National pollster George Gallup once called the United States “a country of biblical illiterates.”

The Salvation Army’s Pittsburgh Temple — under the leadership of Majors Evelyn and Justin Caldwell — is trying to change that by offering weekly Bible studies for men and women, while also implementing God’s Word into all its ministries. The USA Eastern Territory honored the church during the General’s Congress in June for its biblical literacy efforts.

“The church has really grown in its love for the Word of God,” said Major Evelyn, who helps teach the women’s Bible study. “They want to learn. They want to study it.”

The women of the Pittsburgh Temple hold three to four different Bible studies a year lasting eight to 12 weeks each. Major Evelyn said about 20 women show up in person each Monday, while another eight or so do the study at home by themselves. The group, which is led by main teacher Chris Honsberger, just finished studying the Book of Jude.

In between the Bible studies, the women take part in two shorter “book clubs” each year. The next one may focus on the book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi.

The church also offers one-day workshops in the summer on studying Greek, how to study the Bible on your own, and the different ways to learn God’s Word.

A safe place for dialogue

The men of the church meet every Monday evening for “Man Cave Mondays,” and attendance can climb as high as 20. The group includes men from the corps and about 10 from The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Pittsburgh.

“The ARC men will change over a number of months, but we really get to know them in that Bible study,” Major Justin said. “They also come on Sunday for worship. Between the Bible study and Sunday morning, we really get to know these guys and build relationships.

“It’s a blessing to have the melding of corps members and ARC men as we learn and grow from one another.”

Major Justin said the Bible study, which meets all year, provides a relaxed atmosphere that goes beyond a teacher lecturing the group. He enjoys and encourages back-and-forth between the participants, who feel comfortable enough to ask hard questions and express opinions.

“It’s a place where people can really open up,” he said. “There’s questions that happen. It’s definitely been one of my favorite nights of the week just because of what’s accomplished there. People are really getting into the Word.”

Digging for biblical treasure

The group recently took two years exploring the Gospel of Luke. Some nights they only covered a sentence or a paragraph. They all wanted to get the most out of the study, so time was no issue.

“There’s no rush,” Major Justin said. “We get through it at our own pace. We dive deep and ask questions and have discussions. I think we’ve seen a lot of fruit from that. I’ve seen growth and discipleship happen at these studies as we talk through everyday life situations in light of scripture.”

One of the regulars is Dick Staaf, an adherent at the corps and a former policeman who has attended for the last seven or eight years.

“It’s one of my favorite things to do during the week,” Staaf said. “This men’s group, we’re all just kind of journeying through life together with our various issues.”

Staaf said his challenges differ from those faced by men from the ARC, who may struggle with addiction and housing and employment issues, but the group comes together to learn as one.

“We look at not only what Jesus shows us in His life, but what He shows us in His words,” he said. “With all of us going through this journey, it’s just so refreshing to be with other men.”

Fighting the good fight

Major Justin agreed that biblical illiteracy is a problem in the American church. Many people today, unlike their parents or grandparents, are not as steeped in the Bible.

“We find a way to get the message of the Bible into all of our ministries,” he said.

For example, the church offers a large and thriving choice pantry that features a prayer table with a devotional for those who are coming in for assistance.

“Our preaching ministry is also a priority here as we dedicate hours of preparation every week with planned sermon series that take us on a journey in the Word,” Major Justin said.

Honsberger, a lifelong Salvationist who has taught the women’s Bible study for more than 15 years, said the Caldwells bring “a lot of depth” to their sermons and set the tone for the church’s vision. She said the Pittsburgh Temple has seen explosive growth in the seven years the Caldwells have been there, including many who are new to The Salvation Army.

“What you see is these new people turning into disciples,” Honsberger said. “You see them growing and understanding what their role is as a Christian. What has happened in this corps is that these people love the Word so much and love everything about the scriptures so much that they buy into it.

“It’s just a part of the fabric of who we are. This passion and love for the Word from so many people is quite a thing to see, and I’ve been in The Salvation Army all my life. It’s kind of contagious. It really does speak to who we are as a congregation.”

Visit the website of the Pittsburgh Temple Corps.