From time to time, we are asked to explain the difference between the Adult Leader Guide and QuickSource.
First of all, let’s talk about their history. When Explore the Bible was introduced in 1978 (was called the Bible Book series then), three resources were included: Personal Study Guide, Leader Guide, and the Leader Pack. These were and remain the core resources. The Leader Guide provides commentary and group plans that work with the Personal Study Guide.
Fast forward to 2005. Church leaders expressed a desire for a resource they could use when called on Sunday morning to lead a group as a last resort (the teacher most likely being sick and needing a fill-in). QuickSource was introduced in response. A person could get an overview of the main points, use key words for some quick commentary, ask the questions included, and mix in some of the other content included to at least quickly prepare. Now you know why the name QuickSource.
Both resources have been rethought multiple times as needs have changed. Over the past few months, we heard a cry for a leader resource that did not overwhelm or intimidate a new teacher. We also heard a call for something that was quick for an experienced but busy teacher to use when preparing. This caught our attention since this feedback related to the original idea behind QuickSource. We created a prototype using some of the features in QuickSource like the Key Words (defines and highlights key words in the passage), Talking Points (an outline with key points for the lesson), and the Dig Deeper feature (an insight into one element of the passage). We then crafted a group discussion plan built around the questions found in the Personal Study Guide with the page number included. Excerpts from the Personal Study Guide were added as prompts for each question. We also added an idea for leading the group to complete the weekly Bible Skill found in the Personal Study Guide and an additional idea that might be used at a different point in the group time. We refined the prototype after asking for input from 20 churches of varying sizes. What you will see in the Fall reflects the ideas and input received.
So how do the Adult Leader Guide and QuickSource compare? They are built off the same outline, assume the group is using the Personal Study Guide, and include the same discussion questions. The Leader Guide provides a comprehensive commentary while QuickSource provides key works that function as commentary. The Leader Guide also provides detailed group plans and several options while QuickSource includes a discussion outline with prompts and a couple of teaching ideas.
Some leaders may want to use QuickSource instead of the Leader Guide while others may want to use it as a supplement (the only place one finds the key words, bulleted passage outline, and the Dig Deeper feature is in QuickSource). The leader of a group using the Daily Discipleship Guide may also use QuickSource as a supplement, focusing on the additional Key Words (the key words found in the Daily Discipleship Guide come from the list in QuickSource), the Talking Points, and Dig Deeper feature.
Look at a sample of the latest version of QuickSource.