinking. At BSF, we stand firmly upon our commitment to study and teach God’s Word.
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We remain committed to biblical exposition—teaching through books and passages to capture the message rising from that text. We dive deeply to ponder the richness unique within each passage and to surrender our hearts to that truth. We remain convinced that the purity and power of the Scriptures themselves offer a solid foundation that the changing winds and ways of the world cannot overpower.
Over my years in BSF, the words, phrases, doctrines, concepts, admonitions, encouragement, warnings, and truth of Scripture have been driven deeply into my heart. BSF’s commitment to teach the Bible in an expositional manner with excellence has resonated with my growing love for God’s Word. We want to teach the Scriptures with correct historical and biblical context. We seek to understand the intent of the original authors and apply biblical truths and principles in appropriate, life-transforming ways. We want to capture the flow of thought developing within assigned books and weekly passages. We endeavor to handle God’s Word with care, caution, and a sense of our privilege to study and teach the very words of Almighty God.
You have a significant role in upholding God’s Word and empowering real people to live in the refuge of transforming, unchanging, eternal truth. Each week people throughout our organization around the world open, read, and study the Bible. They join a community of people who recognize the value of time and energy devoted to God and His message for humanity. They listen as we explain and teach God’s timeless messages for us today. We cannot overstate the privilege, honor, and responsibility this represents. The God of eternity has given us His revelation in words we can read. And ponder. What a great calling and amazing mission! May God equip us to carry out His plan through our investment in His Word.
Upcoming Events
Revelation registration is opening in late February for BSF. BSFO will open in June (see article in this bulletin).
Prayer Requests
For God to continue to provide classes for our Chinese-speaking communities in North America.
That leaders would commit to serve for the Revelation study and for God to call more leaders to accommodate anticipated growth.
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For leaders in our Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil classes as they regather for in-person meetings.
For energy, excitement, and wise planning and preparation for Revelation.
For God to empower AP as they visit classes to shepherd and lead Class Staff in Revelation planning and preparation.
Praise
Praise to God for the California Children’s Program leaders live-scan fingerprinting that has ensured compliance with a law effective 1 January so that children can continue growing through in-depth Bible study.
Need to Know
Important information for all BSF roles
Updates to Attendance in MyBSF!
You will soon see updates to the Take Attendance portal in MyBSF, as well as updates to the adult and child attendance reports.
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There will be several fixes regarding issues such as leaders and members appearing or not appearing where they should in attendance and a few other changes such as:
- Only current leaders and members will appear in the group in which they are assigned. Former leaders and members will not be recognized in the Take Attendance module.
- Only current leaders will be included with a star symbol next to their name.
- Adult and child attendance records will include a dash symbol (-) to show when someone is not active in the group.
As we make enhancements to our system, we aim to make the attendance process simpler to use and more precise in reflecting class data. Although no system is perfect and issue-free, we emphasize the importance of recording attendance as accurately as possible in MyBSF. This approach will help us maintain high-quality data and improve overall functionality. If your class has been keeping paper records, we ask that you ensure that all your attendance data is entered into MyBSF each week. One option may be to assign this responsibility to your administrative team.
Enduring Names for BSF Events
Over the last few years, BSF events have undergone several iterations and taken on various names. Establishing enduring names and specific purposes creates a sense of continuity, legacy, and tradition among these events.
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Therefore, moving forward:
- Global Summit is the large event, this year in June, that gathers Class Staff (or AP) from around the world for training and equipping these leaders. The 2024 in-person Global Summit is designed for TLs and AP. The 2024 online Global Summit is designed for STLs.
- AP Conference is an event designed for AP and OAP. Sometimes, the AP Conference is embedded in the Global Summit.
- Leaders Workshop will return to the annual rhythm of the BSF year. Held a few weeks before the beginning of the study, the Leaders Workshop will be hosted by each individual class, beginning in 2024, and led by Class Staff for their leaders. Please note the term Leader Events will remain in use for giving on the BSF public website only.
Looking Forward to Revelation
Revelation Global Summit Giving Announcement
TLs, DOTs, and OTs: Please make the following announcement to all leaders and class members monthly until the end of your John Study. A slide is posted in your AP/Class Staff Packet for Revelation Planning (Resource Library keyword search: packet). TLs and CAs: Please create and inform your class of a designated collection location.
