Since 1942, the high school in Kinston has had a Bible History class. By 2017, all three public high schools were offering 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 take a close look at the New Testament. The course in Bible history focuses on the study of Biblical leaders and the literary forms of the Bible. The class also examines the influence of the Bible on history, law, and American life and culture. It also teaches students the history, geography, religion, and politics of the Middle East.

The Bible history class is not state-sponsored. Instead, funding for the class comes from those who donate to the Lenoir County Association of Congregations. For decades churches have raised funds to support the Bible History curriculum.

The Association of Congregations has scheduled “A Night of Christian Music” beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 7, at the Kinston High School Performing Arts Center. All proceeds will benefit the Bible History classes taught in Lenoir County high schools.

One of the featured performers is Lessette Kornegay, an independent gospel recording artist that hosts “Rise with Lessette.” For a sample of her music, visit https://soundcloud.com/lessette/after-the-storm-by-lessette

Other featured performers are Steven and Terrell, Holly Holder, Weil Sawyer, Amy Jones, Will Duvall, Bailey Sutton, Anna Hull, Abby Hull, and Nathan Thomas. The Kinston High Gospel Choir and the Destiny Impact Church Praise and Worship Team, and the New Direction Church Band will also lend their talents to the evening.

General admission is $15, and reserved seating is $20. Students may be admitted for $10 if they have their student ID. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

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

“As I listened to how the lives of teenagers had 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.”

Former teacher 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.”

For the class to continue, the Association of Congregations needs to raise financial support. Attending “A Night of Christian Music” can help the Association reach its budget of $48,000 to pay the teachers and provide materials.

If you decide this 82-year mission to provide students an opportunity to study the Bible as history is worth maintaining, then please support this concert as a way of supporting the Bible History classes.

For more information, contact Cathy Holder at CTHolderLenoirAOC@gmail.com or call her at 252-361-1856.

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