For 2026, the Inductive Study of Scripture research group invites paper proposals that demonstrate how the ISS/IBS method works at a specific level, such as a book-level, section-level, or passage-level analysis. Additionally, papers could explore pedagogical or practical implications of such level analysis. Please email your proposal to [email protected] and [email protected] no later than March 4, 2026.
Inductive Study of Scripture
Friday, November 20
3:30–5:30 PM
Presiding: Suzanne Nicholson (Asbury University)
Suzanne Nicholson (Asbury University), Presiding (3 minutes)
Gareth Lee Cockerill (Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge): “The Place of the Parable of the Vineyard (12:1–12) in the Gospel of Mark” (22 minutes)
Discussion (6 minutes)
Abbie F. Mantor (Grace Community Church of the Nazarene): “Job Didn’t Sing Handel’s Messiah: A Passage-Level Analysis of Job 19:23-27 as a Means of Interpretation Beyond Christian Assumption” (22 minutes)
Discussion (6 minutes)
Break (5 minutes)
Fredrick J. Long (Asbury Theological Seminary): “Segment Survey and Biblical Correlation of Psalm 1 with Jesus and Scripture: The Wisdom of God’s Threefold Pattern of Moral Transformation” (22 minutes)
Discussion (6 minutes)
Rachel Coleman (Asbury Theological Seminary): “Inductive Bible Study and the Topical Sermon: Building the Creative Bridge” (22 minutes)
Discussion (6 minutes)
Saturday, November 22
9:00 – 11:00 AM
Location: Westin Copley Place, St. George CD (Third Floor)
Presentations
9:00 – 9:03 AM
David R. Bauer, Asbury Theological Seminary, Moderator
9:03 – 9:25 AM
New Horizons for Inductive Study of Scripture: A Case Study on the Parables of the Kingdom in Matthew 13
E. R. Kerkhof, Asbury Theological Seminary
9:25 – 9:31 AM
Discussion
9:31 – 9:53 AM
The Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Law of Love
Suzanne Nicholson, Asbury University
9:53 – 9:59 AM
Discussion
9:59 – 10:04 AM
Break
10:04 – 10:26 AM
Hide and Seek with YHWH: An Inductive Approach to Enacted Parables and Divine Characterization in 1–2 Kings
Victoria K. Tatko, Trinity College Bristol
10:26 – 10:32 AM
Discussion
10:32 – 10:54 AM
A Proverb or History: Psalm 78 as a Case Study for the Difficulty of Categories
David Schreiner, Asbury Theological Seminary
10:54 – 11:00 AM
Discussion
Sat Nov 23
9:00 – 11:30 AM
Indigo 206 (Second Level) – Hilton Bayfront
The Inductive Study of Scripture (ISS) research group explores the history, philosophy, and application of the Inductive Method of Bible interpretation as developed initially by William Rainey Harper and his student W. W. White, and then developed, adapted, and taught at numerous institutions. Most recently, the method has been comprehensively described in David R. Bauer and Robert A. Traina, Inductive Bible Study (Baker, 2011). This opening session is dedicated to providing an overview and showcase of the IBS approach.
Suzanne Nicholson, Asbury University, Presiding
David R. Bauer, Asbury Theological Seminary
Inductive Biblical Study: An Overview (22 min)
Discussion (8 min)
Fredrick J. Long, Asbury Theological Seminary
Structural Relationships: Observing Meaning-Making Relations across All Levels of Discourse (22 min)
Discussion (8 min)
Abbie Mantor, Bethel University (Indiana)
Does Eliphaz Begin Gently? Utilizing Inductive Study of Scripture to Analyze the Tone and Message of Job 3:3–5:7 (22 min)
Discussion (8 min)
Marshall C. Johns, Claremont School of Theology
One Book and Twelve: A(nother) Case for the Unity of the Book of the Twelve Using Inductive Biblical Studies (22 min)
Discussion (8 min)