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As we anticipate the launch of the Revelation study in August and September, we have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in supporting the teaching of God’s Word. This June, BSF will bring together approximately over 1,500 Teaching Leaders and their supporting Area Personnel for a weeklong Global Summit. This event is dedicated to uniting our Teaching Leaders around BSF’s teaching philosophy and practice with specific training provided by distinguished theologians and Headquarters staff on the book of Revelation and its major themes.
The Global Summit embodies BSF’s commitment to the expository teaching of God’s Word and training of leaders. We recognize that this commitment comes with a significant financial investment, and we trust that the eternal impact will far outweigh the cost.
If you would like to make a donation toward this event, members can access bsfinternational.org and click on Give to give online. Scroll down to Support Specific Ministries and click on Give under Leader Events. Additionally, members can also give in-person in classes at a designated collection plate.
With gratitude in our hearts for God’s provision of our Teaching Leaders and for the timeliness of next year’s Revelation study, we pray for the teaching of God’s Word to be accessible to all who desire to study His Word.
Please pray with us for the following:
- God’s provision of the necessary financial resources
- Development of excellent, God-honoring materials and training
- Teaching Leaders globally as they prepare to teach this glorious book of the Bible
- Men and women to answer God’s call to serve as leaders
- Men, women, students, and children to stream into our classes
- Space for all who desire to attend
Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we embark on this significant journey together.
“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3)
Revelation Planning and Preparation
Please continue to work through your AP/Class Staff Packet for Revelation planning and preparations—especially for BSF communities meeting in-person. Work through logistics and your Worksheet for Estimated Revelation Growth to submit final projections by 29 March.
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Continue casting the vision for the Revelation study using the Monthly Announcements and remember to begin training your leadership using the tools provided in the packet. Watch for the Revelation Pastor Packet, additional trainings, and helps for vision casting teaching Revelation to students and children. This should post to MyBSF in your packet by the end of February! We are grateful for your ongoing planning and preparations for this amazing study! We are praying for you!
Revelation Registration
You will be hearing more about registration for the next study year. The process of transitioning to a new study year will be similar to last year’s with some enhanced functionality.
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Class members, children, and leaders are automatically registered for the next study year in MyBSF. GLs should contact each member to confirm their intent to attend the Revelation study. Watch for for more information in February.
BSF Online Registration for Revelation
BSF ONLINE ONLY
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Current members will be automatically registered for the Revelation study. If a current member wants to switch to a different group, they should wait until 1 June or after.
New members that want to join Revelation should wait until 1 June or after to join a group.
Current OGLs are automatically registered to serve during the Revelation study.
- Exiting OGLs: Make group private beginning 1 March until a replacement OGL is in place.
- New OGLs: Set up groups prior to 1 June to make them available for members to sign up.
- Current OTs/AOTs: Registration is automatic.
- Exiting OTs/AOTs: Work with Online AP for replacements.
- New OTs/AOTs: Work with Online AP and HQ to set up their new OLM prior to 1 June.
For Your Position
Be sure to read for all positions related to your class.
AP / OAP
TL / STL
CA
CS
DOT / DAOT
OT / AOT
Big Idea Change Announcement
An important change is coming regarding the Big Idea and lecture preparation. This change will begin with the Revelation study. Please view this video for details:
Watch Video
Global Summit Registration Deadline 2 February, 2024
TLs and AP: Have you registered for the 10-14 June, 2024 Global Summit in Dallas? It’s not too late! Please register before the 2 February deadline! Learn More
2024 Mileage Rates
US AP
The IRS has updated the mileage reimbursement rate from .655 cents per mile in 2023 to .67 cents per mile in 2024. This mileage rate change has been adjusted in Concur.
International AP
International driving reimbursement rates are available in the new “KM & Mileage Reimbursement Rates 2024” document in the Resource Library. If your rate is not listed, please contact intlfinance@bsfinternational.org.
AP Validation of CP Checklists
As AP make class visits this semester, conduct AP validation of CP Checklists before the class visits.
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AP should update validation dates for all Children’s Leaders and regular volunteers that are marked Eligible and work with Class Staff to update background screening dates of the leaders and volunteers marked Ineligible. Class Staffs should be encouraged to Hide from the CP Checklist any Children’s Leaders or regular volunteers that are no longer serving in the Children’s Program.
AP validation for the start of the class year should be completed by 15 April 2024.
Upcoming Orientations
2024 Orientations:
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21-25 April: In-person TL Orientation (San Antonio area)
- TL application deadline is 27 March.
