Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Small Group Study for Fall

The ladies' small group I am facilitating is trying to decide what to use for our study this Fall. This group has only been meeting for a few months. While we are similar in age (30-40), our religious backgrounds and faith walks are quite varied (a Catholic, an Episcopalian, a Baptist and 4 Presbyterians).

To kick off our study this Spring we used Conversations on Purpose for Women by Katie Brazelton. This was not steeped in Scripture, but definitely helped us learn to tell our story through the lens of the God's sovereignty. It was a great ice breaker for the women who had never been in a small group before. A lot of masks were shed and true relationships have been formed. Now the members of our group are interested in going a little deeper--without videos or excessive homework. After some discussion last week we decided we are not quite ready to tackle a book of the Bible (yet!), so I am looking for something that will get us into the Word without being intimidating. We aren't really looking for topical--we just want to know more of Him.

For some reason, I keep getting drawn back to something by Ken Gire. He has written several books about people's encounters with Jesus (Moments with the Savior). Gire is a very gifted author. He really brings the sights and sounds of those Biblical accounts out of his writing in a way that allows you to feel as if you are right there watching each encounter unfold. In addition to his excellent writing, I think a study on Jesus and the Scriptural accounts of His life could bridge some of our denominational differences. He is the point of Christianity, right?

My concern is that there is no study guide to Ken Gire's books. They are written as more of a devotional than a small group guide. It shouldn't be difficult (with a little preparation) to dig into the passages each chapter centers on, I am just curious if any one out there has ever tried to use one of his books in a group setting.

Or if you have other ideas of studies that might work for the group I have described, please share them....

11 comments:

peapodsquadmom said...

the group i lead is starting priscilla shirer's "discerning the voice of god: how to recognize when god speaks" in september. we did beth moore's "esther" last fall and her "revelation" dvd study this past spring. you can check priscilla shirer out at www.goingbeyond.com.

Jawan said...

At our PCA church in Columbus, GA, we have completed three Bible Studies over the past two years. The first was "Lost Women of the Bible", by Carolyn Custis James http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Women-Bible-Strength-Significance/dp/0310263905. The second was "The True Woman", by Susan Hunt http://www.amazon.com/True-Woman-Beauty-Strength-Godly/dp/0891079270/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280281193&sr=1-1. (The third was a leadership study that involved government and polity of the PCA).

This fall, our ladies will be reading and discussing the book, "Peacemaking Women: Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict", by Tara Barthel http://www.amazon.com/Peacemaking-Women-Biblical-Resolving-Conflict/dp/0801064953/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280281264&sr=1-1. Just some suggestions...sorry so long of a post.

Liz said...

How about "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"?

Rhonda said...

My Sunday School class just finished One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer. It was wonderful! Looking forward to what others suggest!

Stacy@hiswaynotmine said...

Hi,
I don't know if I've commented before or not, but just started reading your blog. I coordinate our women's ministry at our church (we are a Calvary Chapel...Bible teaching/non-denominational). I have a lot of suggestions I could give you, if you were interested. You can email me separately, if you would like at 5boysandalittlegirl@gmail.com.

How wonderful that God has brought you all together to go deeper into your relationships with Jesus Christ. God will use your time together and independently mightily, while you are in His Word.

As you seek His direction, God will direct you to the perfect study.

In Christ,
Stacy

Jessie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jessie said...

"Anonymous" By A.B.Chole is an AMAZING study. So eye-opening. I don't know if you've read it, but it is a study on the importance of seasons - the premise being the unseen seasons of Jesus' life before his public ministry.

Stephanie said...

We are currently reading "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow which has a guide to each week in the back. Our next book, which I haven't read yet, is called "Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God" by Francis Chan. Good Luck!

Jodie | Velour said...

I just recently read a wonderful book that is written and designed as a group study, with questions after each chapter to guide group time. It's called The Good and Beautiful God:Falling In Love with the God Jesus Knows.
I cannot recommend it enough. It's a book about changing wrong narratives that we believe about God - and getting our new narratives from the one who knows him the best - Jesus. Great, great book. And it's the first in a series so it's something you could continue if you so wish.

Unknown said...

"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" is one that I've done a few times and always seems to speak to every person in a wonderful and challenging way. It's well-written and very accessible to all.

Tiffany said...

I love Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore. I led a ladies Bible study using this book and we all enjoyed the deep discussions it brought out within the group. Our group was quite diverse as well. We had 3 Baptist, 3 Catholics and one Apostalic Penticostal. I hope you'll share more on this in later posts. I've been reading your blog for a couple years now, but I don't know if I've ever left a comment before. ~Blessings!