BSF International
Looking for BSF's website? Go HERE
BSF International (BSF), formerly known as Bible Study Fellowship, is a popular "interdenominational lay Christian organization with Bible study classes in cities across the United States and the world." This para-church group was founded by A. Wetherell Johnson, a former, unmarried female missionary with the China Inland Mission (Hudson Taylor). In 1958, Ms. Johnson accepted an invitation to go to the liberal vortex of San Francisco to conduct bible classes for the revival converts of Billy Graham's neo-evangelical crusades. She then formed a board of directors and incorporated Bible Study Fellowship--BSF.
Upon Johnson's retirement, Rosemary Jensen became Executive Director (ED) and served for nearly twenty years. In 2000, she reportedly moved to the ministry of Wall Watchers, Matthews, NC. Mrs. Jean Nystrand assumed the position of ED. Ms. Jensen maintained close ties to the largely Reformed/Presbyterian, anti-dispensational Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals (ACE) where she is was (1996) a standing member of their Executive Council. ACE adheres to and advocates covenant theology and the sacramentalism of the Protestant Reformation.
The organization's headquarters, along with a paid staff of approximately thirty, are currently located in San Antonio, Texas. Their 'enhanced' website contains little information regarding the content of their Bible studies. It is primarily a conduit for directing interested individuals to local study groups in select geographic areas. BSF's emphasis on being "non-denominational" or "interdenominational," under the leadership of women, most often results in a de-emphasis of doctrine, an aversion to both the tension and conflict found in common life, and an elevation of religious "unity". As one would expect, class discussions are carefully monitored by the leader to avoid "doctrinal" issues which might lead to disagreements (an anathema for both secular and religious liberals as well) and undermine the apparent success of the group.
The group's curriculum consists of seven studies, each taught over a nine month time frame and staggered by years. Topics include: Genesis, Matthew, Life of Moses, Romans, John, History of Israel and the Minor Prophets, and The Acts of the Apostles. Upon completion of the studies, students will have been indoctrinated into a largely non-dispensational view of the Word of God. While they increasingly claim to understand the Bible, they regularly fail to see or discern the difference between Jesus' pre-Cross, earthly Gospel for Israel as their Messiah and the Risen Christ's heavenly Gospel for the Church. While the goal is to familiarize students with the Bible (honorable), the Reformation perspective creates a particular bias of which they are unaware of. Little to they realize the negative effect upon the believer's spiritual growth. BSF is clearly a step in the wrong direction for anyone attending a dispensational fellowship or those wanting to study the Bible without a Reformed/covenant theological spin.
Being neo-evangelical in approach and receptive to an "end justifies the means" philosophy, BSF's popularity coincides with the rise of postmodern "diversity" and New Age inclusivism. When evaluated within the context of today's ultra-liberal denominations with their low view of Scripture, BSF study groups certainly appear to be 'high ground', but only by comparison. BSF currently holds to the inerrancy of Scripture, but inerrancy is no guarantee of either present or future doctrinal soundness.1
While BSF increasingly offers classes for men and young adults, the organization was initially founded, attended, and controlled by women. Historically, it has promoted itself via female-to-female networking in ecumenical, liberal, and inter/non-denominational community churches. On the downside, the organization has proven attractive to some women who have a bent toward feminism, some who loathe male authority (so-called patriarchy), and those suffering from gender-inversion. Some women have rationalized their domineering attitudes with the claim that their husbands have granted them "permission" to engage in their so-called "spiritual leadership," contra 1 Cor. 14:34 and 1 Peter 3:4. Others proudly testify that BSF, in conjunction with the Bible, has entirely alleviated their propensity to assert authority, reversed their loyalty to feminism, and has even endowed them with a submissive spirit. Maybe so. Nevertheless, be aware that BSF can provide an opportunity for some women to remain entrenched in their gender-inversion and to deceptively disciple younger women in the cause of so-called "evangelical feminism". These influences and individuals must be firmly resisted.2
If you are recently born-again and find yourself in a liberal or ecumenical church, BSF may provide a step forward in biblical truth and hopefully a stepping stone to a safe and sound church environment. This is the personal testimony of several women who have written us. We fully acknowledge that each group can be unique, based on both the leader and/or composition of women in attendance. However, for the sake of your spiritual well-being, we recommend you find a safe and sound local church. While no church is perfect, some are definitely better than others. Seek spiritual nourishment within a dispensational, Bible-centered fellowship. If you are a pastor, elder, or deacon of a conservative and dispensational meeting, do not allow BSF entrance into your local church. Let the liberals and neo-evangelicals rage--and trust me, they do quite often. Remember, "A broad path is not a broad heart, but a broad conscience."
PS. I have received emails from women and a few men, either currently or formerly, involved with BSF. A few confirm my evaluation, while the majority protest loudly. While I've attempted to acknowledge exceptions to my generalization of the group, many involved in BSF universalize their own experience and envision a perfectly homogeneous organization. They can't imagine any variation from what they experience in their particular group. Some claim a dispensational approach to Scripture (in perfect agreement with this site) is taught in their group, while others make the lofty claim that not one shred of feminism exists among the women in attendance. According to their testimony, they are the pure embodiment of 1 Peter 3:4. :-/ Yet, my very favorites are those who argue that discernment of error should be "left to Jesus," then proceed to write a multi-page diatribe accusing me (trash talking) of all forms of evil and having alliance with the Devil himself.
1 - For some real life examples, read The Verse Snatchers at a later time.
2 - Wayne Grudem's book, Evangelical Feminism: A New Path to Liberalism? should be mandatory reading.
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