Our purpose
Our aim is to help people understand the Bible better and come to love it as the Word of God. Above all, we want people to know the God of the Bible as he truly is. We do not set out to promote the theology or dogma of any one denomination. Instead, we explore where the Bible comes from, how it came together, how it is organised, and how we can read and understand it. The website was created so that people who attended the lessons could download them later at their own pace. Everyone is welcome to use the material and adapt it for personal study.
Hosea 4:6
The original Afrikaans page quotes Hosea 4:6. The English wording below follows that quotation:
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from serving as my priest; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.
How it began
Background
Montana Bybelskool began in January 2013 in the chapel at Ilala Palm Lodge. It brought Christians from different churches together while holding to a few basic principles.
After five years of meeting in person each week, work pressures and other circumstances led us to put lesson videos on the website. It was not ideal: we missed the warm, informal fellowship those gatherings offered. We hope to enjoy that kind of fellowship again.
At first, five or six people attended. Over time, the group grew to about 18 to 20 regulars, from at least four church denominations. Later we met occasionally to discuss particular subjects.
“Bible school” may not be quite the right name for our small group. We think of it more as a place to learn from God’s Word. There are no tests or exams. You’re welcome to listen and join in as much as you feel comfortable.
Questions and suggested topics are welcome. You can raise them with the group or speak to us privately, whichever you prefer.
What we believe
We believe in the five Solas, but our main purpose is not to impose any one denomination’s theology on anyone.
As described above, we want people to know and love the Bible.
Presenter: Willem Zaaiman
Willem’s spiritual journey can be summarised as follows:
- 1960: Born in Warden, Free State.
- 1977: Completed matric in Warden.
- 1978-79: Military service on the border and in Zambia alongside San people.
- 1980-2003: He describes this period as a sinful, secular life and prefers not to discuss it.
- 2003 onward: After several traumatic events, he spent eight months shut away in a flat, seeking the Lord wholeheartedly (2 Chronicles 15:2). He became a Christian and began serving the Lord with all his heart, living in the grace and peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
- 2004-2006: Attended Lynnwoodrif Bible School and completed several studies in God’s Word.
- 2008: Studied theology at the University of Africa, which was not accredited as a university in South Africa at the time. The institution closed after a year, but he says he learnt a great deal.
- 2007-2012: Taught Bible studies in English to prisoners at Baviaanspoort Maximum Security Prison for six years.
- 2011-2012: Studied at North-West University in Potchefstroom and earned a BA Honours degree in Theology.
- 2013 onward: Taught Bible studies in Afrikaans in Montana. Later, the lessons moved increasingly online, with occasional in-person gatherings.