I am involved in a bible study with an AMAZING group of ladies here in Huron. They are seriously AMAZING. And they are totally worth the gratuitous use of all-caps. Our group is very diverse. We have Baptists, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, Christian churchers, Missionary Alliancers, non-denominationals and Methodists. In addition to that we have three pastor's wives! It is a fun group with very diverse perspectives. I love it.
We recently reviewed the Stuck study by Jennie Allen. It is designed to be an 8 week study. We got the DVD study box set and then purchased additional copies of the study guides so that everyone had one. The study box set comes with the DVD, leader's guide, study guide and discussion questions. The leaders guide has suggested formats, but we usually shared prayer requests, insights from the homework and study guide, watched the DVD and then used the discussion question cards.
The ladies in my group really enjoyed this study. I enjoyed it, but I guess I was expecting more. I have a high sensitivity to any Christianease and I tend to be really turned off by it. This study contains quite a bit of Christianease and the DVD sermonettes get a little cliched at times both stylistically and content-wise. I know that Jennie Allen is sincere, but it feels a little youth groupy and not meaty and real enough sometimes.
I loved the study guide most of the time. There are great exercises at the end of each week and they really engage all learning styles. Sometimes she has you list, other times write, other times draw and even sometimes go out an do something. It is wonderful.
The discussion cards were amazing. We would pass the cards for the week around and let everyone choose their favorite question and then ask as many as we could discuss within the time we had. This study prompted amazing conversations and really drew us together as a group. I can't say that I necessarily feel completely unstuck, but it got me thinking, which is really what it is all about.
If you enjoy the Nooma video style from Rob Bell you will definitely enjoy Jennie's style on the DVDs. The book and DVD set have a young, hip feel which is great in a world full of middle-aged women's studies.
All in all it was good and I would recommend it to others. I give it a four out of five. Sometimes Jennie just felt a little forced in the DVDs like she was trying to make me feel an emotion instead of just telling a story. But, the discussions and study guide made it all worth it.
Note for Full Disclosure: While I do not receive any monetary compensation for my book reviews, I am provided with free complimentary copies of each book. That being said, this review is completely my own, and free from the influence of Thomas Nelson Book Publishers.
1 comment:
I'm searching for a good ladies bible study. I understand by what you mean about "christianeze" and that is my biggest worry! I want something with meat, meaning actually gets into the word. Do you have any recommendations? I want something that will encourage good discussion. I bought one study that I believe will do this, but no homework that will encourage group members to read the word throughout the week:( How can we know how to follow the Lord...if we do not read the word? These women are young in their faith.
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