12-15 May: Online TL, OT, DOT Orientation
- TL, OT, DOT application deadline is 7 April.
11-14 August: Online TL, OT, DOT Orientation
- TL, OT, DOT application deadline is 17 July.
10-14 November: Online TL, OT, DOT Orientation
- TL, OT, DOT application deadline is 16 October.
Changes Coming to BSF Online Website
There are more improvements coming to our BSF Online website.
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At the end of February, users will see the following changes:
- To make searching for a group easier and allow more results to show, the common interest filter will be removed from Find A Group and from My Group settings. If a group is targeted towards a specific common interest, OGLs can indicate this in the Group Name.
- The user experience will be enhanced through a BSF Online landing page that informs people of our current and future studies and how to participate in BSF.
- A user can see the current study as John and after 30 May it will reflect Revelation in Find A Group.
Big Idea Change Announcement
An important change is coming regarding the Big Idea and lecture preparation. This change will begin with the Revelation study. Please view this video for details:
Watch Video
Global Summit Registration Deadline 2 February, 2024
TLs and AP: Have you registered for the 10-14 June, 2024 Global Summit in Dallas? It’s not too late! Please register before the 2 February deadline! Learn More
Online Global Summit for STLs
Week of June 24. More information coming soon!
Retained Monthly Balance Increase to $100 U.S.
Many U.S. classes have established a routine of beginning and ending each month with a minimum balance required to keep their account active, typically around $25. We request that U.S. classes increase their retained monthly balance to $100 to provide you with sufficient funds to expedite remuneration to the host church from the local bank account and to fund any large bank fees. (Please make this change now and note that the CA/AL Manual will be revised to reflect this in June 2024.)
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Write a check to the host church for the total contribution amount (including use of a portion of the retained balance), when you need to. You can go below the normal retained balance to expedite remuneration to your host church if you need to. Be sure to record the actual retained balance in MyBSF.
We realize some classes may not be able to maintain a $100 balance in their accounts due to lower in-class donations. However, we believe this is a goal that can be gradually achieved over time, allowing for a buildup of funds at a pace that aligns with each class’s unique financial situation.
Click here to view a worksheet for examples of how to grow and use the $100 retained monthly balance.
Prison SDGs in MyBSF
If your class has a prison SDG or will be starting one soon, please check the meeting details to make sure it is set up correctly in MyBSF. This will ensure the privacy of the SDG and correctly identify these groups.
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Follow the instructions in the MyBSF Reference Guide to Create a Meeting. When you get to the Location, select the drop-down arrow to search the location options based on the city, state, and country previously entered. If the prison does not appear as an option, select Create New Location.
In the Create Location page that appears, enter the prison information into the location fields, and make sure the following two settings are selected:
- For the Facility Type, select Prison. This is the main indicator to Headquarters that this location is a prison.
- For the Map Pin Status field, select Hide. This setting prevents the location from being found in Find a Group.
If the location of the prison already exists, search for it in the Locations tab (Class > Management > Locations) and make sure these two settings are appropriately set for your meeting.
You are doing great work! Be sure to read the Need to Know section.
Big Idea Change Announcement
An important change is coming regarding the Big Idea and lecture preparation. This change will begin with the Revelation study. Please view this video for details:
Watch Video
Prison SDGs in MyBSF
If your class has a prison SDG or will be starting one soon, please check the meeting details to make sure it is set up correctly in MyBSF. This will ensure the privacy of the SDG and correctly identify these groups.
Read More
Follow the instructions in the MyBSF Reference Guide to Create a Meeting. When you get to the Location, select the drop-down arrow to search the location options based on the city, state, and country previously entered. If the prison does not appear as an option, select Create New Location.
In the Create Location page that appears, enter the prison information into the location fields, and make sure the following two settings are selected:
- For the Facility Type, select Prison. This is the main indicator to Headquarters that this location is a prison.
- For the Map Pin Status field, select Hide. This setting prevents the location from being found in Find a Group.
If the location of the prison already exists, search for it in the Locations tab (Class > Management > Locations) and make sure these two settings are appropriately set for your meeting.
Big Idea Change Announcement
An important change is coming regarding the Big Idea and lecture preparation. This change will begin with the Revelation study. Please view this video for details:
Watch Video
Changes Coming to BSF Online Website
There are more improvements coming to our BSF Online website.
