I had the chance this weekend to work my way through a very good DVD-driven study from Margaret Feinberg.  New from Zondervan, Pursuing God’s Love is a six session study that takes a look at several of the major themes of Genesis.

Feinberg, named one of the “Thirty Emerging Voices” of Christian leaders under age 40 by Charisma magazine, is also the author of The Organic God and Scouting the Divine.  In the manner we’re all growing accustomed to, Feinberg’s Pursuing God’s Love provides a fresh take on six of the most familiar biblical stories.  The accounts of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Esau and Joseph all provide an ancient backdrop for some very familiar, and very modern-day challenges.

In addition to the DVD, there is a robust Participant Guide.  At just over 140 pages, the guide provides both a comprehensive weekly group discussion guide and daily personal studies.

The weekly group discussion guide is designed to offer way more than a set of questions.  Each session begins with an experiential activity (as an alternative to the now-expected icebreaker question).  For example, session one (centered on the story of Adam and Eve) starts by assembling and serving a Garden of Eden style salad bar, complete with a selection of fruits and vegetables.

Along with a note-taking section for use while watching the DVD, there is a thought-provoking set of discussion questions that skillfully mix exercises, notable observations and conversation.

The  Personal Studies section provides five daily assignments for each of the six sessions.  Although this part of the study could be optional, its inclusion makes Pursuing God’s Love ideal for groups that are looking for a more challenging study.  A 15 to 30 minute personal study makes this a study that will appeal to groups accustomed to homework as preparation or response.

If there is any issue with this study it is the lack of a leader’s guide or leader’s notes section.  Still, the nature of the questions and combination of experiential and discussion make it reasonable to see this study being used widely by a wide variety of groups and studies.

That said, Pursuing God’s Love is a very good study.  If you have groups or studies that are looking for depth, for challenge, and for fresh new insights into some of the oldest and best-known stories…this is one you need to add to your list of recommended curriculum.  I highly recommend it!

Looking for new studies to add to your approved list of small group resources?  I think you’re going to want to take a look at Guardrails: Avoiding Regrets in Your Life.  From the same curriculum series that introduced Taking Responsibility for Your Life, this is going to be a very popular study.

New from Zondervan, Guardrails features sermon clips from one of Andy Stanley’s most popular message series.   After an introductory session explaining the guardrails metaphor (guardrails are a system designed to keep vehicles from straying into dangerous or off-limits areas”…another in a long line of very memorable and transportable concepts), this six session, DVD-driven study covers a very challenging list of issues:

• Your friendships
• Your finances
• Your marriage

One of the real advantages of this study is Stanley’s very compelling communication style.  There are very few speakers that are more engaging.  At the same time, Guardrails covers a set of very practical, real-life topics that will be relevant to everyone.

Another advantage of this study is a well-written participant guide.  Each session features a very good set of questions that will prompt a potentially powerful discussion.  Especially for groups where some trust has already developed, there is the potential for life-altering changes to develop.

Finally, there is a very thorough (20 page) Leader’s Guide included in every participant guide that will provide good guidance for the leader’s in your small group structure.  Including the Leader’s Guide in the participant guide makes it much more likely that groups will take turns leading the discussion.

Honestly, I think the topic is my favorite feature of this study.  I’m always looking for topics that can be done with friends and neighbors.  I have to say that although this topic seems too confrontational, it really is right on target and will make sense to friends and neighbors long before they ever attend your church.

If you’re looking for a study that is both challenging and application oriented, I highly recommend Guardrails.

One of the most important books in my own spiritual development has been Dallas Willard’s, The Divine Conspiracy.  I’ve worked my way through it several times and it is a great book.  Admittedly, it was made more understandable by John Ortberg’s frequent references to it over the years, but that’s why Zondervan’s new DVD-driven study immediately caught my eye.

Based on the Sermon on the Mount and Willard’s The Divine Conspiracy, The Divine Conspiracy Participant Guide with DVD was released in late 2010 and builds in the missing ingredient of video.  Although there were earlier study guides, the DVD brings the study to life in a new way.

The DVD sessions feature Dallas Willard with John Ortberg in a series of conversations.  At an average running time of 25 to 27 minutes, they’ll seem just a little longer than some would like.  But the right groups, the ones that are ready for something a little more challenging, will wish the conversation continued longer and even that they could ask Willard a question.  This content will definitely hit the spot for the right groups.

The participant guide is fairly straightforward but does include some additional material that groups will find helpful.  The Bonus Study segment will be attractive to many groups and the Between Sessions component provides just enough direction to support groups that want a little more without burden.  Although the Leader’s Guide is very basic it does give some valuable direction.

