Review: Being Countercultural…a New DVD-Driven Study

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Next in the line of DVD-driven studies from Gabe Lyons and Q Group Studies is Being Countercultural: Restoring Our Identity in a Changing Society.  I think this is an essential study and series if you’re interested in connecting the widening 60% that will never be reached by the attractional model.

Being Countercultural is a five session DVD-driven study with an accompanying Participant’s Guide.  The DVD segments each feature an opening dialogue between host Gabe Lyons and Laura Waters Hinson (film-maker, director and producer of As We Forgive).  Like the other offerings in the Q Group Studies series, three of the five sessions also include a talk from a recent Q Conference.  Being Countercultural features talks by Gabe Lyons (on being countercultural), Andy Crouch (on Power, Privilege and Risk) and Mike Foster (on the People of a Second Chance).

Like the other studies in the Q Group Studies series two of the five sessions do not include a DVD segment.  Instead, session two includes a Q Short (a 15 page reading) by Jason Locy and Tim Willard (authors of Veneer) and session five guides the group to select a culture shaping project.  Putting the topics from the study into practice is an important aspect of the Q Group Series strategy, so the suggested projects include an anticonsumerism emphasis (spending time and money for the sole benefit of someone else), a creative power effort (using the gifts and talents of the group to create something for the good of the city or community), and a gift of grace extended to a person or group that has been judged or condemned by the church.

This is a powerful study and a powerful series.  If you want the groups in your small group ministry to experience something beyond their own sense of community, Being Countercultural will provide some of the necessary ingredients.  I love the Mike Foster line from his segment.  “If we’re going to be people of the second chance we need to chase prodigals.”  Chasing them requires developing compassion and developing compassion almost certainly requires understanding.  This study will help you grow in your understanding.

 

 

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