Fresh Approach Bible Study Guide

p>PRACTICAL USE

When you meet together as a group for the very first time, take some time to read through the study guide together. Each study uses these headings: INTRODUCTION, OPTIONS FOR STUDY, ASSIGNMENTS, DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, and DIG A LITTLE DEEPER.

The INTRODUCTION provides a brief outline of the material to be studied. In some cases, the introduction provides necessary background information. In others, it is used as an opportunity to explain the approach to the study. Many find it helpful to read this section aloud at the first group meeting and see if anyone has any questions or anything to add that might be helpful in approaching the study.

The OPTIONS FOR STUDY section will help you determine how to approach the material at hand. Decide together how much material you want to get through in the time you have. This is also a good time to discuss as a group how much homework, if any, you want to commit to and whether you want to complete assignments together as a group or assign different aspects of the study to each individual. Keep in mind that while every group will have different needs and abilities, taking on too much homework may feel oppressive, while not doing any homework may result in poor discussion time at the next meeting. Remember that each woman in your group leads her own unique life with its own experiences and challenges. Some may have more time than others for homework during the week. There may be some among you who are hindered by spiritual, physical or emotional concerns. Whatever the group dynamic, allow a broad range of flexibility when discussing homework commitments.

In the ASSIGNMENTS section, you will find different practical suggestions for studying the text. Here is where you will pick and choose different suggestions based on your personal preference and/or individual learning style. It is not necessary to do the suggestions in the order listed or to complete all of them. The point is to provide different approaches of study for different learning types. How you decide to use this section is entirely up to you. Begin each group meeting by asking each person who is willing to share what assignment they chose for the week and what they learned. In some cases, you will find that there is plenty of discussion just centered on the ASSIGNMENTS for the day, and there is not enough time to approach the DISCUSSION QUESTIONS section. That’s ok! The study is designed for your group to go its own pace.