If you’ve been looking for a way to introduce Dallas Willard to the groups in your system looking for a deeper, more challenging opportunity, the Divine Conspiracy Participant Guide with DVD is a must add to your approved list of studies.  Great stuff.  Very engaging and at the same time, presented in a way that will provoke some very thought provoking discussion.

Have groups that are looking for something a little more challenging?  Had an opportunity recently to preview a new DVD-driven study featuring N.T. Wright, one of the world’s top biblical scholars.  Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church, based on Wright’s book by the same title is both challenging and a great exposure to one of the most stimulating thinkers and teachers anywhere.

Wright’s teaching in Surprised by Hope centers on two main questions.  First, “What are we waiting for?” or, what lies ahead in the way of ultimate hope?  Second, “What are we going to do about it in the meantime?” or, can we have hope in the present world?

Each of the DVD segment are 15 to 20 minutes long and along with a collection of beautiful exterior footage of Auchland Castle at Durham in the U.K. and opening segments in the various parts of the castle, take on the form of a story told in what looks like Wright’s library or study.  While very engaging, it is a fairly straightforward presentation without the fancy footwork of cutaways to other locations or even on-screen references to the scriptures quoted.  It really does feel like you are in the room listening to Wright explain a set of important biblical truths.

The participant guide is well designed to allow note-taking during the DVD segment as well as a set of very thought-provoking discussion questions.  While it is a topical study, groups will definitely find plenty of scripture to with which to wrestle.  In addition to the study itself, each week presents a Between Sessions assignment.  Although not a daily devotional, there is definitely the kind of homework that will allow those who need greater challenge a way to find it.

For those groups that desire an extended study opportunity, each session has a related Bonus Study segment that provides an additional DVD selection designed to provide additional teaching.

Finally, an adequate Leader’s Guide accompanies the DVD providing direction and guidance for facilitators making this a very complete study.

This is a study I think you’re going to want to have in your arsenal.  Those who have a thirst for a deeper understanding of heaven, the resurrection, and salvation will find it very thirst-quenching.  Those along for the ride will be thirsty for more.  This is good stuff.  I definitely recommend adding to your approved list.

Had a chance this week to preview a great new DVD-driven study.  Taking Responsibility for Your Life, published by Zondervan is a 4 session study featuring teaching by Andy Stanley, Senior Pastor of North Point Community Church.  Widely regarded as one of America’s most compelling communicators, Stanley is known for tackling tough issues in a biblical and creative way.  This study is no exception.

There are several things to really love about Taking Responsibility for Your Life.  First, although the DVD sessions are simply clips from a North Point weekend message series, Stanley is such a powerful communicator it will easily hold group member attention.

Second, group members will appreciate the clear and concise teaching.  True to form, Stanley boils each message down to a single memorable takeaway.

Third, although a topical study, Stanley articulates the biblical concepts in a way that draws the principles from a single passage or parable.  Pulling from the Genesis account of Adam and Eve, Paul’s teaching on sowing and reaping in Galatians 6, the Joshua 7 account of Achan’s sin and the rout at Ai, and Jesus’ Parable of the Talents, participants are provided a set of scriptural principles for taking responsibility.

Fourth, the leader’s guide is included in the participant guide, allowing easy facilitator rotation (if you’re group system makes a priority of developing additional leaders).  In addition, the leader’s guide includes the bottom line for each session.

Finally, in addition to the clipped version of the messages to be used in the group meetings, the DVD also includes the full messages.  Some groups will want to watch the full version.

I think groups are going to really get a lot out of Taking Responsibility for Your Life.  If there is any downside, it is only that at $7.99 per study guide it would be more attractive if it were a six week study.  At the same time, there is a lot to really like about Taking Responsibility.  I love it…and I bet your groups will, too!

If you’re trying to develop a range of approved resources for your small group ministry, Stand Against the Wind is a 6 session DVD-driven study that might fill an important niche on your recommended small group curriculum list.

Developed from the same message series that produced one of Erwin McManus’ most engaging books (Stand Against the Wind: Awaken the Hero Within), the central message of this resource is that “the ultimate end of character transformation is larger than just freedom from sin, but freedom to be all that God designed us to be.”  This is an important theme in McManus’ teaching ministry and his passion for it bleeds through in the video.

Much like The Controversial Jesus and Life’s Toughest Questions (previously reviewed from Lifeway’s Platform series), Stand Against the Wind features short teaching segments (12 to 15 minutes approximate) from the Mosaic weekend services.  Because McManus is one of the most animated preachers in America, the format works fairly well and will easily hold the attention of group members.

