When the lights dim and the dull beat of a drum fills the air, the atmosphere radiates with raw energy. Some people raise their hands while others dance to the music. A few bow their heads and start to cry. The echo of the crowd singing along to the words projected overhead builds the intensity and excitement within every person present.
It’s not your typical Bible study. It’s True Spin, where approximately 250 students and faculty from the University of Mobile (UMobile) gather each Tuesday night on campus to study and understand the Bible.
Neal Ledbetter, director of campus life at UMobile, named the Bible study True Spin after a VH1 television show.
“The show’s premise was about trying to get the true story behind the music. The same idea is what we’re getting at in True Spin,” he said. “News media ‘spin’ their version of a story, politicians ‘spin’ their version, but what’s the truth? With regard to True Spin, some say this, some say that, but what’s the (biblical) Truth.”
True Spin started off as a small Bible study led by Ledbetter in the fall of 2003. Seven years later, the purpose remains the same.
“I want lives to be transformed. I want students to understand the Bible. What we’re studying in here is meant to be lived out there,” he said, noting the college years are more than a time for academic study; they are a time for students to grow in their walks with Christ and in their faith.
“I wanted to invest in students and advise them in teaching. I also want them to learn how to study the Bible,” Ledbetter said. “I want students to understand it’s okay to ask questions of the Bible.”
Kala Holt, a junior double majoring in English and humanities, is discovering the power behind questions. “From True Spin, I have learned to ask the questions that lead to Him, and to seek out the answers that will lead me closer to His heart,” she said. “I have gotten a deeper, stronger, fuller, and more real relationship with Jesus Christ from True Spin.”
Ledbetter challenges students to think outside the box while studying the Bible.
Sara Dye, a sophomore nursing major, said the approach works. “We are encouraged to think in ways that are biblically sound, but still challenging. Sunday School answers no longer satisfy; we are seeking for the deeper truth of things,” Dye said.
True Spin is a place of worship, a place of learning and a place of discussion. Two worship leaders begin the service by leading fellow students in worship through a diversity of songs.
Ledbetter teaches. He then wraps up the night with a Q&A where students can ask about anything, whether it is related to the night’s scripture passage or on another topic entirely.
Ledbetter has been teaching student ministry for 12 years. This year, Ledbetter is offering two different studies each semester. He started fall semester with a study of Ecclesiastes and will end with a study on the Holy Spirit. In the spring of 2011, Ledbetter will lead a discussion on relationships followed by a discussion on the concept that nobody’s perfect.
“I choose my material in a variety of ways,” Ledbetter said. “First I pray. I ask God where He is leading me. Also, I know where students are at and what they’re wrestling with. I try to tie these two together.”
He also teaches about things that he otherwise wouldn’t know how to answer.
“During my research of the answer, I realize that many people want to know about a certain subject, and so I teach about it,” he said.
Jeremy Crews, a sophomore double-majoring in theology and humanities, said, “Neal’s studies have completely changed the way I view much of scripture.”
True Spin has special events scattered throughout the year.
Christian recording artists Phil Wickham and Charlie Hall are among those who have led students in worship.
“We like to keep people intrigued, so we don’t tell about what we’re planning on doing,” Ledbetter said. “I want people to be surprised.”
As she prepares for a career in nursing, Sara Dye still finds time for Bible study.
“I go to True Spin because it is an incredible chance to focus on Christ in the middle of the week,” she said. “It’s a chance to be challenged and encouraged.”
To download a free podcast of True Spin, go online to the iTunes store, search True Spin, and download. (UMobile)
Share with others: