You might not know this name…but I think you will.  If you haven’t checked out Chase: Chasing after the Heart of God, you need to.  If you’ve never heard of Jennie Allen…you will.  Chase if good stuff.  Very good stuff.

Chase “explores the events that defined David’s life and the Psalms that flowed out of those experiences.”  The study is put together in a way that will provide new insights into David’s own chase–what he found himself pursuing–while helping women discover what God really wants from them.

A DVD-driven study, the videos are each 8 to 12 minutes long.  Just long enough to provide a foundation for the topic of conversation and study.  If you’re used to the longer format teaching videos in many women’s studies, you might be tempted to think the videos aren’t long enough.  Don’t.  Featuring Jennie Allen and set in (of all places) Marfa, Texas, every session is captivating and will set up discussion very well.

The study guide is well written and is designed to provide the pre-meeting experience.  A combination of the familiar dig into scripture homework along with thought-provoking and creatively designed projects skillfully prepares for a very engaging weekly meeting.  The homework can be done over several days or on a single day.

The most intriguing aspect of the Chase study are the conversation cards.  Designed to “provide a unique way of starting deep, honest conversations about what you’re chasing after,” I love the idea of the cards!  Each of the 8 sessions have their own cards that help members begin with scripture and end with application.  If you have a larger small group (or are meeting as a larger women’s Bible study) you can purchase additional decks of conversations cards.

The leader’s guide might be one of the most complete I’ve ever reviewed.  Very well designed with lots of resources to help both brand new and experienced leaders facilitate the best experience possible for their members.

Whether you lead an off-campus women’s small group or are looking for a study that will work for your on-campus Bible study, Chase: Chasing after the Heart of God ought to be on your list to check out.   I really like this study and I think you will too.  Most important, this is a study that will help women chase the heart of God.

Had a chance over the weekend to preview How Can I Know: Answers to Life’s 7 Most Important Questions. a new DVD-driven study from LifeWay by Robert Jeffress.  Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas is the author of multiple books and the host of the radio and television program “Pathway to Victory.”

Filmed live on location in the worship center at First Baptist, Dallas, each session is 40 to 45 minutes in length.  Packed with very good content, the teaching style will be very familiar for some group members and will take a little getting used to for others.  Need a sample?  You can hear the first message right here on iTunes.

The 7 questions answered in the series are:

• How Can I Know There Is a God?
• How Can I Know the Bible Is True?
• How Can I Know Christianity Is the Right Religion?
• How Can I Know God Is Good with All the Suffering in the World?
• How Can I Know How to Forgive Someone Who Has Hurt Me?
• How Can I Know God’s Forgiveness When I’ve Failed?
• How Can I Know I’m Going to Heaven When I Die?

The member book provides a viewer guide that will help members take notes on important principles for later discussion as well as a simple set of group discussion questions to help begin to apply the teaching.  The member book also includes a fairly robust set of daily lessons designed to help members really dig in to the big idea for the week.  Averaging 5 to 6 pages in length daily, this will take some commitment to complete along with the payoff of in-depth exploration.

Have members that would benefit from additional content?  A companion paperback edition of Jeffress’s book by the same title is available and included in the leader kit.

How Can I Know is not without its challenges.  For many groups the DVD segments are just too long at 40+ minutes.  For others the more formal teaching style will be difficult to embrace.  Still, the content is very good and will be quite helpful to many.  If you’re looking for a study that answers these questions, you’ll want to take a look at How Can I Know.

Had a chance this week to preview Dream: Have You Caught God’s Vision, a new study for men by Kenny Luck.  A well known speaker at men’s events, Kenny is the president and founder of Every Man Ministries, co-author of the best-selling Every Man, God’s Man, and the men’s pastor at Saddleback Church where over 7000 men are connected to small groups.

The Dream member book is designed to lead men through an 8 session experience.  Every meeting is preceded by 4 to 5 short personal studies to be done in preparation.  The personal studies can be done individually over several days or all together.  Every week also includes a verse to remember, a core concept to reflect on, and an opportunity to respond.

The personal studies are followed by iron sharpening iron man-to-man assignments designed to be used with an accountability partner.

