Joplin middle schools resume Bible studies

     (AP) – Bible study groups that were previously halted in Joplin

middle schools earlier this month are going to resume as early as next week.

     The Joplin Globe reports that the groups were criticized from the American

Humanist Association in December, saying the studies involved both teachers and

outside ministry members leading students in prayer and Scripture readings.

     Joplin administrators deemed the groups constitutional because participation

was voluntary and groups were student-led. But the studies were suspended anyway

because student-led groups are only allowed at the high school level.

     Now, local youth ministers involved with the Bible groups are planning to

revive them under a board policy allowing community groups to sponsor such

meetings by renting school buildings. Youth Pastor Lew Poe says the rental fees

for the groups will be paid through donations from churches and private

individuals or businesses.

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