Association seeking support for Bible history class

Until Cathy Holder met with me recently, I did not know Kinston High School – and before that Grainger High School – has had a course in Bible history since 1942. This year marks the 82nd year the class has existed in Kinston. Since 2017, all three high schools have offered the course. The Bible History class in our area is the longest-running public high school Bible class in the entire state.

During the Fall, the course covers the Old Testament. In the Spring, students and teachers closely examine the New Testament. The course in Bible history focuses on the study of Biblical leaders and the literary forms of the Bible.

During the class, students examine the influence of the Bible on history, law, and American life and culture. The class also helps students learn about the Middle East's history, geography, religion, and politics.

Retired KHS Bible History teacher Jody Guttenberger developed the current curriculum. The course counts as a Social Studies elective and must follow all school guidelines regarding assessments and exams. One section of the course is offered each semester. Approximately 180 teens enroll in the class each year.

The Bible history class is not state-sponsored. Instead, it is provided by those who donate to the Kinston-Lenoir Association of Congregations. When the class first started in 1942, Queen Street Methodist was one of the five founding members of The Federation of Churches. Other Federation members were First Baptist, First Presbyterian, Gordon Street Christian, and St. Mary’s Episcopal churches.

For decades, the Federation of Churches raised funds to support the Bible History curriculum. In fact, the Federation’s primary mission was to support the class.

From 2011 through 2014, around 25 area churches supported the Bible History class at Kinston High. Anyone who teaches the class must have a four-year college degree and either be certified or eligible for certification. At present, two Bible History educators have ministerial licenses – and one is an ordained minister.

As time passed and people moved and aged, the Federation’s funds began to wither. Then, a significant disruption hit – COVID. A small group of concerned people who believe this class serves an important need has determined to reinvent an organization to serve as a funding mechanism for the course.

On July 10 this year, the three Bible History teachers and two former students addressed the Association of Congregations at Westminster Methodist Church. Cathy told me:

“As I listened to how the lives of teenagers have been changed in a positive and constructive way because of these classes, I remembered that the words of the Bible are inspired and inspiring – that teachers CAN teach the Bible as History without proselytizing and that God can speak through these lessons.”

A student in the Kinston High Class of 2004 described the impact of the Bible History class in these words:

“I was a knucklehead in high school. This class changed my life forever. I loved the Old Testament so much – and then the New Testament. I couldn’t get enough and wished there were more testaments to study. The Bible has guided my life ever since, through my service in the Navy and in my own church. Now I’m teaching what I learned to my own children.”

A North Lenoir student said:

“I had just moved here and was feeling lonely and disconnected with my new school. The Bible History class provided love, a sense of belonging, and hope.”

One Bible History teacher shared:

“One of my students had lived a terrible life. She was angry and didn’t mind letting you know it. Once she learned that she was made in the likeness of God, that she was not a mistake as she had often been told, and that her life was special and God had a plan for her, I began to see her change.”

Jody Guttenberger observed, “Many of the students are navigating the Bible for the very first time in their lives. They love learning about the people of the Bible as well as the stories, but, most of all, they enjoy discussing how these histories are applicable to their modern lives.”

A North Lenoir guidance counselor told Cathy, “More students register for the course than there are seats for.”

But for the class to continue, the Association of Congregations needs to raise the financial support. Currently, the Association projects a budget of $48,000 each year to pay the teachers and provide materials. After the Lenoir County Public Schools finance officer calculated the final bill, the total for the year changed to $40,092.00. The $48,000 goal would afford some wiggle room.

If 40 area churches donated $100 each month, the Association would have the funds needed to pay for the class for a year. Individuals are also free to donate.

Each person and each church must decide if this 82-year mission to provide students an opportunity to study the Bible as history is worth maintaining. Talk is cheap. We all need to put our money where our mouths are.

For more information, contact Cathy Holder at CTHolderLenoirAOC@gmail.com. To make donations, please mail your contributions to the Kinston/Lenoir Association of Congregations, Attn.: Cathy Holder, P.O. Box 508, Kinston, NC 28502.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.