The group sessions that follow the personal studies are DVD-driven and feature the teaching of Kenny Luck.  An engaging speaker, the DVD segments average 20 minutes in length and will easily hold the attention of group members.  Perhaps because I’ve heard Kenny in person a number of times, I had the sense that he was talking directly to me.  I have the feeling you’ll think that too.

The member book also includes a set of questions designed to get men talking about the previous week’s personal study, as well as a simple video viewing guide that will help members remember Kenny’s main points.  A good set of group discussion questions are built in to every meeting that encourage men to talk about what they’re learning and how they’re being challenged.

Finally, a simple leader’s guide is incorporated into the member book, providing a little coaching for newer leaders.

For men’s ministries building a crowd-to-core strategy, Dream is probably most appropriate for men in the congregation who are ready to take a somewhat challenging next step.  I like Kenny’s approach and will definitely recommend Dream as an important step for many men’s groups.

Spent some time over the weekend reviewing Altar Ego: Becoming Who God Says You Are, the newest church-wide campaign from Craig Groeschel over the weekend.  If you’re in the market for a campaign…you’re going to want to see this one.  Right on target, Altar Ego is going to be very popular.

A Cross-Cultural Topic

One of the most important aspects of this study and church-wide campaign is its cross-cultural topic.  You don’t have to be a Christian to understand the damage that labels cause.  Everyone comes pre-wired with the sense that they’re not really living up to their potential and that so many of their dreams have gone unrealized.  With just a little set-up, the invitation to “join us for a 5 week study” will be easy.

Resources

Designed to accompany a 5 week message series, this DVD-driven study is well designed.  With the video segments averaging 10 to 12 minutes, they’ll easily hold the attention of group members.  A great communicator, Groeschel’s segments are filmed in settings that help introduce the topic.

The study guide includes a number of elements that will help members dig into the topic.  A video outline is included that will help members identify the main concepts.  A well thought out set of discussion questions and group exercises help members deepen their understanding and begin to apply the teaching.  A personal study section is included each week that will help members continue to work on the topic in between sessions.

Although the study can be done without the companion hardback, members may find that the weekly reading will help solidify their understanding and further awaken their sense of who God made them to be.

Downloadable Resources

Like almost everything LifeChurch.TV does, you can download everything you need for a great church-wide experience.  What’s available?  Literally everything.  Message outlines, transcripts, message videos, banner graphics, promo videos, countdown video, artwork, bulletin templates, invite cards, and much more.  Even better?  It’s all FREE!

I’m always on the lookout for church-wide campaigns that are on cross-cultural topics, are easy-to-use, and truly just-add-water.  Altar Ego: Becoming Who God Says You Are definitely fits the bill.  I loved it and I think you will too!

Had an opportunity to preview The Gospel According to Jonah: A New Kind of Obedience, a new DVD-driven study from J.D. Greear.  The lead pastor of Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Summit Church has been one of Outreach magazines top 25 fastest growing churches in America for several years running.

Six sessions, the video content is pitched just about right, with the sessions averaging 15 minutes in length.  Greear is a very compelling speaker and communicates in a way that will pull group members into the fascinating story of Jonah.  Better, he unearths a number of very important aspects of the story that have direct implications for all of us today.

The Leader’s Kit also includes a campaign guide and publicity tools (logos, bulletin templates, poster designs, etc.) for those churches that are looking for help in implementing a church-wide campaign.

The DVD is accompanied by a very well designed member book, packed with everything your group needs to dig deeply into the key ideas and teaching in the Old Testament book of Jonah.  Developed by Spence Shelton, Summit’s small group pastor, the member book includes:

• a short introduction (to be read prior to the group meeting)
• a pump-priming set of warm-up questions
• a video guide to help your members follow the video teaching
• a group study based on a related Old or New Testament passage, encouraging a discussion that grapples with the wider context of the gospel throughout the scriptures
• a wrap up section that helps members move beyond hearing to doing
• three devotionals per session that helps members continue to deepen their understanding during the week

Along with the DVD and the member book, there is also an easy-to-use leader’s guide built in to the appendix of the member book.  While it’s not comprehensive or overly detailed, the guide is more than adequate and provides enough guidance to help even new leaders deliver a richer experience for their members.

