Using Andragogy to Integrate Assimilation and Bible Information Course

Abstract

In Bible Information Course (BIC), non-Christians interested in Christianity are met head on with the gospel. In the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), most congregations implement a 10-20 lesson BIC. This considerable length gives the instructor ample time to both teach the student and grow a relationship between instructor and student. It is necessary to think deeply about the methods used in BIC so that instructors achieve both objectives in the best way possible. Once a prospect completes BIC, congregations hope to assimilate the new member into the church family. However, many pastors experience difficulty here. If the time spent in BIC were used to teach the truths of Christianity while also intentionally assimilating the prospect into the church family, assimilation might happen more naturally. This paper argues that by introducing andragogic teaching methods, assimilation can occur effectively during the specific time spent in BIC.