What is Precept Ministries International?

What is Precept Ministries International?
Restoration The Church Parachurch

TL;DR:

Precept Ministries International equips believers to study, understand, and apply God’s Word through systematic, inductive Bible study. Precept Ministries’ biblical approach mirrors the call in Scripture to examine, interpret, and live out God’s truth in everyday life.

from the old testament

  • Precept Ministries International is devoted to helping believers study and apply God’s Word in their lives, reflecting a strong biblical foundation. God repeatedly called His people to meditate on and obey His Word, teaching them to live according to His commands (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Psalm 119:105). This emphasis on diligent study, reflection, and obedience forms the foundation of Precept’s approach: believers are encouraged to examine Scripture carefully and apply it practically.

from the new testament

  • The example of the Bereans shows the importance of evaluating teachings against Scripture: “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
  • Paul also instructs believers to grow in knowledge and maturity in Christ by studying and applying God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; Colossians 3:16).
  • The apostle Peter exhorted believers to be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15), and Jude noted that opposing perversions of the Gospel requires believers “to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Precept Ministries helps believers to do this.

implications for today

Founded in 1970 in Chattanooga, TN, by husband and wife team Jack and Kay Arthur, Precept Ministries International’s purpose is "to engage people in relationship with God through knowing His word." . For nearly fifty years, they have aimed to "direct people to the Master Himself, who leads and guides by His Spirit, into all truth through a systematic study of His word." Because their focus is on the Bible, Precept Ministries International is non-denominational and many churches use their resources. The organization writes Bible studies, organizes conferences, and teaches training workshops that follow the Precept Inductive Bible Study Method. This method teaches readers to fully engage with the biblical text by observing what it says, marking key words, delving into the original language, and learning historical context. Only after fully observing the text are readers encouraged to interpret its meaning and how it might apply to the reader's life today.

Precept Ministries has reached 180 countries, with their studies now translated into seventy different languages. They have created studies for people with differing time commitments, interests, and skill levels, including the in-depth Precept Upon Precept series, the shorter In&Out series, the no homework six-week 40-Minute Bible Study series, the popular topical "Lord" Series, and even one for children called Discover 4 Yourself Bible Studies for Kids.

God has used Precept Ministries International to impact people through His Word. Believers should do due diligence, though, by comparing the organization's teachings with the Bible. You can learn more about Precept Ministries from their website https://www.precept.org.

understand

  • Precept Ministries trains believers to study and apply God’s Word through systematic, inductive Bible study.
  • Precept Ministries’ approach mirrors Scripture’s call to meditate on God’s commands and examine teachings as the Bereans did.
  • Founded in 1970, Precept Ministries has reached 180+ countries with studies for all ages and skill levels.

reflect

  • How consistently do you engage with God’s Word to understand and apply it in your life?
  • How could you adopt a more systematic or intentional approach to studying Scripture like Precept Ministries teaches?
  • How does studying the Bible carefully impact your faith, decisions, and relationship with God?

engage

  • How can we encourage each other to study the Bible as the Bereans did, rather than accepting teachings at face value?
  • How does group Bible study help us in interpreting and applying God’s Word to our lives?
  • How might tools like inductive Bible study methods strengthen our individual and corporate faith and practice?