PLUG INTO THE WORD OF GOD ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
People need God’s Word, but lack of time and being too busy often hamper them from reading the Bible. According to some surveys, only a minority of Christians read the Bible daily, while those who do occasionally read it never complete even the New Testament!
Yet the regular intake of God’s Word is so vital for an individual’s continued spiritual formation and growth. Recognising the primacy of the Word, churches have placed much emphasis on helping believers “get into the Bible” and making the reading of God’s Word a way of life.
The WISE programme developed by the Bible Society of Singapore, offers a practical and tested scheme by which people can be initiated into imbibing God’s Word on a regular basis, through the hearing of the Bible read aloud.
Under the scheme, word for word recordings of the scripture in major languages and dialects are produced and made available on quality audio and MP3 CDs which are matched with a plan to stimulate congregation-wide as well as individual listening of the Word. Participants of WISE programme do not merely buy a product, they commit to a plan to hear the Word of God either collectively or individually.
WHY LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD?
It has been said that the scriptures were originally given to be heard! Listening to God’s Word is simple and convenient. Busy housewives, young people and those who are frequently on the move can listen while they go about their chores or routines.
What’s more the regular hearing of scripture will change lives! In the times of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:9-13), Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8 & 9), and Josiah (II Kings 22-23) the hearing of scripture led to a revival among the people.
BENEFITS
Here are some of the benefits of Word intake by hearing programme:
It is a useful and convenient tool for personal devotion, spiritual nourishment and missions.
It is a means of reaching out to those in the community with reading disabilities.
The widespread availability of CD audio players has made it viable for Scriptures to be available in audio format.
PARTNERSHIP WITH CHURCHES
We are glad to offer the programme to churches. Participating churches can expect the following forms of assistance:
Consultancy as to how to launch the programme
Devotional materials to accompany the Audio CD/MP3 media.
Supply of Bible quizzes and discussion questions for group use.
PARTNERSHIP IN THE BIBLE MINISTRY
You can now subscribe to the programme and hear God’s Word in spite of busy schedules. You may also want to purchase these audio Bibles for a friend. Your gift might make all the difference in their lives.
AUDIO BIBLE SAMPLES (MP3)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) ABOUT WISE
1) What is WISE?
WISE or Word Intake for Spiritual Edification is a programme developed by the Bible Society of Singapore to encourage the regular hearing of God’s Word.
2) How does the WISE programme work?
The WISE programme works through the Church for the purpose of bringing God’s church together and for discipleship. A successful WISE programme happens through a committed pastor who challenges his congregation during Sunday service to participate in the programme. Members make a commitment to read/listen to the entire New Testament over 40 days. Members who do not own an Audio Bible are encouraged to purchase a copy. An order form listing all the different audio products will be distributed to the congregation during service. Enclosed with each set of Audio CDs is a listening plan so that all church members can listen to the same passage of Scripture daily and have group discussions. Also included in the package is a devotional booklet to help participants reflect on God’s Word and grow in HIS knowledge. To motivate participants, a range of activities will be held during the 40 days. This includes prayer request on a prayer wall, visual aids, Bible study guide cum quizzes and weekly thought-provoking questions in your Sunday church bulletin.
3) How do I obtain the WISE programme?
The WISE programme is available from the Bible Society of Singapore. Those who are interested to find out more about the programme can either visit our website at www.bible.org.sg or call Angie on Tel 6337 3222 ext 27 or Solomon at 9489 5876 for more details or arrange for a WISE official to meet with you to explain the programme in detail. Individuals can also participate by purchasing the Audio CDs from the Bible Shop.
4) How does the Bible Society of Singapore support Churches in launching WISE?
Our WISE team will provide churches with consultancy as to how to launch the programme. WISE seven-week thought-provoking questions for your church Sunday bulletin as well as necessary printed material to ensure the successful launch of the programme are also available. This will include Bible study guide cum Bible Quizzes, publication materials for printing in church newsletter and bulletin, publicity materials such as flyers, posters and banners, step-by-step programme schedule as well as necessary invitation cum order forms.
5) How do I prepare my congregation for WISE?
Once you sign up for the programme, you will need to obtain a coordinator’s kit at S$30 (refundable with purchase of S$300 and above). The kit will help you introduce the WISE programme effectively. Suggestions for announcements, bulletins, and posters will help you prepare the congregation and create a sense of excitement in the people. We want every individual to have a powerful and life-changing experience with God’s Word. Prepare for your initial invitation by providing a foundation of prayer with your Leadership. We know that great things happen through prayer so we will be praying for you, too.
6) How much does the WISE products cost and how many languages/dialects does it come in?
You may download the product list and order form (in PDF) here.
7) How do I invite my congregation to listen to the WISE programme?
Introducing your congregation to WISE and experiencing their response will be an exciting time. When you invite the people to listen/read to God’s Word with you, be sure to convey your enthusiasm. Follow the essential steps contained in the Coordinator’s kit for a start to a successful Invitation and preach about the importance of hearing God’s Word daily. An Audio Sample is included so you can play a portion of Scripture during the service. The invitation cum order forms should be distributed, filled out, and collected during the service.
How do I fulfil requests and distribution?
Your coordinator’s kit package will include a Church tally sheet to facilitate your church member’s Audio Bible needs. Distributing your Audio Bibles in time to begin your listening emphasis together is important! Emphasising the start and completion dates of your listening time frame will promote synergism and unity! Enlist volunteers to set up an area for the collection and payment of the Audio Bibles.
9) How do I encourage and motivate participants?
Our WISE team will provide ideas that other pastors have shared that have proven effective in helping to establish a deeper foundation in Scripture. We will provide you with list of motivational ideas and visual materials to introduce during the 40 day programme. This will be a wonderful journey, worthy of celebration! At the end of the 40 day programme, you are encouraged to organize a celebration party where testimonies will be shared and WISE certificates will be handed out. Make WISE a memorable experience shared by everyone in the church.
ENQUIRIES
Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to call Solomon David on Tel 6337 3222 ext 34 or email wise@bible.org.sg