The member guide (by Jason Jaggard) is well written with a very creative set of warm-up questions, follow-up to the video segments, biblical background, and small group questions.  The biblical references mentioned in the video and study are included, as well, making it easy to use with people who are less familiar with the Bible.  In addition, each of the sessions includes an interesting variety of asides (film and cultural references) that provide additional color.

Two aspects that must be taken into consideration when selecting this curriculum are the lack of a leader guide and the price.  While there are studies that absolutely require a leader guide (in order to be used well by average leaders), Stand Against the Wind isn’t really one of them.  Since the theme and direction of the content (video and study guide) is centered on personal character development, the role of the leader has more to do with facilitation than teaching.  In regards to the the price of the resource, at $24.95 the Leader Kit may seem expensive, but since it comes with a member book (priced at $7.95), it’s actually in line with the industry.

I like this study very much.  If you’re building a well-rounded set of recommended curriculum, I think you’ll see how Stand Against the Wind provides a valuable growth experience for group members.

Had a chance this week to work my way through Creation Unraveled: The Gospel According to Genesis. New from Threads (Lifeway’s young adult line of curriculum), Creation Unraveled “explores how the first chapters of the Bible lay the foundation for the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Like the other titles from this series (Red Revolution, Abide, Scouting the Divine, and Sacred Roads), Creation Unraveled provides a very rich and satisfying experience…for a certain kind of person or group.  What kind?  I’ve found that these studies particularly appeal to those groups that are prepared for a fairly challenging curriculum, both from the standpoint of leader preparation and  session implementation.

Creation Unraveled is a 7 session study that features:

• a member book with over 150 pages (this is a study with preparation)
• a DVD with teaching by Matt Carter (lead pastor at The Austin Stone Community Church and Halim Suh (an elder and pastor of equipping there)
• for further study there is a link to the Austin Stone 2009 message series, The Gospel According to Genesis that inspired the small group curriculum.
• a playlist of music that complements the topic and themes of the study (music available for purchase)
• Supplemental articles to deepen your understanding of biblical principles at the foundation of this study

The Creation Unraveled Leader Kit includes a very complete Leader’s Guide on the DVD-ROM with step-by-step instructions for each session.  Leaders will find ample questions and insights designed to help group members engage with the topic.  In addition, there is a Dig Deeper resource that can be emailed to members as follow-up to the session.

Because Creation Unraveled really isn’t a “just show up” kind of study, it won’t work for everyone.  But for group members ready to invest some time in preparation, this is a very good study that will deepen understanding of the Bible’s one story.  I like it and can already think of some groups I’ll be recommending it to!

Whether you’re a fan of Tim Keller or not, I think you’re going to see the potential of The Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything (Discussion Guide with DVD).  This will be a very potent study for groups that are looking for a challenge.  It will also fit nicely into a development pathway for coaches, senior leaders, and staff.  And finally, it will provide a good preparation course for the kind of conversations that happen with the widening 60% who will never be reached by the attractional model.

An 8 session intensive course, The Gospel in Life combines DVD segments featuring Tim Keller, discussion questions designed to help the group thoroughly explore the teaching, and 7 home studies that are done in preparation.

In classic Keller form, the DVD segments are presented as it you are at the short lecture.  Covering 8 essential topics, you’ll find yourself drawn in, compelled to take a few notes.  Bookended with Keller’s teaching on the city (and our role in it) and the eternal city, there is an examination of how the gospel changes your heart, changes your community, and changes how you live in the world.

The questions that flesh out each of the group discussions are very thought-provoking and there are very thorough leader notes that will provide additional insights to enrich the study.  Although the leader notes suggest that a 60 minute format is workable, that seems more likely if you are using this material in a classroom setting.  I think it could require as much as 90 minutes if you plan to incorporate this study into an existing groups.

Each of the seven home studies (to be done in preparation for sessions 2 through consist of 10 to 15 pages of reading (incorporating scripture as well as other related writings), and  interspersed with questions for reflection.  While this will be an easy assignment for some, it will limit the groups that can use it.

As you’re adding curriculum options for small groups needing more challenging options and developing pathways for leader training, The Gospel in Life is one you should be aware of.

Searching for ways to increase biblical literacy in your church?  A new church-wide campaign from Lifeway, Read the Bible for Life may be a solution.  Based on George Guthrie’s popular book by the same title, this study will be a valuable resource for many churches.

The Leader Kit for the whole church campaign includes three DVDs featuring nine teaching sessions, as well as a copy of the Read the Bible for Life Workbook and the Read the Bible for Life trade book.  A CD-ROM is also included with supplemental articles and study tools, a churchwide-initiative guide, and promotional tools.

