Learning as a Group

      • The Bible Project. An extensive animated video series has been prepared by Door of Hope, a church in Portland, Oregon. It includes introductions to many books of the Bible and helpful outlines of major Biblical themes. The YouTube channel includes playlists that divide the available videos into subject areas. This is a free resource that is funded by donations. This is an excellent resource for young and new believers who need a foundational understanding of the Bible, but it is also good for more seasoned believers. The project is under development, so the creators invite users to help fund future components of the resource.

      • For groups that need to explore the foundational teachings of the faith, Sam Soleyn teaches a series based on the elementary doctrines of Hebrews Chapter 6. Here’s a link to the first in the series. You can find the whole series (“29-41 Elementary Doctrines Studio Sessions”) by clicking this link.

      • Start with learning about and doing the commands of Christ. This link from Heartland Church Network leads to a  Bible study based on seven major commands of Christ. Some lists include as many as 50 commands, but this study focuses on seven of them. This is an excellent approach for groups who are just getting started.

      • Sonship Studies. These are described at the tab above. Sonship studies are discussion driven and Spirit-led gatherings. Discussion questions are available, however the materials are not to be used as workbooks, rather they are to be used in prayer as preparation for the gathering. A coaching plan is required for the Sonship Study.

      • The Hope Project may be useful, particularly for fellowships with young believers. It could be used at the beginning of a gathering or be viewed by members before getting together so everyone can talk about it. A study guide is available. This is a well-produced overview of God’s story.

      • Our friends Tony and Felicity Dale endorse and teach an interactive Bible study pattern that uses four symbols to help people share around a passage.

1) A question mark: do you have any questions about what this verse says?

2) A lightbulb: this verse brings understanding either about the passage, or about something going on in your own life. The light has come on.

3) An arrow: God is speaking to you directly through this verse and there’s something you need to do about it

4) An ear: who do you know who needs to hear what has been shared?

Felicity writes, “It’s this last symbol that helps to create an impact beyond the gathering. When each person is accountable, not only to apply what they have learned in their own lives but also to pass  it on  to someone outside the group, the influence of the group spreads. When the person they share it with is a not-yet-believer, there is the opportunity to multiply.

We retain only 5% of what we hear, but 90% of what we teach on to others. This practice therefore, not only spreads the message, it also helps people to retain what they have learned.”


      • Bible Survey from the perspective of a loving Father. Our friend Wayne Jacobsen (http://lifestream.org) has assembled a valuable series of teachings called The Jesus Lens. This is a wonderfully complete series that surveys the whole Bible from the perspective of the loving Father of the New Testament. If a group is looking for a way to lay down a foundation for Biblical literacy this is a great tool. It includes both audio and video files of Wayne’s presentation, as well as downloadable notes and PDFs of the PowerPoint slides he uses. A fellowship could use this material while gathered together or watch/listen to it privately and discuss the ideas when members meet.

Building community in Jesus