Walk Thru the Bible Questions & Answers
What exactly is a Walk Thru the Bible seminar?
Walk Thru seminars are intergenerational family learning experiences for people from age 10 to 100. During the presentation, participants follow the storyline of the Old or New Testament. They use hand signs and key phrases to put significant people, places, and events in chronological order and to remember the story of the outpouring of God’s love for the world.
How long does the presentation last?
A seminar lasts about five hours, plus breaks. A typical seminar begins Saturday morning with registration at 8:30, the seminar beginning at 9:00, lunch at noon, and closing at 3:00 or 3:30. Often a snack is served during the morning and afternoon breaks. Many churches have found that a two-day program works well. In this case, the first half of the seminar is usually held Friday evening, and the second half Saturday morning.
Who are the presenters?
Mount Carmel Ministries has about 20 presenters: men and women, clergy and lay, of a variety of Lutheran persuasions, located across the United States. They have all been carefully trained to present the Word of God in an engaging and truthful way. Although most of the churches we provide seminars for are Lutheran, we can also serve other denominations.
What does it cost to put on a seminar?
The cost is on a sliding scale, from $1500 to $2000, depending upon the size of your congregation. Details on specific pricing can be obtained from Mount. Carmel. Each participant is asked to purchase a workbook ($12), and all presenter expenses (travel, hotel, meals) are the responsibility of your congregation
How do we get the money for it?
Many of our congregations have received grants from Thrivent Financial, or used dedicated funds for education, or partnered with neighboring churches to help meet the costs. Sometimes a church member is able to pay for all or part of the seminar cost.
Does the congregation have to provide much for the seminar? What does Mount Carmel supply?
We ask that committees for publicity, hospitality, and prayer support be made up of congregational members. These committees are overseen by the chairperson, who will receive a complete kit with thorough instructions and suggestions for how to present a successful seminar. The kit includes advertising posters, a DVD for recruitment, sample bulletin inserts, childcare ideas, a complimentary workbook, and a complimentary set of Keyword Learning System Flashcards.
Do people really enjoy a six hour seminar at church?
Here are typical comments received from seminar participants:
"This was a spiritual revival."
"This entire seminar has been wonderful! I’ve learned more about the Bible today than I thought was possible."
"I benefited greatly. This is the real Bible message which leads to salvation. Thank you."
"I will go home with the utmost enthusiasm to read the Bible more often."
"I have renewed my faith through this seminar."
After putting all this time and energy into the seminar, how can we make the benefits last?
We provide a free 12-unit follow-up series entitled "A Closer Look" which studies the Walk Thru overview in much more detail. It is designed for small-group study: a 20-minute teaching portion followed by 40 minutes of discussion around questions and Bible study. This study is yours to use as often as you like. Congregations have used it for Confirmation classes, new members classes, adult forums, small group study, Vacation Bible School, even whole church studies. We urge churches to begin this study immediately after the seminar, to pick up on the interest which the seminar has stimulated.
What do families do with their younger children during the seminar?
The Old Testament and New Testament Kids in the Book seminars are tailored for elementary school students in first through fifth grades. These sessions provide a wonderful opportunity to begin building a solid foundation for a lifetime faith walk in those children. Through active involvement in stories, games, and puzzles, students learn a simple story line of how God has been active in the lives of his people, and they also have a fun, faith-building experience.
How much does that cost?
If a Kids in the Book seminar is offered at the same time as a Walk Thru the Bible seminar, the cost is only $500, plus $15 per participant and travel expenses for the presenter. Kids in the Book seminars may also be offered as "stand alone" seminars.
Who should we contact to learn more?
Jill Manlove is the Walk Thru the Bible seminar contact person at Mount. Carmel. You may reach her at WTB@dailytext.com or by calling 1-800-793-4311. She can also send you a 3-minutes promotional DVD which helps explain what a Walk Thru seminar is and how to host one. There is also lots of good information plus the video on this website. |