a new women's bible study on joy by
CATHERINE L HILL
Welcome, women’s Bible study leaders!
First of all, I want to thank you for committing to lead your group of ladies. It is no accident that you are in this role. God chose you!
With that in mind, allow me to offer a brief prayer for you from 2 Chronicles 16:9.
Dear God, may the ladies who have committed to lead studies of Your word have hearts that are completely Yours. And, as a result, may You show Yourself strong on their behalf. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, a little about this study: Well-Worn Paths is a women’s Bible study that includes weekly group sessions with discussion and activities. Although many Bible studies have group sessions that are video-focused, this one differentiates itself with group activities. While both approaches have benefits, the fun and engaging activities designed for this study provide you with the opportunity to promote communication and connection within your group, strengthening them as a community of faith. In addition, they lay groundwork for the content ladies will study in the coming week…and they might even prompt some healthy laughter!
If you would like more detailed information, scroll down to read the opening letter for the leader notes. If you’re ready to request the zip drive with sample discussion questions and detailed activity information, please submit the requested information below.
Request the leader notes for Well-Worn Paths
A letter to the ladies who lead
Well-Worn Paths
Welcome, leaders, to this rather non-traditional structure for Group Sessions. Since Well-Worn Paths: Treading Paths of Joy Through a Study of Philippians is my debut study, there are no videos to watch. Instead, I have designed group activities for each week.
That may prompt several questions in your mind: Are they a lot of work? Do they require a lot of resources? Do I really have to do them? Will they benefit the study, and if so, how?
I have tried to answer most of those below, but let me take a few minutes now to clarify the purpose of these activities. Our Bible study groups should be a community. These activities give your ladies the opportunity to interact in a way that a video does not. They provide you an opportunity to group people differently in a safe activity as you laugh, share, and learn together. I pray they are joyful opportunities for the ladies you lead to engage with you and with each other as they build a supportive community of faith.
Below is some general information about leading the activities:
- As the leader, you will need to familiarize yourself with the activity and prepare the resources ahead of time to make sure you are ready to lead. Nothing is difficult, but this is a Bible study. Preparation and prayer are just part of it. Please email me if you have any questions.
- Minimal resources are required–mainly copying or supplying blank paper–with the exception of Session 6. (You will want to plan ahead for that week.) You are authorized to make the copies needed to use with your group for this Bible study.
- The activities are designed to prepare ladies for the lessons in the upcoming week. Therefore, please discuss the previous week’s material (The Path Behind) before beginning the activities (The Path Ahead). (Group Session #1 is the exception to this since it introduces the study.)
- For each session, I have provided a sample script of what you may want to say in quotation marks. Please feel free to paraphrase it. I just wanted you to have a guide.
- Other than Group Session 1, the activities should require about 20-30 minutes. Please plan your group time to allow for this.
- Please know that, as the leader, you set the tone for the group time. When you lead with joy, your group is more likely to interact joyfully. There will be days when Satan throws everything at you. I am praying that–even on those days–you will be able to focus on what matters most and model for your ladies the truths they are learning in the study.
With His joy,
Catherine
Catherine L Hill
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Prov. 16:9, ESV)
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