How El Bethel Baptist Church Masters Genesis Through Language, Literacy & Scriptural Diagramming

Have you ever wanted to understand the Bible not only spiritually but also structurally and intellectually? At El Bethel Baptist Church, my research project, Innovative Bible Study: Integrating Biblical and Academic Literacy through Language Reasoning Skills Application and Scriptural Diagramming of the Book of Genesis, does exactly that. I’ve combined spiritual reflection with academic tools like language reasoning, sentence diagramming, and analytical thinking, using Genesis as the foundation. The result? A Bible study model that strengthens both faith and intellect.

Understanding the Ministry Context

 Welcome to El-Bethel Baptist Church. Our purpose is to worship God in unity, love, and fellowship, minister to the needs in our community, lead lost persons to Christ, disciple the Believers, and aid in spreading the gospel throughout the world.[1] El Bethel Baptist Church’s foundational scripture is:

Matthew 16:18-19

“…Building Lives by Sharing God’s Love.”

El Bethel Baptist Church, nestled in Fort Washington, Maryland, is a faith-centered community dedicated to worshiping, serving, and sharing God’s love.

Our multi-generational church family includes 200 local members and 65 virtual members who join through Facebook, YouTube, and our daily Noon Day Bible Study. With ministries ranging from Christian Education and Youth Ministry to IT and Community Service, we are committed to nurturing both spiritual and academic growth for all ages.

 

 

You can expect to hear traditional and contemporary musical style hymns. Our many voices of “Praise and Worship” can be heard throughout the community.

 

Our members include children aged infancy to twelve; twenty, youth ages thirteen to seventeen; five, young adults aged eighteen to twenty-five; ten, adults aged twenty-six to seventy; eighty, and our senior adults ages seventy-one and older; twenty. El Bethel has sixty-five out-of-state members.

Why We Needed a New Study Model

Preaching and teaching go beyond sharing biblical truth; we are required to equip believers to study, analyze, and apply Scripture in their everyday lives. While many people read the Bible, fewer fully understand its depth and meaning. To close this gap, I merged biblical content with academic literacy, specifically, language reasoning and sentence diagramming.

Virtual classrooms have given the church new ways to reach learners and create dynamic, engaging study environments. My goal was to move learners beyond surface reading and to help believers to develop deeper, critical reflection on God’s Word.

How the Study Was Done (with Examples)

We selected foundational Genesis passages known for theological richness and structural clarity. For instance, Genesis 1:3, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” was dissected into speaker (God), action (said), command (“Let there be light”), and result (“there was light”). The structure reinforced the impact.

In Genesis 1:1, students identified the subject (God), verb (created), and objects (the heavens and the earth), showing how word order reveals God’s creative authority. Genesis 1:2 introduces adjectives like “formless,” “void,” and “deep,” painting a picture of chaos before divine order. Genesis 1:26 led to rich discussion about divine plurality in “Let us make man in our image.”

 The “Wheel  of  VISIONS”

 

To enhance learning, we introduced a tool: the Wheel of VISIONS, featuring categories such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, themes, and context. When the wheel landed on “verbs,” and we studied Genesis 1:3, learners identified “said” and discussed its theological significance.

A spin on “context” inspired reflection on the passage’s role within Genesis and modern life. These activities merged grammar and theology, deepening engagement and understanding.

Role-Play

Scripture came alive through dramatization. Participants acted out pivotal scenes like Genesis 22, Abraham’s test of faith, taking on roles such as Abraham, Isaac, the angel, and even the ram. This emotional and experiential method brought Scripture off the page and into the heart.

Scripture is a lifeline for the believer, and studying it with others affirms and clarifies its truth. In a group, we benefit not only from the truth of the Word itself but also from the exhortation and application of the Word alongside others. We learn what verses of a Scripture passage stood out to someone else and why.[2

Role-playing helped the learners to relate to biblical characters, understand their faith struggles, and personalize the message.

How the Wheel of VISIONS and Role-Play Deepened Understanding

These tools created hands-on, participatory learning. Diagramming Scriptures into digestible parts, role-play encouraged empathy and engagement, and the Wheel added spontaneity and fun. Rather than memorizing verses, participants internalized them. They didn’t just study the Word; they experienced it.

Why These Methods Were Effective

This approach works because it connects the heart and the mind. Diagramming sharpened analytical skills. Role-play deepened the emotional connections. The Wheel of VISIONS brought movement and unpredictability. Together, these elements made Bible study rich, captivating, and transformative.

Bible Study Brings Order to Misinterpretation

Just as God brought order to chaos in Genesis 1, Scripture study helps clear confusion. Diagramming “God created the heavens and the earth” illuminates God’s authority and intention. When life feels messy, God’s Word reminds us that He still brings beauty from brokenness.

Integrating Biblical and Academic Literacy

To engage Scripture deeply, we must go beyond reading; it takes analysis. Diagramming helps uncover key themes, grammatical relationships, and practical applications. By asking, “Who is speaking? What action is taking place? How do the words function together?” we grow in both spiritual wisdom and academic skills.

This method teaches participants to:

• Think critically about Scripture
• Discern cause and effect
• Recognize God’s commands and promises
• Apply biblical truths to daily life

Findings and Future Implications

The project yielded both measurable and personal growth:

• Improved Biblical comprehension: Participants gained clarity in interpreting Scripture.
• Strengthened Language Skills: Learners confidently identified grammatical structure.
• Engagement Increased: Interactive methods kept learners interested and involved.
• Spiritual Growth Deepened: Many called the experience “life-changing” and “eye-opening.”

As a result, we’ve launched a new initiative: the VISIONS Program.

VISIONS stands for:
Vocabulary
Interpretation
Spiritual Application
Interaction
Observation
Narrative Study
Structure & Sentence Diagramming

The VISIONS Program will be a core part of El Bethel’s ongoing Bible study efforts. It will support existing classes and will be used across all biblical books. Incorporating the Wheel of VISIONS, diagramming, role-play, and multimedia resources, this program builds a bridge between Scripture and real-life experiences.

Final Thought: Genesis is More Than a Story… It’s a Life Guide

Genesis is not just about beginnings, it’s about becoming. It reflects our lives: chaotic, uncertain, yet full of potential. Through diagramming and literacy tools, we move from reading stories to receiving divine guidance. We ask, “What does this mean for me?” and find God waiting with answers.

Next time you open Genesis, don’t just read it…diagram it, dramatize it, or spin the Wheel of VISIONS. You might just discover a new way of seeing God… and yourself!

Which Genesis story speaks to your life today? Share in the comments!

[1] El-Bethel Baptist Church Mission

[2] Life Way Voices.https://voices.lifeway.com/church-ministry-leadership/why-studying-scripture-in-a-group-is-vital-for-all-believers/