Catching the Spark: A Bible Study Initiative

If you've ever felt that Bible study can sometimes feel dry and disconnected from everyday life, "Catching the Spark" offers a refreshing, interactive approach to delving into Scripture - this series through the timeless story of Ruth.

Join Professor Derek Suderman, a passionate and engaging instructor from Conrad Grebel University College, for a 5-week Bible study series. With years of experience in leading interactive and dynamic Bible studies, Derek will guide us through the story of Ruth, uncovering themes of love, loyalty, and redemption.

This series will help you move from passive reading to active and dynamic engagement with the Bible.

For those looking to learn how to lead studies like this in their own churches and groups, Derek will lead a train-the-trainer event on Thursday, November 7th.This session is ideal for Clergy, Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, youth mentors, and anyone interested in facilitating Bible studies. Enhance your skills and confidence, and leave with a toolkit for leading dynamic Bible studies in your community.

Thursday, October 3: Ruth and Naomi's Journey

Thursday, October 10: Gleaning in Boaz's Field

Thursday, October 17: Ruth at Boaz's Feet

Thursday, October 24: Boaz and Ruth's Marriage.

Thursday, November 7: Train-the-Trainer Bonus Session

Note About Filming
Please note, these sessions will be filmed as part of a pilot initiative for a larger project. The footage may be used for promotional purposes and to develop future Bible study resources. By attending, you consent to being filmed. Your participation is greatly appreciated and will help us create valuable resources for others.

About Dr. Derek Suderman

Derek Suderman teaches in both the undergraduate Religious Studies and graduate Master of Theological Studies programs. In addition to his textual work as a Hebrew Bible/Old Testament scholar, Suderman explores how diverse cultural and historical contexts inform biblical interpretation and ethical discernment.

Suderman explores the language and cultures of the Bible, often making what students expect to be familiar look quite strange; this in turn provides students with a mirror to see their own settings and beliefs in a new way. He believes that being part of a 'living tradition' involves not simply defending this tradition but recognizing problems and blind spots within it. Suderman proves particularly interested in exploring how the Bible has been used to both justify and oppose violence within the broad history of the Christian tradition.

Suderman has broad research interests, including investigating: the socialaudience of the Psalms; gendered and other forms of violence in the prophets; wisdom literature as a resource for contemporary interfaith dialogue and cooperation; and the ethical implications of biblical interpretation, focused particularly on violence in the Bible and contemporary issues related to Indigenous peoples. Suderman loves to travel and has taught or made academic presentations on 5 continents.

Host or Publisher Ministry Forum