I lead a small group Bible study at my interdenominational (Vineyard) church, for couples and singles age 20 to 35. This series was perfect for us.
My favorite thing was how it uses different ways of teaching/learning. Visual learners: DVD with scripture reading. Audio learners: reading the scripture outloud again in the group. Tactile learners: hands-on object lessons. Everyone: discussion quesitons. Each week you have the same components provided for you: DVD, snack suggestion with object lesson, props/supplies for hands-on object lesson, lots of discussion questions, ideas for applying what you have learned, include group events/outside activities/servant evangelism ideas, etc. In addition, there is a section with historical background to the book: who is the book written to, when, why, what was going on in the Jewish/Roman society at that time that is helpful to understand. There are also applicable contemporary quotations or insights.
On the DVD, the scripture verse for the week is read outloud in New Living Translation, with the words captioned on the screen on a background of photos and video loops to go along with the words. We found some of the video clips a bit cheesy, eliciting embarrassed laughter from the group at something that wasn’t supposed to be funny. However, it was worth it to have the visual learning experience and variety, much more exciting than listening to the group leader reading an entire chapter of scripture outloud.
To give you an idea (the examples that follow are from their lesson book on Ephesians, since our group just finished it and it’s fresh in my memory). The book of Ephesians discusses some challenges in the Ephesian church between the Jews and Gentiles. Paul encourages them to accept each other, because through Jesus, we are all equals.
One of the object lessons from a particular week: use 50 cardboard boxes to build a wall across the room, dividing the group in half. Discuss how the Jews and Gentiles were divided, as the group is divided, by the wall of boxes. Ask discussion questions about what divides us from other people today. Then take the wall down and build a room/house that the entire group has to squeeze into. Discuss what it will take to overcome our differences and treat all people, even those we usually would reject, as equals in Christ.
Some examples from the snacktime: one healthy but ugly snack (fresh broccoli, celery), and one unhealthy but attractive snack (turtle cheesecake). Group members can only choose from one platter. Discuss how we make choices on a daily basis between two good things/good things and bad things, etc.
This study series could be used by age groups above or below ours, but it defintely was a perfect match for us.
There’s also some helpful tips on how to organize the 8-week study and use the materials, coordinate your group members to take turns bringing the snacks, props, etc.
Couldn’t say enough about how balanced, meaningful, and applicable to a contemporary generation that this study is for a small group. I ordered 5 or 6 other Bible study manuals from other authors, and none has come close to this. Our church has now purchased several copies of each of the studies in this series, for all our small groups to use.