Yesterday was the last day of the seasonal Tuesday Women’s Bible Study at McKinney Memorial Bible Church (MMBC). To wrap up the study, we discussed some of the ways the book, Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow, has helped us or made a difference in our lives.
Some of the answers given were not specifically about the book so much as McKinney Church. I was surprised to hear how many of the women attending the Bible study did not call MMBC their church home. In previous articles about Bible Studies at McKinney, I’ve mentioned that you do not have to be a member or even attend church regularly, at McKinney or elsewhere, in order to take advantage of the fellowship and studies that are offered. McKinney offers these Bible Studies at no cost other than the purchase of the book or materials necessary for the study. They also provide childcare and refreshments free of charge.
I realize to some of you this may not be a big deal but to someone who is searching for something greater without having any ties to another house of worship, this can mean everything. Not all churches have this open door policy. There are some that only open their Bible Studies up to those who are members of their congregation. Others do not offer Bible Studies beyond the normal Sunday School. And still others will pressure you to become members of that particular church. I am happy to say that McKinney Memorial Bible Church does not fit any of those descriptions.
In fact, the Bible Study I just finished was led by the pastor’s wife and her sister-in-law. Both of them were so gracious during the study and welcomed these women to come back for the next season’s Bible Study. They were even encouraging towards some of the remarks about being sad this study had to end. We’ve become friends and sisters in Christ. They encouraged us to start our own Bible Studies in our homes, to take this book and show others what we’ve garnered from it and the fellowship we’ve had this season.
Whether or not this suggestion is followed through with, I do know one thing. I will miss these women dearly for the next several weeks… until the summer studies start. We do, however, need to take what we have learned and put it into action without relying on the group to keep us in check. In the meantime, there are lunches and emails to get us through.
If you would like to participate in a Bible Study, McKinney has a variety to choose from (both men and women) and a variety of times to choose from. Check out their website for more information and keep a watch out for upcoming Bible Studies.
McKinney Memorial Bible Church is by no means the only church in the Fort Worth area that offers Bible Studies or that has an open arms policy. It is merely the church I am most familiar with. If you go to a church that offers these opportunities, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear about it.
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