Small Group Curriculum: 1 Thessalonians

Lake Forest Campus Blog

Thursday January 08 , 2009 10:46 AM

Posted by Tina

Spiritual Road Map in a Mixed Up World (Available in the Pavilion)

Two Six-Week Studies

Life happens fast. Each and every day you make decisions regarding who and what will receive your time, money, and attention. At some point you have realized there is not enough of you for all the demands and, if you are like many of us, you have probably anticipated eternity more than ever during these moments. But what if life is meant to be more than simply waiting for eternity? What if it is meant to be a journey toward eternity?

In A Spiritual Road Map in a Mixed Up World, a study of 1 Thessalonians, taught by Pastor Lance Witt, small group participants will work through thought-provoking questions and discussion prompting them to unpack the spiritual road map prepared for the Thessalonians and engage the group in deeper study, application, and prayer.

Volume One (Six Sessions)
In this first series of A Spiritual Road Map in a Mixed Up World, small groups will begin seeing the map by unpacking topics such as spiritual growth, discipleship, pure motives, spiritual reproduction, and loving people that are outlined in the first three chapters of 1 Thessalonians. Participants will develop a firm understanding of the direction of the spiritual road map and build a practical application of the topics as they relate to their personal lives.

Volume Two (Six Sessions)
The second series of A Spiritual Road Map in a Mixed Up World, continues laying out the map begun in series one by leading small groups through the last two chapters of 1 Thessalonians. Participants will engage topics such as living a life of sexual purity, living as insiders while reaching outsiders, spiritual laziness, small group living, and preparing for the return of Jesus Christ.

This curriculum is video-based. Each small group will need one DVD (which provides the teaching), and one study guide for each participant. They are availble on the Paviolin before and after weekend services.

Comments

Posted by Tom Patten 1/10/2009 8:36:00 AM

We have nothing against the canned small group studies, and use them regularaly. However, we always get the best results from member-led bible studies, not as teachers, but as facilitator/organizers. We select a book and take turns each week leading the study. The leader is not expected to be an authority, which is actually discouraged; rather, the leader encourages others to decide what the passages mean. Less mature members can team with their spouse or another member, or just opt out, no problem. Usually, once these members do it the first time, they look forward to their next turn, hoping to improve each time.What makes it work is the support received from other members, both prior to and during the meeting. 1Cor is all about unity among the church, and this method accomplishes that goal by getting everyone pulling for the leader, while focusing on Christ's message, not ours. Try it, you'll like it!

Posted by Tina 1/12/2009 9:00:00 AM

Thanks Tom. A lot of groups especially when they first start are more comfortable using these DVD based studies. But when ready trying a study like you suggested can add some much to the group experience. The most common type of study where someone facilitates through coming up with their own questions is call Inductive Bible study. Pretty much you look at the passage and ask 3 questions: 1. What does it say? 2. What does it mean? 3. What does it mean to me? It is always good if in these discussions someone has a study Bible that can give background for the passage, so that things are taken in context. A great resource if this is something a group is looking at trying is the Serendipity Bible for Groups. It breaks down the whole Bible into studies and asks those 3 questions.

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