Gamel A typical Bible study usually begins with participants opening the Scriptures. But the past few weeks, members of the Mayberry Bible Study at Jubilee Fellowship have started their studies by watching an episode of "The Andy Griffith Show." Pastor Scott Gamel has been leading a Wednesday night Bible study based on the popular 1960s television series at the church since June.

Gamel didn't come up with the idea. It is based on a series of lessons created by Joseph Fann, author of the book, "The Way Back to Mayberry." Fann started the first "Finding the Way Back to Mayberry" class in 1998 at Twickenham Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama. As word of the class spread, other churches began to inquire about using the lesson plans. At one point, Fann was aware of churches in 35 states and some foreign countries, including Great Britain and Australia, that have used the lesson plans for a Mayberry Bible study.

Pastor Gamel has taught the class before. "It was very well received at the church I served in Kentucky," he said. "When I discovered that we had quite a few 'Andy fans' in this area, I thought folks in our church would really appreciate it."

By all appearances, they have. The class make-up is diverse.

"We have all ages involved," said Pastor Gamel. "Some of the folks watch the show every time it's on, and as strange as it may seem, a couple of our folks claim they've never watched the show before this study." The appeal is the old-fashioned values and life lessons found in the show. "In addition to being a well-crafted, beautifully produced show," Gamel said, "the stories all revolve around strong relationships and basic values such as character, personal responsibility, humility, and integrity."

"I see these episodes as parables. There are good, positive lessons and also negative examples in the show that go hand-in-hand with much of what the Scriptures teach us about life. Andy is Solomonlike in his wisdom, and serves as a sort of 'father' of the whole town."

The pastor added, "We've joked about getting t-shirts that have 'W.W.A.D' printed on them - 'What Would Andy Do?"

The Bible study is continuing through August.