Read More
At the end of February, users will see the following changes:
- To make searching for a group easier and allow more results to show, the common interest filter will be removed from Find A Group and from My Group settings. If a group is targeted towards a specific common interest, OGLs can indicate this in the Group Name.
- The user experience will be enhanced through a BSF Online landing page that informs people of our current and future studies and how to participate in BSF.
- A user can see the current study as John and after 30 May it will reflect Revelation in Find A Group.
News
What is happening at BSF this month?
Welcome Katie McClure to the BSF Board of Directors
BSF is pleased to announce the addition of Katie McClure of Kingwood, Texas, to its board of directors.
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Katie is married to Jesse McClure, who serves as Substitute Teaching Leader of the Kingwood, Texas Evening Men’s Class. They have a 13-year-old daughter, Marilyn, and 5-year-old twins, Rebekah and Barrett.
We are thankful Katie brings her deep commitment to children’s safety and passion for the ministry of BSF to the board.
The BSF Board of Directors steps into the essential role of governance of all of Bible Study Fellowship. They have prayerfully and strategically ensured our ministry is accomplishing its mission in a way that glorifies God and serves our class members.
BSF is profoundly grateful for the service of our past and current board members, who have trusted God’s guidance in shepherding the ministry since 1959. Each board member has had a strong relationship within BSF as a leader, Area Personnel, or ministry partner. We are excited to follow the board’s leadership in casting the vision and paving the path for the ministry to further serve a global audience toward biblical engagement that transforms lives and glorifies God.
BSF Board of Directors
Dr. Mark Bailey, North America
Dr. Garth Bolinder, North America
Pamela Bunn, North America
Terri Burroughs, North America
Michael Duke, North America
Matthew Leung, Australia
Katie McClure, North America
Gavin Oyas, Africa
Hollie Roberts, North America
Dr. Mark Strauss, North America
Anthony Tan, Asia
Welcome Tad Brockway as BSF Chief Technology Officer
We are delighted to share that Tad Brockway has joined the BSF Executive Team as our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
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Tad has extensive experience in the technology industry. Tad joins us after 25 years at Microsoft where he held multiple product and engineering roles. He has an MBA from the University of Washington and a B.S. in Computer Science from Western Washington University. Most recently, Tad was a corporate vice president in Microsoft Azure, where he has led cloud product teams in areas like: compute, storage, networking, and 5G technologies.
Tad has been a BSF member for over a decade, has served as a Group Leader, and is currently leading a BSF online group. Tad’s wife, Natalie, is also a longtime BSF member and has served in leadership, including as an STL in Bellevue, Washington.
Tad and his family relocated from Washington State to the San Antonio area in 2022.
As we continue to keep BSF relevant for the future, we recognize the role of digital technology. BSF must lead in innovation and delivery of high quality, modern, digital experiences for our volunteers and members. Tad’s background has prepared him to be the ideal leader as we advance BSF technology.
We want to specifically thank our Interim CIO Trevor Keller for his godly and steady leadership of our technology team over the last year. Trevor has stewarded God’s people and resources skillfully over many years, always putting God, the team, and BSF first. He is a role model for many, and we are delighted that he will continue to serve on our technology team.
We are tremendously grateful to God for His provision of Tad, Trevor, and their technology team.
January Day of Prayer for the 2024-2025 Revelation Study
Area Personnel and the BSF Board of Directors joined the HQ Staff online for the 11 January Day of Prayer focused on next year’s Revelation study.
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We are so grateful for the leadership of our board members through the Revelation prayer points (which were shared with Class Staff in an alert in MyBSF). Class Staffs are encouraged to share and pray the prayer points with leaders and members in anticipation for this study.
We continue to pray for the leadership needed to accommodate the anticipated growth in groups and classes. The message of Revelation is not confined to ancient times—it resonates powerfully with the world we live in today. In this book, we will uncover the relevance of its themes to the challenges and opportunities of our modern world. The Revelation study will ignite the flame of hope in God’s Word to unite and mobilize His people to impact His world!
Tips and Resources
Helpful information for BSF Class Staff
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- A stylized picture of your study book and Bible
- Photos that show what your BSF class looks like
- Pictures of you and your friends at BSF. Remember to get permission before posting pictures of adults or children. (See Class Staff Resource; keyword search: social media or the OT/AOT manual.)
- Resources/tips used during class or study time that help you
- Verses, notes, or quotes that spoke to you from the John study
- Or anything else that you can come up with! Be creative!
Archive
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