Over the past year, two Bible studies have started at Judah Christian School: a men’s and a women’s Bible study. These Bible studies are special for many reasons. One of the main reasons is that both are led by students. Megan Yant, Maggie Newell, and Keaton Welch started the Bible studies, and all have been growing closer to their peers and stronger in their faith.
Keaton Welch started the men’s Bible study at the end of the 2022–2023 school year, and it has continued into this year. “I wanted to build a community that could get through life together,” said Keaton. “A big part of it was building a network of trust.”
Keaton wanted to work through tough things with other believers who are in a similar place in life, and he wanted to support his friends in their faith journey. He said, “I wanted to make sure that no one had to go through anything alone.”
People go to the Bible study over their lunch hour once or twice a week because they actually want to learn and grow. No one is forced to go. Keaton said, “It shows genuine passion for Christ. Students choose to be there and are transparent, rather than giving a typical textbook answer in class.”
Because the study is student-led, students have to interact with each other and talk through their problems. It is a much more personal setting than a classroom, and people want to share and have their friends help them through tough times.
Keaton says that he has seen the Bible study go through different seasons. “In all honesty,” he said, “it can be really rocky or really rewarding. Staying patient can be tough. Things can get dry, which causes us to self-reflect and see how the Holy Spirit can breathe new life into our time together.”
Maggie Newell and Megan Yant took inspiration from those around them, as they wanted to have a time for the girls to be in the Word as well. Megan said, “I was greatly inspired by Mr. Himick’s Bible study that he leads with his wife on Wednesday nights. After hearing about the boys’ Bible study, I wanted to start one for the girls.”
The Bible study reminds Megan of her need for God’s Word: “It is such an influence on my life, and it makes me hungry for more. Through it, I have realized that I need to be more intentional about reading God’s Word on my own.” Both Maggie and Megan want to share this with their friends, to help them to be in the Word and grow closer to God.
Megan also saw the importance of having students lead the Bible study: “Having a student-led Bible study is important, because it not only gives students a chance to be leaders, to study and seek more on their own, but it also gives them a chance to grow closer to one another, through asking questions, talking about life, giving encouragement, and simply being in each other’s lives.”
Maggie finds it enjoyable to talk with people her age and to learn from people who are in a similar place: “I love to hear from other high schoolers on how they are growing with God. I have learned a lot from the other girls. We all have our own thoughts and questions, which is really cool to hear about. I think we are all growing through this Bible study, and I can feel God’s presence.”
Maggie added, “I have definitely grown by being more confident in talking to others about my faith and not being afraid to ask questions. It’s important to hear what people your age have to say about their spiritual lives. I still love having Maestra join us, though, because it is great to hear from someone so wise and filled with the love of God.”
Being able to talk through things with friends is very helpful, because when you are in a familiar setting or with familiar people, you can be yourself and be truthful. For this reason and many others, these two Bible studies have had a positive impact on the school. God has been working through these Bible studies and brought more students to faith at Judah. God will continue to work and grow the community of believers at the school.
Megan says it best: “I hope that more and more students will want to have these kinds of deep discussions about God and life and that we can grow, learn, and seek the answers together.”
—Nathaniel Herche, class of ’25