If you’re looking for studies that will help your group members deepen their understanding of God’s relentless pursuit of those that He loves, The Gospel According to Jonah ought to be on your list to review.  I’m adding it to my recommended list and I think you will too!

Had a chance this week to review Andy Stanley’s newest DVD-driven study, Christian: It’s Not What You Think.  Wow!  So good.  Based on a series that North Point did about this time last year, this 8 week series will be a great study for many groups.

Stanley’s central idea is that the words used today to describe Christians often bear no resemblance to what Jesus wanted His followers to be known for.  If you’re at all like me, you’ll find yourself shaking your head in agreement and recognizing the disparities in the same moment.  Compelling and convicting.

The DVD segments are excerpts from Stanley’s messages and average 15 minutes in length.  Just about right for most attention spans.  The teaching on this topic is very compelling and crystal clear.  Right out of the New Testament, Stanley is a spell-binding communicator as he takes some of the most familiar passages and puts small group members right in the front row for the conversation.

The Participant’s Guide includes everything you need to unpack the profound set of ideas that form the basis of this series:

• A well-designed discussion starter helps the group take a first look at the topic.
• A video overview and a section for taking notes enables a look ahead at the teaching to come and a place to jot down key ideas.
• A great set of discussion questions that will help group members dig deep into the content.
• Mileposts keep your members focused on the central truths.
• Moving Forward and Changing Your Mind provide direction for next steps.
• 5 short devotional segments help set up the next session.

You’ll find a leader’s guide on the DVD along with a selection of promotional resources (bulletin inserts, postcard templates, poster and powerpoint slide), but take it from me, the teaching is presented so clearly there really is none needed.  The selected passages that form the basis for the study will be eye-opening for many group members who have never really wrestled with these ideas.

Back when this series was being given at North Point, I downloaded these messages and listened to them multiple times.  I shared it with many of my friends.  When I saw that they’d taken the content and created an 8 week small group curriculum, I was so excited for you!  This is a powerful study.  Your small group members need this content.  I love Christian and I think you will too!

Several months ago I reviewed Margaret Feinberg’s latest book, Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God.  A popular speaker at conferences like Catalyst, RightNow, and Thrive, as well as one of the most creative and engaging authors I know, I was really excited to see the DVD-driven study that now accompanies the book.

Trust me…I was not disappointed!  This seven session study is literally packed with great insights into the wonder of God.  Although the DVD sessions average a little over twenty minutes, there’s little chance of attention deficit.  Filmed on location in the stunning beauty of the Canadian rockies, the backdrop is visually spectacular.  As well, I’m not sure I’ve ever listened to anyone else more descriptive than Feinberg and it’s very much like listening to a very good storyteller.

The member book provides everything you need in order to squeeze every last drop of inspiration from the study.  Built-in experiential exercises begin every session.  Skillfully selected discussion questions guide the group through a discussion.  Infused with scripture, your group will be exposed to the wonder of God’s presence, the provision of rest, the wonder of prayer, friendship and forgiveness.

Along with the session guide, the member book also includes daily devotional homework (5 days a week).  Not an afterthought, these daily exercises will help renew your member’s sense of wonder.  An included journal section provides a place for daily observations about the wonder of God.  Group sessions two through seven include an opportunity to talk about learnings and insights from the daily homework.

Although the leader’s guide in the member book is very basic, each of the DVD sessions include a short video leader lifter.  In addition, the simple structure of each session makes this a very easy study to facilitate.

Feeling a little stale?  Kind of dry?  Need a wonder infusion?  You’ll want to take a look at Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God.  I found myself drawn in again and again, captivated by the video and awakening to the wonder of God.  I like this study and I think you will too.

Did you see it?  Or miss it?  Either way, it’s not too late to catch Episode 1 later this week on the History Channel.

Produced by Mark Burnett (producer of Survivor, The Voice and The Apprentice) and Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel), this series is set up to be the main topic of a lot of water cooler conversations.

Want to talk about the series in your small group or Bible study?  Download this free host kit!

Want more?

