Bible Reading Fellowship

I can't think of a more traditional, old-fashioned sounding title than BRF -- Bible Reading Fellowship. This organization started in 1922 to promote the reading of Scripture in British Churches. They still publish Bible reading notes and devotional resources that look a lot like the Upper Room.

We attended a presentation put on by the BRF at the 12th century abbey in the village of Dorchester-on-Thames. Just being in this 700 year old church was thrilling enough. But we were really blown away to hear all the things that this organization is up to.

Until 1991, the BRF was entirely self-supporting through the sales of its printed resources. But they have realized the importance of developing resources in other media, and also of providing personal support and encouragement to individuals

and congregations that are engaged in spiritual growth and mission.

Each of the staff people at BRF had a chance to describe his or her area of work. So, we heard about the range of fantastic children's resources that they publish under the brand name Barnabus, and the creative presentations they do in schools. (Churches still have access to schools in Britain to an extent that no longer exists in Canada.) For example, there are 400 Year 6 kids coming to Wells Cathedral every day this week to take part in creative learning activities and workshops about the Christian faith.

We also heard about the wide range of books BRF publishe

s that help people deepen their spiritual lives.

The most exciting thing was Foundations 21 which is an adult discipleship resource that is entirely web-based. Participants have a choice of entering 12 different "rooms" that each deal with a different aspect of Christian faith. They can access video clips of people talking about the spiritual life, both "heavy hitters" like N. T. Wright and Elaine Storkey, but also "ordinary Christians." I can't wait to have a look at it.

BRF has taken over the development and promotion of Messy Church resources as well. Lucy Moore (pictured below with Colin Fletcher, the Bishop of Dorchester) is now employed full time by BRF to develop Messy Church. (Sorry for the rather jaundiced tinge in the picture. I turned my flash off and it was getting dark.)