There was a time in our history when local churches would rally around an opportunity to invest in the community. Across Hamilton County, this tradition continues today.
Noted pollster George Barna states that America’s youth are largely unfamiliar with the Bible’s basic teachings, inviting a host of social and personal troubles.
5 in 10 students have had little or no exposure to the wisdom and knowledge of the Bible.
“God helps those who help themselves” is the most widely believed Bible verse among churchgoing teens, though it appears nowhere in the Bible and conflicts with its message.
8 in 10 people cannot say who preached the Sermon on the Mount.
Many may be saying to themselves, “These statistics can’t possibly be real, not in Hamilton County.” But statistics like these are real in our nation and in our community.
For this reason, whole communities of churches have begun gathering to invest in their students, through the introduction of Bible history courses in the public schools.
Signal Mountain: On September 20, 2009, more than 850 people representing 10 churches of various denominations gathered to share a meal, pray for their students, and fund two Bible history teachers—one at Signal Mountain Middle/High School and the other at Howard School, as a gift to their neighbors.
East Hamilton: On October 3, 2010, more than 900 people representing 13 churches gathered to raise funds for a Bible history teacher at East Hamilton Middle/High School in their own back yard, plus Tyner Academy as a gift to their neighbors.
Brainerd: On October 2, 2011, more than 1,000 people representing 15 churches gathered to raise funds for a Bible history teacher at Brainerd High School.
It is truly a joy when churches gather together for a time such as this. Click the video above to watch highlights from recent gatherings.