• Saddleback has just started History Makers, a 5 week series that accompanies the miniseries.  You can watch week one right here.
• LifeChurch.TV has a downloadable Bible Series Discussion Guide right here. (HT @LibbyMyrin)
• YouVersion (the Bible app) has a reading plan for each week of the Bible Series.  You can find out more about it right here. (HT @LibbyMyrin)

Listen, this series has the potential to be a very powerful opportunity to talk about the great stories of the Bible with neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family.  Don’t miss this chance!

Did you see it? What did you think?  You can click here to jump into the conversation.

Took some time this week to dive into a new DVD-driven study from Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church, a multi-site church in Washington D.C.  When Batterson has a new study, I look forward to previewing it.  In my opinion, Batterson regularly tackles theology more creatively than almost anyone else and  The God Anthology: Exploring the Depths of God is a great example!

In a way, the idea behind The God Anthology is pinned to A.W. Tozer’s great line, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”   Exploring the depths of God by examining six of God’s attributes:

• Mystery
• Holiness
• Incomparability
• Mercy
• Jealousy
• Sovereignty

The 6 session study is anchored by 6 video segments.  At 10 to 17 minutes long, the segments are just the right length to hold attention very well.  Batterson is a master of metaphor and example and the teaching here is a very good example.  Filmed on location at The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, even the setting is beautiful and compelling.

The study guide is easy to use and includes everything you need to pull off a fairly theological study.  A great set of questions launches each of the sessions.  Also included are a video session outline (for capturing the big ideas and important concepts) and a very thought-provoking, conversation generating set of discussion questions anchored by scripture.  Each of the sessions also includes a Pursuing God section designed to provide three daily devotional readings that will help group members further pursue the conversation through the week.  Importantly, the study guide also includes a helpful leader’s guide with important tips and ideas for each session.

Along with the DVD and study guide, The God Anthology includes a music CD with original music composed and arranged by the National Community Church worship staff for each of the critical aspects of who God is.  Intended to enrich the small group experience, the CD can be played during the group meeting.

If you’re looking for a study that will help group members deepen their understanding of God, The God Anthology is one you need to take a look at!

Are you truly a follower of Jesus?  That is the central question of Follow Me, David Platt’s new Bible study.  Based on his new book by the same title, this is a challenging and important study that takes his teaching from Radical to a whole new depth.

Anchored by a six session DVD, each of the sessions are classic David Platt.  Great teaching.  Very passionate.  Packed with biblical content.  And…each of the sessions is about 30 minutes in length (which would be a little long for the average attention span, but for Platt’s very compelling intensity).

The teaching wrestles with six intentional questions:

• What does it mean to truly be a follower of Jesus?
• What does it means to trust Jesus with our minds?
• Are our affections and desires really what they need to be?
• Is total abandonment really required?
• Are we committed to the Church as God has designed it?
• What does it mean to make disciples who make disciples?

The Member Book is well designed.  An opening exercise replaces the more common ice-breaker questions intended to prime the conversation pump.  A combination of reflecting on the previous week’s assignment with a twist of a group project (session one’s is to come up with a group definition of “what it means to follow Christ”).

Along with the opening exercise, each session includes the session outline you’ll need to capture everything from the DVD teaching segment.  The built-in group discussion questions will take the conversation very intentionally into a deep dive into what it means to truly follow Jesus.  Application steps and scripture memory assignment finish out each session.

The Member Book also includes 5 daily lessons for each of the 6 sessions.  The daily lessons are 4 to 5 pages in length and will require a commitment of 30 to 60 minutes to complete, but will lead members deeply into what it means to follow Jesus.

An available Follow Me Church Kit, as well as Student and Preteen study materials make it possible to do Follow Me as a church-wide campaign. In addition to copies of the Student and Preteen Member books, the Follow Me Church Kit includes an administration guide, sermon outlines, and digital art files for a promotional poster, bulletin inserts, presentation slides, and more.

Do you have small groups that are asking for a real challenge?  Does your church need to take a fresh look at Jesus’ simple request to follow Him?  I believe the answer is yes to both and Follow Me is a small group study and a church-wide campaign designed to meet both needs.