The start sets the tone for the rest of the event, movie, book, or whatever we are talking about. We can certainly overcome a poor start, but it will take work and focus that could have been used in other ways. When starting a new ongoing Bible study group, we certainly want to help that group and the teacher get off to a strong start. One way of doing that is resourcing them well. This is where the Explore the Bible Adult Box comes in handy. The Adult Box was created as a means of doing just this, resourcing a new group and teacher.
What is Included and Why
10 Personal Study Guides. Every person needs to study with a group and as individuals, and the Personal Study Guide encourages both. Group study and individual study support each other, with most who do one also doing the other. Ten are included because most new groups will be smaller. If more than ten people are anticipated in the new group, additional Personal Study Guides can be purchased.
1 Leader Guide. Most new groups will have one teacher or leader, so that is why one Leader Guide is included. Having additional commentary like what is found in the Leader Guide is one way of instilling confidence in a new teacher.
1 QuickSource. This resource is also for the teacher. Some may find this resource more manageable and less overwhelming than the Leader Guide, using the Leader Guide for additional study when needed.
1 Leader Pack. This resource gives the teacher some extra tools to use including posters and handouts. A card is also included in the Leader Pack that explains how to access digital support files. The digital files include the printed posters and handouts in PDF format, as well as the Leader Guide commentary and group plans in DOC format.
1 Quick Start Guide. When the box is first opened, a two-sided guide will be found that explains how to use each item in the Group Box.
Using the Adult Box
You may be wondering how to use the Group Box. There are more steps than simply ordering and handing the Box to a person you hope will accept the responsibility of starting a new ongoing Bible study group. Here are some steps to consider:
Identify a needed new adult group. Most churches know of a segment of people in their community that is underserved or is beginning to move into their ministry area. That is a place to start.
Recruit a teacher. Select a teacher that will best serve the class or group you need to add. Seek God’s wisdom and direction when considering who this person should be.
Secure an Adult Box. The Adult Box can be ordered on the Lifeway quarterly order form, at lifeway.com, or by contacting Lifeway’s customer service team. One you secure a Group Box, be sure to examine all the resources included so you can help the new teacher understand how to use each resource well.
Review the Resources in the box with the new teacher. Use the QuickStart Guide as an outline for reviewing and explaining how to use the resources. The QuickStart Guide encourages the teacher to follow these steps: distribute, study, prepare, lead, afterwards. The reviewing of the resources is one part of the training process for the new teacher.
Launch the new group. Set a date and support the teacher as they begin the new class or group.
Continue to train the new teacher. Resources can be found at lifeway.com/trainingresources for training teachers and leaders. Many of these resources are free and include plans for conducting training using the booklets available.
Secure digital samples of the Explore the Bible resources by completing this form.
View the How to use videos for the Personal Study Guide, Leader Guide, QuickSource, and Leader Pack.