Different Churches, One Community: Evansville Bible Study Unites Believers

EVANSVILLE — St. John’s East United Church of Christ in Evansville works to break down barriers in the religious community through its weekly Bible study classes.

“The Community Bible Study” is far from ordinary. It draws regular attendees from a wide variety of denominations and churches across Kentucky and Indiana. Pastor John Herring says what sets this Bible study apart is its ability to cultivate meaningful connections among people of diverse faiths, uniting participants from over twenty churches and denominations throughout the tri-state area.

Herring began pastoring at the church in August 2020, during the pandemic. He noted the Bible study group consisted of about twenty to thirty regular members. Since then, attendance has grown, and the class now averages nearly 75 people each week— occasionally surpassing 80 members. 

The class also brings together people of different ethnic backgrounds, which Herring believes is another success of the program — one he feels is needed across multiple religious spaces in the country. 

“When I started at St. John’s East, it was literally an all-white congregation,” Herring said. “My wife and I were the only two people of color who were a part of the fellowship. That has now changed. We now have African Americans; we have Hispanics. So, it’s definitely more diverse.”

Sharella Holland attends the historical Liberty Baptist Church, one of the oldest Black congregations in Evansville. She’s been a regular attendee of the study for a few years and commented on the increase in diversity. Amid rising tensions between religion and politics, and a surge in racial discrimination nationwide, Holland shares her thoughts on the positive environment the Bible study is creating.

“God’s capable of touching minds and hearts,” Holland said. “I think, you know, from a racial standpoint, there may be some people here who never really spent time with African Americans or others, but we come together. We are just all here to learn and love and grow in Christ.” 

Another member, Edward Hogg, believes the class remains a success because of Herring’s teaching style and relatability. He’s a member of St. Johns East and has watched the class grow. 

“He [Herring] is able to condescend and accommodate,” Hogg said.

He says that most of the time, pastors or Bible study lecturers use heavy theological terms and phrases that people struggle to understand. Hogg believes Herring “brings it down to the road where people are” in his teaching style and accessibility. When asked about the class’s diversity, Hogg echoed Holland. 

“I think it’s wonderful to interact with other denominations and to basically hear what they have to say,” Hogg said. “We’re all a part of the same universal body of Christ. So, we learn from each other.”

While the class consists mostly of people ages 60 and above, Herring says he’s looking forward to having more younger individuals attending the weekly bible study. 

The Community Bible Study meets every Wednesday from noon until 1:00 PM at St. Jonh’s East. 7000 Lincoln Ave, Evansville, Indiana 47715.