I got to spend some time this week with the newest study from John Ortberg. I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me is a 6 session DVD-driven study based on John Ortberg’s newest book by the same title.

Designed to help people in your church cultivate deep connections with one another and be a place of deep connection and growth, I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me is a really promising addition to the church wide campaign library.

If it’s true that the topic of a church-wide campaign determines both who will say yes to hosting a group and who will say yes to joining a group…this study is in a pretty sweet spot. Cultivating deeper connections, in a world where few have them, is both a little bit risky and a deep longing for many people.

The video segments feature John Ortberg, one of America’s most gifted communicators. Designed to whet the appetite of group members, every segment is short and sweet (averaging 5 to 7 minutes in length). Perfectly suited for today’s attention span.

The Member Connect Guide is well-written and easy to use. Each session has the expected ingredients. An overview and a set of questions designed to help members connect and open up. A simple Bible study provides for further discussion. Each session also includes a “slightly awkward group exercise,” an activity designed to help group members take an important step of connection made easier when disguised.

Each session in the Member Connect Guide also includes a simple homework assignment. The assignments are not too challenging, but they will take a little time each week. In addition to the homework assignment, a reading plan is also included to help group members read along in the book (the reading assignments will enhance the experience but are not essential).

A Leader Connect Guide is available (and included in the Church Connection Kit). Essentially, the Leader Connect Guide includes the member material but also includes a 30 page section designed to make leaders more effective. While this section includes some great material, it will probably feel redundant to many experienced leaders and a slight burden to newer leaders.

Making implementation easy as a church-wide campaign, the Church Connection Kit provides access to videos, sermon outlines, presentation templates, editable evites to use for special events, and more.

If you’re looking for a study that will help people in your church cultivate deep connections with one another, I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me ought to be on your radar. I like this study because it is on a topic that interests unconnected people. Deep down everyone wants belonging and this study offers a very appealing first step.