My first year of graduate school was one of the toughest of my life. I suddenly was in a program with some of the smartest people in the world, and I struggled with mastering skills and concepts quickly, producing new knowledge, and developing my research agenda. Although I had always been considered a high achiever, I was suddenly not the brightest star in the sky, and I found myself questioning my identity and significance. Moreover, being in a new place far from my family and friends and lacking the time to search for new friends left me feeling lonely and without support. Joining a GradCru Bible Study Group during this first year was both sustaining and life-changing. Each week I found God transforming my mind through the texts that we studied, and I formed lasting and authentic friendships with the women in my group. Ultimately, God taught me that he will always provide for all my needs in his own way and timing and that I must view myself and my situation through a biblical lens. (Brooklyn, 3rd year Ph.D. in Political Science)
GradCRU Bible Studies aren’t drop-in, general discussions of the Bible where you end up talking afterwards about your research. Rather, they are intentionally designed for a close examination of Scripture — plus an emphasis on specific applications relevant to your life and concerns as a graduate student. GradCRU groups have a leader and co-leader who are prepared to guide a lively, engaging discussion.
The gradCRU Bible Study Groups are open to all American and International graduate students. No prior Bible Study group experience is needed. Groups most likely will have graduate students from a variety of spiritual backgrounds and levels of spiritual development.
Men’s Bible Study Groups:
Starting in January 2012, we will have a men’s group on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 pm to 9:10 pm. We will finish up discussing the New Testament book of Philippians in January and then start a new topical study in February. Or, we may do a study of the book of Colossians. Second semester is a great time to join a men’s Bible Study group!
As we get to know one another, we talk below the surface about our lives as graduate student men and pray for one another. There is no homework or preparation (you already have enough prep to do). We typically meet at the apartment of one of the men in the group and have light refreshments at the beginning. This casual environment helps to build friendships and good conversation.
Email info.umich@gradcru.org for more information about the Men’s Bible Study Groups (location, leaders, etc.) and to express your interest about joining one of the groups.
Women’s Bible Study Groups:
We are excited for these women’s groups! Grad school is such a unique subculture, unlike any other in life (including being an undergraduate). We discuss how the New Testament book of Philippians applies to the unique concerns and challenges that we face as women in grad school. We want our time together to be open, discussion-oriented, practical, and Bible-based. It’s a great place to make friends, be a part of a caring community, pray together, and be equipped to minister to others more effectively.
The Women’s groups in January 2012 are on Wednesdays and Thursdays (two groups). There also is an International women’s group that is still deciding which night of the week to meet. The groups meet from 7:30 to 9:10 pm. These groups will finish our study of Philippians in January and then start a topical study in February (or possibly start Colossians then). Second semester is a great time to join one of the groups!
Email info.umich@gradcru.org for more information about the Women’s Bible Study Groups and to express your interest about joining one of the groups.
Investigative Bible Study (IBS) Groups:
If you don’t consider yourself a Christian at this time, but are interested to discuss the Bible with others, we also have groups for those who would like to investigate the Bible, Jesus Christ and Christianity. Click here for more information about the gradCRU Investigative Bible Study Groups.
