The One Minute Bible for Students (An Interview with Doug Fields)

I recently spoke with Doug Fields, author of the One Minute Bible for Students and asked him a few questions about Hang Time and the One Minute Bible for Students that you may find encouraging!

Chris Dortch: What age did you begin to develop the spiritual discipline of a daily hang time?

Doug Fields: I first heard about spiritual disciplines when I was in high school. I began “dabbling” with them in an attempt to draw closer to God. I struggled for many years in making spiritual habits a discipline. At times, I still do. I love Jesus and want to spend time with Him daily, but there are days that are better than others.

Chris Dortch: What prompted you to create the One Minute Bible for Students?

Doug Fields: Teenagers weren’t reading the Bible and I wanted to give them something more than a Bible. They all had Bibles! They weren’t reading them. I asked them to put the One Minute Bible by their toilet – since I figured they sat there at least a minute – and read there. It’s a start! That’s the beauty of the OMB, it’s a great tool to begin to read the Bible and gain a sense of the bigger picture of the Bible.

Chris Dortch: What makes the One Minute Bible for Students unique from other devotionals?

Doug Fields: It’s easy to use! It’s clearly designed for daily use. It’s got more easy-to-read sidebars that are interesting, helpful, and fun. It’s the biggest tool for a newbie, a regular reader, or even an advanced reader that wants to have a daily guide (plus there’s extra Scriptures that can be read if someone wants to read more).

Chris Dortch: What would you say to a student who says they don’t have time for a daily devotional?

Doug Fields: I’d say, “I understand!” People are busy… very busy. But, I’d say, “You have time for a couple minutes of reading and you can use the OMB as a starter to develop the habit. The more you read, the more you’ll feel that you actually do have the time.”

Chris Dortch: Do you have any tips or suggestions to students in making sure that a daily hang time lasts longer than a few days?

Doug Fields: First, I’d just go public with a few friends and admit to them that consistency is a struggle. Take on the daily reading challenge with some friends so that you can help one another. Anyone who has “tasted” success in anything has set goals and this is one of those areas of life that is worthy to take some time to set some goals.

Chris Dortch: Thanks Doug for creating such a great resource for students. I also appreciate you taking time to encourage our students to develop the spiritual discipline of a daily hang time.

Doug Fields has been a pastor to teenagers and ministry leader for over 30 years. He is a communicator, resource-provider, writer, pastor and leadership mentor. He’s the author of more than 50 books. You can purchase the One Minute Bible for Students at his website: http://www.dougfields.com/store/one-minute-bible-for-students/. You can also find other youth ministry resources at www.downloadyouthministry.com.