Why does Les emphasize that his Bible study is informal?
The informality is emphasized to reach people right where they are, across all denominational lines, without compromising the Book or submitting to outside guidelines. It also preserves freedom to teach the Book without external guidelines or dictates, and it matches the relaxed coffee-cup setting of the broadcasts.
Les explains that he continually emphasizes the informality of the Bible study because the goal is to reach folks wherever they are, across all denominational lines. He clarifies that reaching across denominational lines does not mean he will compromise; he will teach the book as he feels it should be taught and required the freedom to teach as he sees it, not according to guidelines or dictates from anyone. The informal approach is also why coffee cups appear, since four programs are taped in succession on one afternoon and they take a coffee break.