Bibliotec Truth Hope Purpose

Vision

Bibliotec is the Bible College for Weston-super-Mare.

Our vision is to establish a Bible College in Weston-super-Mare and for the people of the town and the surrounding area. We are gathering people together to engage with the Bible and the God of the Bible.

Bibliotec is made up of “biblio” meaning “relating to book or books,” and “tec” from technology, emphasising the practical.

Principles

We have established principles for Bibliotec which guide what we do. These derive from Jesus teaching of the Sheep and Goats in Matthew‬

  • Teach those who are eager to know and understand the Bible.
  • Provide teaching and counseling on marriage and relationships.
  • Welcome individuals of all nations and backgrounds to learn from the Bible.
  • Help Christians put on the full Armour of God.
  • Bring the Word of God to those who are sick.
  • Support Christians in their professional lives.

BIBLIO

“Biblio” refers to books or anything related to books.

WORD

The Bible, known as the “Word of God,” is a library of 66 books. Our foundation rests on biblical truth.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17

FAITH

Our goal is to nurture and strengthen faith.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” — Romans 10:17

KNOWLEDGE

We seek understanding through biblical knowledge, gained by study, experience, and reflection.

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” — Proverbs 18:15 (ESV)

THEORY

We explore the narratives and teachings within the Bible, contemplating their meaning and significance.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” — John 16:13 (ESV)

TEC

Tec is ‘relating to technology,’ emphasizing the practical in the modern day.

DEED

We intend to put on a range of events, seminars, lectures, and courses to help our community engage with the Bible and its truth.

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” — James 2:17 ESV

WORK

We want to help Christians get the most out of their work life and become everything God has called them to be.

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” — Psalm 90:17 ESV

APPLICATION

We encourage Christians to put the Word of God into practice.

“Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.” — Proverbs 23:12 ESV

PRACTICE

We need to practice our gifts to perfect them, learning through doing and growing along the way.

“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” — 1 Timothy 4:15 ESV

PEOPLE

Bibliotec currently has a number of gifted teachers

Dr David Knight BEng(Hon) PhD

JOURNEY

David shares, “The Word of God came to me during a Sunday morning meeting at Woodspring Church in early 2016. Our guest speaker, Barbara Brockbank, brought a message to the church from Isaiah 54. The phrase that stood out to me was, ‘a Bible college for Weston-super-Mare.’ Such a concept had not crossed my mind before, and I believe this is a word from God about what He wants to see established in our town. Later, at a Christian retreat at Hothorpe Hall in Leicestershire in November 2016, the name ‘Bibliotec’ echoed in my mind several times over the weekend. I believe this is the name by which the Bible college is meant to be known.”

“Enlarge the place of your tent and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.” — Isaiah 54:2-3 (ESV)

In 2018/19, we began to establish a simple curriculum, marked by a series of events and ‘Open Book’ sessions, where small groups would meet to read the Bible together. Highlights included “Meet the Authors” sessions with Jon Air and Neil Laing, as well as a lecture by Dr Clive Colledge.

During the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2023, activity paused. David reflects, “I wrestled with the vision for Bibliotec. Was the word truly from God? Was I meant to lead this or simply to be a voice for someone else? Yet, the vision has never left me, and I am convinced that I am called to move this forward.”

PLACE

An ideal environment for nurturing a close walk with the Lord.

David explains, “My vision for the Bible college is to have it housed in a building surrounded by gardens, where students can find time for reflection. The building would include teaching rooms and a café, which would be open to the public at certain times. Students would serve in the gardens and the café. The college would also have a well-stocked library of books and resources.”

OUR EVENTS

Our aim is to put on a wide range of events at different times through the year that encourage and inspire those attending to take their next steps on the Christian journey.

Some of our events are free and some incur a cost to cover hall booking and materials.

BIBLE BOOK DEEP DIVE

A deep dive into a book of the Bible to allow attendees to gain a better understanding of it and its relevance for today.

RELEASE YOUR GIFTS

This half-day seminar explores spiritual gifts and will practically help you to find yours.

OPEN BOOK

This is an opportunity to experience the power of the Bible in your life. You will get a chance to read a passage in the Bible and discuss with others its meaning and relevance to your life today. The context for the passage will be given and the outcome will be what you are able to take away with you. These sessions last approximately.

CHRISTIAN AT WORK

A half-day seminar that aims to help Christians in the workplace fulfil their potential as a Child of God and an employee in their chosen line of work. The session combines presentations and activities.

HOUR GLASS LECTURES

A one-hour lecture on a topic that we hope will be of interest. This will be an in-depth talk on a subject from a guest speaker qualified to talk about it. The intention is that this lecture will be accessible for everyone who wants to understand the subject better. There will be a chance for questions and discussion after the lecture.

A JOURNEY THROUGH

Come and take a journey through a book of the Bible in oratory, poetry, drama, music and games to get a better understanding of its purpose, presentation and meaning. There will be an opportunity to interact with the book and share lunch together. This event is open to all ages.

MEET THE AUTHORS

Come and listen to a published author talk about their new book, the reasons for writing it and the life they hope to give you through it.

GATHERING

A chance to come together at an evening of celebration combining praise and worship and a guest speaker.

LET THERE BE MUSIC

Listen to songs we love and discuss their meaning to us.