Precept Ministries International is a non-denominational ministry that was founded in 1970 by Kay Arthur. The ministry’s mission is to establish people around the world in God’s Word through in-depth Bible study and discipleship training. The name “Precept” comes from Psalm 119:104 which says “Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.”
The main program offered by Precept Ministries is their Inductive Bible Study method. Inductive Bible study involves three steps: observation, interpretation, and application. In the observation step, you carefully examine the text and make note of key words, themes, comparisons, contrasts, cause and effect, etc. The interpretation step involves answering questions that arise from your observations, understanding the context, and determining the author’s purpose and meaning. Finally, the application step focuses on how to apply the principles and truths discovered in the passage to your own life.
In addition to their core Inductive Bible Study offerings, Precept Ministries provides many resources to help people engage in in-depth Bible study including:
- Printed Bible study curriculum with leader guides and student notebooks for both small groups and individuals
- Free online Bible studies
- Bible study training through conferences and events
- A Bible study app called Precept Upon Precept
- DVD lecture series with Kay Arthur teaching various books of the Bible
- Daily radio program called Precepts for Life
Precept Ministries aims to establish people around the world in God’s Word so they can know God and serve Him. Their studies cover books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Topics covered include doctrinal issues, Christian living, prophecy, and more. The studies are designed to take participants deep into the Word of God so they can understand the biblical text for themselves.
Here are some key beliefs behind the Precept Inductive Bible Study method:
- The Bible is the Word of God and represents absolute truth and authority.
- God wants all people to know His Word.
- Anyone willing can learn to study the Bible inductively.
- Inductive study allows the Bible to speak for itself through careful examination and questioning.
- The Bible interprets itself when studied as a whole.
- Application is essential for spiritual growth and transformation.
Precept Ministries bases their studies solely on the Bible with no added commentary. They believe the Bible has the power to change lives when people engage directly with the Word through inductive study. Their studies are designed for both small group use and individual study.
In terms of organization and structure, Precept Ministries International is based in Chattanooga, TN with regional offices around the world. Their staff includes Bible study trainers, curriculum developers, customer service representatives, IT professionals, and more. Precept is overseen by a Board of Directors with Kay Arthur serving as CEO and Co-CEO. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry that relies on individual donations and product sales for funding.
Precept Ministries aims to serve people from all Christian denominations and backgrounds. Their studies are non-denominational but are grounded in core evangelical beliefs. People from many church affiliations and traditions have found value in the Precept inductive approach for helping them engage directly with Scripture and grow in their faith.
Here is a brief timeline of Precept Ministries International:
- 1970 – Precept Ministries founded by Kay Arthur
- 1973 – Precept Inductive Bible Study launched
- 1978 – International reach begins
- 1982 – Precept Upon Precept curriculum developed
- 1986 – International headquarters established in Chattanooga, TN
- 1991 – International network of Training Centers begins
- 1995 – Precept Ministries Canada established
- 2003 – Precepts for Life radio launched
- 2013 – Precept Ministries in over 190 countries worldwide
- 2015 – Precept Ministries app released
- 2022 – 52 years of ministry and counting…
Over the past five decades, God has used Precept Ministries to help millions of people around the world get established in His Word through inductive Bible study. They continue to develop new tools and resources while remaining committed to their mission of training people to observe, interpret, and apply the Bible for themselves.
Precept Ministries offers free resources to give people a taste of inductive Bible study. On their website you can find samples of their printed studies as well as access to online Bible studies. They also have a free app called Precept which provides short inductive studies on various topics.
Their most popular curriculum is called Precept Upon Precept. This takes you through books of the Bible using inductive methods over multiple weeks. You can purchase these study guides individually or as a bundle. There are Precept Upon Precept studies covering most books of the Bible.
Precept also offers topical studies on Christian living subjects like stewardship, prayer, relationships, and more. Their In & Out studies provide a shorter overview of Bible books good for introducing groups to inductive study.
For group leaders, Precept provides leader guides that walk you step-by-step through facilitating the studies. There are training videos, conferences, and certifications available for leaders as well. Precept studies are designed so they can be done independently or in a small group setting.
In addition to printed studies, Precept offers online courses you can take individually or with a group. There are over 190 online Bible studies on books of the Bible, topics, and issues accessible anytime. These provide about 8-10 hours of interactive inductive study with video lessons from Kay Arthur and others.
Precept Ministries has an app for iOS and Android called Precept which provides access to inductive Bible studies on the go. The app includes hundreds of studies on books of the Bible, leadership, character, and practical Christian living topics. It aims to help you fill spare moments with engaging in God’s Word.
For over 30 years, Precepts for Life has been broadcast on radio stations around the world. It features Kay Arthur taking listeners through inductive studies on various biblical topics on daily 30-minute episodes. This gives people the opportunity to learn the inductive study method by listening.
Precept Ministries offers Bible study training through conferences, events, and seminars around the world. This includes leader training, workshops, retreats, cruises, and more. People can receive certification through Precept to become group leaders or teachers of the inductive study method.
Conferences allow people to be trained directly by Kay Arthur and other Precept teachers. You can find a schedule of upcoming Precept events on their website. Preconferences offer introductory training while National and International Conferences go further in-depth.
Precept also offers free digital resources like videos, blog articles, social media, and newsletters to equip people with inductive study principles. Their goal is to make inductive Bible study accessible to as many people as possible.
Over 5 decades, God has used Precept Ministries to transform millions of lives worldwide through helping people engage directly with the truth of Scripture. Here are some key fruits produced through Precept inductive Bible study:
- Increased biblical understanding and knowledge of God’s Word
- Changed hearts, minds and lives through personal application of the Bible
- People empowered to study Scripture and think for themselves
- Stronger faith foundations established on the Word, not opinions
- Equipped leaders who can rightly handle God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Growth in godly character, wisdom, and obedience
- Effective disciple-making as people pass on what they’ve learned
In summary, Precept Ministries International aims to establish people around the world in God’s Word through inductive Bible study. Their studies, conferences, training resources, and media help equip people to observe, interpret, and apply the Bible to their lives. This allows God’s Word to transform hearts and minds as people engage directly with Scripture and receive it as their source of truth.