Are Biblical Ministry (BM) and the Biblical Animation of Pastoral Ministry (BAPM) the same thing? Are they just two ways of saying the same? They may sound alike—both refer to Scripture and Pastoral Ministry—but they serve different functions.
BM is a particular area of ministry within a Christian community or pastoral centre, where activities focus primarily on the Bible. Its main aim is to foster knowledge and deeper understanding of Sacred Scripture. BAPM, on the other hand, is not a separate area. Rather, it acts as a transversal axis seeking to reach and animate all areas and activities of pastoral ministry. While BM has the Bible as the subject of its gatherings, BAPM seeks to ensure that Scripture is the foundation and soul of the entire pastoral mission.
Why take care of both?
Having a Bible group is a sign of care for BM, but it does not necessarily mean that Scripture inspires all areas of pastoral activity. What happens within one group may not permeate others. If BAPM is not intentionally nurtured, Scripture may only appear occasionally—in the liturgy or catechesis—while being absent from other spheres. However, the more a community deepens its BM, the more its effects will spread across the pastoral landscape. In fact, a centre that seeks to biblically renew its pastoral work without establishing some form of BM group runs the risk of dispersing efforts amid many activities. Strengthening both BM and BAPM is the best way to ensure that the Bible, as the source of Divine Revelation, is placed at the heart of the community’s faith. Even if resources are limited, they need not be excluded. On the contrary, it can be an opportunity to breathe new life into the entire pastoral approach.
How to foster both? Some suggestions
The way to foster each depends on the reality of each pastoral centre. Still, here are some ideas:
1. To develop BM.
▪ Establish one or more groups. These could focus on:
• Bible study groups, inspired by a rabbinical model adapted to the Christian context. These may be led by a trained teacher, follow study guides, or simply read the Bible using introductions and commentaries, according to the desired depth.
• Groups for faith-based Bible reading, which could take a more prayerful tone (like lectio divina) or a more communal one, where participants seek in God’s Word inspiration, light and challenge for daily life.
▪ Organise special Bible-themed events: a missionary week of the Word, Bible Month, or key liturgical moments focused on Scripture.
2. To strengthen BAPM.
Evaluate several indicators in three pastoral areas to assess whether Scripture truly animates all aspects of ministry:
▪ In socio-charitable service: Agents (in social, health or charitable ministry) pray with Scripture, share key biblical texts, and receive social formation rooted in the Word.
▪ In the liturgy: The liturgy is the privileged place of Scripture’s proclamation. Indicators: trained readers proclaim well; homilies are well prepared; the Sacrament of Reconciliation includes biblical texts during welcome and dismissal. Devotions are biblically grounded and purified: rosaries, novenas, leaflets, stations of the cross, examinations of conscience, etc.
▪ In evangelisation: In catechesis knowledge of Old Testament stories, the life and parables of Jesus. In faith development groups: regular use of the Bible, understanding of Israel’s history, Jesus’ sayings, New Testament letters, and prayer with Christological hymns.
3. Form a Biblical Animation Team:
Create a small group tasked with nurturing BM and BAPM. Their main mission would be to devise initiatives for improving BM and liaise with other pastoral agents to ensure the Word of God animates all aspects of ministry. Two or three people would suffice—ideally, one linked to BM and another with interest and formation in Scripture. This would encourage richer dialogue and enhance the pastoral mission as a whole.
