By Jack Freedman, Staff Writer

For the past few years, a group of students at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor have been putting together a Bible study led by graduate student AnneMarie Gorrell. 

“The Bible study’s been going for about two years now,” Gorrell said. “I don’t remember the exact day we started.”

They currently get together every Saturday at 1 p.m. in Mabee. Initially meeting at Chick-fil-A in Bawcom Student Union on Thursday evenings, they experimented with various times and locations, including Granny’s Shaved Ice and Toast and Tea before settling on Mabee.

“It started out just with women, so we did some women’s studies,” Gorrell said. “Since then, we’ve done some theology-based studies. We’ve also done quite a few books of the Bible; currently we’re doing Psalm 23.” 

At its peak, the study had roughly 11 people. Members have come and gone due to scheduling conflicts.

“I like that our Bible study is multi-denominational,” Gorrell said. “We can come together and celebrate our common belief, which is Jesus saving our lives.” 

While the Bible study is open to both men and women, Gorrell feels that there is a lack of men in the group.

“We only have one guy right now,” Gorrell said. “We’ve had more in the past, but they’ve gone. I want to grow the group.”

Despite this, Gorrell hopes that not only her Bible study thrives, but that past members lead others to Christ.

“I’d like our study to continue to grow in size, but I’d like for people to branch off from ours,” Gorrell said. “Those that have the call to lead can feel like they have the call to lead from in.”

For anyone interested in joining the group, their Instagram account is @swordandshield_bible_study.

Courtesy Photo