Online Bible Study Small Group Information
The very wordy/detailed description of how this study works! :)
Hi! I am sooo excited that you are interested in participating in my online Bible study small group. I have participated in a few of these online bible study small groups and they can be a little overwhelming at first. If you have any questions, be sure to message me on Facebook and I'll do my best to answer them. You might find it easiest though, to just jump in with both feet and learn as you go. In my past studies, I learned that although it seems complicated, it's actually quite simple - just a little different then any small group I've ever done.
My desire in starting this group was two fold
First, I desperately want to be connected to other like-minded believers but my traveling lifestyle makes this nearly impossible.
Second, the online small groups I've been involved in in the past were so heavily attended that it was very hard to actually get to know anyone in the group or follow the weekly facebook meeting. I knew that if I started a group, it would certainly end up being much, MUCH smaller which is what I feel like is needed in order to really discuss the study and encourage each other!
So here goes . . .
My desire in starting this group was two fold
First, I desperately want to be connected to other like-minded believers but my traveling lifestyle makes this nearly impossible.
Second, the online small groups I've been involved in in the past were so heavily attended that it was very hard to actually get to know anyone in the group or follow the weekly facebook meeting. I knew that if I started a group, it would certainly end up being much, MUCH smaller which is what I feel like is needed in order to really discuss the study and encourage each other!
So here goes . . .
How do I join?
Step One - Follow this link to lifeway.com and order your study book. This is the only requirement for this study, but it is a REQUIREMENT! The book is available as a paperback studyguide or ebook studyguide format and either is fine. Although, I prefer the paper back so I can write my answers directly in the book. Whichever you prefer is fine, though.
Step Two - Follow this link and click the button asking to join the closed Facebook group "Learning to Follow Online Small Group". This is where our discussion will take place.
Step Three - Once you have been accepted to the group, watch your Facebook feed and/or regularly check it for information regarding the first small group meeting.
What Will I Need?
The only REQUIRED resource is the Study book as listed above in Step One
(I guess I should also list an additional required resource as a Facebook account, since our small group will take place in a closed Facebook Group. . . But I assumed that goes without saying.)
Additional resources that are not required but will add to your study are . . .
A Bible and writing utensil (each week there will be 5 days of personal study homework. That is what we will discuss during our weekly small group, so do your best to complete them, but know that if you aren't able to you are still welcome to participate in small group.
Downloadable weekly video teachings by Priscilla Shirer. Priscilla is an incredibly dynamic teacher and I always learn SOOO MUCH from her videos. You can download all six videos at once here and you will receive a discount. Or purchase each video individually as you desire here. NOTE: If you decide not to purchase the videos, you can see the viewer guide answers here and can use them to fill in the blanks in your studybook.
(I guess I should also list an additional required resource as a Facebook account, since our small group will take place in a closed Facebook Group. . . But I assumed that goes without saying.)
Additional resources that are not required but will add to your study are . . .
A Bible and writing utensil (each week there will be 5 days of personal study homework. That is what we will discuss during our weekly small group, so do your best to complete them, but know that if you aren't able to you are still welcome to participate in small group.
Downloadable weekly video teachings by Priscilla Shirer. Priscilla is an incredibly dynamic teacher and I always learn SOOO MUCH from her videos. You can download all six videos at once here and you will receive a discount. Or purchase each video individually as you desire here. NOTE: If you decide not to purchase the videos, you can see the viewer guide answers here and can use them to fill in the blanks in your studybook.
How Will This Small Group Work?
After you have followed steps one - three as listed above in "How Do I Join?" This is how our small group will work . . .
In the weeks leading up to June 6, I will encourage introductions and encouragement between those in the group. That way we can all get excited about the study, begin getting to know each other, and pray for and encourage each other.
On Monday June 6 I will post in the group Learning To Follow Online Small Group announcing the beginning of our study and asking those participating to introduce themselves.
That will begin week 1 of our study. During that week (June 6-13) we will all read and do the homework for week 1 (that begins with video 1, if you opt to order those). (Again, don't stress if you can't or don't/this is just the suggested schedule)
Then on Monday, June 13, at a predetermined time (this time will be announced when we get closer to the study) those who can, will meet in our Facebook Group. I will post questions from our week of study and then you can reply in the comments under each question. We will meet together commenting back and forth (this is our live discussion) for about an hour (or as long as you're available.)
When that hour is complete, I will give a reminder about the next week of study.
We will do this same thing each week, meeting once a week for our live discussion.
If you can't attend the live discussion, it's okay because I will leave each week's small group discussion up in the Facebook group for the following two weeks! That means that you have two weeks to read through the questions and everyone's responses. This way, if you missed it, you can still participate! :) AND if you didn't miss it, but have another thought or question from the previous week's study, you can get on and add it to the appropriate post and we can all continue to discuss the studies.
In the weeks leading up to June 6, I will encourage introductions and encouragement between those in the group. That way we can all get excited about the study, begin getting to know each other, and pray for and encourage each other.
On Monday June 6 I will post in the group Learning To Follow Online Small Group announcing the beginning of our study and asking those participating to introduce themselves.
That will begin week 1 of our study. During that week (June 6-13) we will all read and do the homework for week 1 (that begins with video 1, if you opt to order those). (Again, don't stress if you can't or don't/this is just the suggested schedule)
Then on Monday, June 13, at a predetermined time (this time will be announced when we get closer to the study) those who can, will meet in our Facebook Group. I will post questions from our week of study and then you can reply in the comments under each question. We will meet together commenting back and forth (this is our live discussion) for about an hour (or as long as you're available.)
When that hour is complete, I will give a reminder about the next week of study.
We will do this same thing each week, meeting once a week for our live discussion.
If you can't attend the live discussion, it's okay because I will leave each week's small group discussion up in the Facebook group for the following two weeks! That means that you have two weeks to read through the questions and everyone's responses. This way, if you missed it, you can still participate! :) AND if you didn't miss it, but have another thought or question from the previous week's study, you can get on and add it to the appropriate post and we can all continue to discuss the studies.
Questions?
I know this was a lot of information, so if you need further explanation or clarification just message me on Facebook! I am so excited to study God's Word with you!
(NOTE: If you have another way to purchase the study book that's fine as well. It does not have to be from Lifeway. None of the above links is an affiliate link. I DO NOT receive anything if you purchase through the above links. I am simply providing them to make things easier for you! :)