George Guthrie is the Benjamin W. Perry Professor of Bible at Union University in Jackson, TN.  Although his previous books had more academic readership, Read the Bible for Life was written to help average church members “grasp the story of scripture and learn how the books of the Bible fit together to communicate God’s redemptive message.”

Guthrie’s love of scripture and skillful communication of the Bible’s major elements is very evident in the DVD sessions.  You’ll listen in as he gives a small group of students an overview of the following topics:

• Reading the Bible for Life
• Reading the Bible in Context
• Reading the Stories of the Old Testament
• Reading the Law and the Prophets
• Reading the Psalms
• Reading the Stories of the New Testament
• Reading the Teachings of Jesus
• Reading the New Testament Letters and Revelation
• Reading the Bible Today

In addition to Guthrie’s teaching on the nine themes, the DVDs also feature interviews with noted Bible scholars: Clint Arnold, Craig Blomberg, Darrell Bock, Michael Card, Scott Duvall, Daniel Hays, David Howard, Andreas Kostenberger, Douglas Moo, Gary Smith, Mark Strauss, and Bruce Waltke.

Along with the DVD, there is a participant workbook with five daily studies reinforcing each of the nine sessions.  Participants should anticipate a 30 minute assignment in order to get everything possible out of the study.

Using Read the Bible for Life

After working my way through the DVD segments and carefully examining the workbook, I think there are several ways Read the Bible for Life can be used.  First, it can be used as intended…as a whole church experience.  As you can imagine, adults (there is not currently student or children’s material) that completed the study could be expected to increase their understanding of the Bible.  Full Disclosure: the combination of a nine week study and a 30 minute daily assignment will limit participation for some.

Second, the study can easily be used by individual small groups who want to learn about the Bible and how to read the Bible.  At the same time, I believe the nine week time frame coupled with a daily 30 minute assignment will limit participation to groups with higher expectations.

Third, this material could be easily adapted to provide a nine week course on how to read the Bible.  I believe this will be a very popular curriculum for an on-campus elective course.

Recommendation

Will Read the Bible for Life be a great solution for your congregation?  It depends on a number of factors.  What do you hope to accomplish?  Who do you hope to connect?  When do you plan to use it?  Like any new small group curriculum, whether it is for a single group or for the whole congregation, questions like these will help determine whether a particular study will be a great fit.

I can tell you this: Anyone, any group, or any congregation, that invests the time and energy required to fully absorb Read the Bible for Life will never approach the Bible the same way again.  They’ll know how to read the Bible…for life!

“What about a curriculum pathway?” That was the question in a recent email from a reader.  Specifically, the question included an interest in predetermining the curriculum “scope and sequence” for the small groups in their system.

And after interviews with Steve Gladen on Saddeback’s Leadership Pathway and Eddie Mosley on LifePoint’s Discipleship Pathway, you can understand how the idea of a curriculum pathway would seem natural.  You might even see how it would seem to make sense to predetermine the scope of curriculum (that is, to select the list of topics or studies to be completed) and the sequence (that would be the order of the studies completed).  In interpreting the question, I landed on the notion of an educational degree plan (a certain list of required courses, prerequisites and electives).

However, despite seeming natural and like something that makes a lot of sense, it might be harder to pull off and less practical than you’d think at first glance.  Since life-change is the objective and the essence of grouplife has very little to do with education, the notion of a pathway to ensure coverage of certain essentials would seem both impractical and beside the point.

Impractical in part due to the relatively short life-span of most groups.  Yes, there are groups that remain together for several years.  However, they are clearly in the minority.  Even in the case of a closed group system like North Point’s, many groups completely rearrange in 18 to 24 months (and you’ll remember my argument for open groups).

An Alternative to a Curriculum Pathway

So…if a curriculum pathway doesn’t make sense, how can we help group members move in the right direction?  After all, in a very real sense, small group champions and small group leaders are responsible for the spiritual growth of group members (you may not like the term “responsible,” but in the sense that we’re entrusted with members, we’re accountable to steward them wisely).

I think it makes sense to incorporate three ingredients into the development of your own concept:

First, I’d recommend reading Jim Putman’s Real Life Discipleship and Real Life Discipleship Manual.  I think you’ll find a very helpful concept in these two books.  I’m not suggesting you adopt their system, only that their concept will help you develop your own.

Second, this is exactly where a discipleship pathway enters the discussion.  It also provides the background for the development of the Purpose Driven Life Health Assessment and Plan (I describe the use of the Assessment and Plan in Equip Leaders to Help Members Plan to Grow).

Third, I’ve also found that it makes sense to provide a recommended curriculum list.  In fact, without a recommended list you’ll spend a lot of time on discussions and decisions that could nearly be automated.

What do you think?  Does this make sense?  You can click here to jump into the conversation.