It’s here! The Fall 2023 Explore the Bible Leader Guide offers new features and a simpler design. How did we arrive at these changes? What’s behind the new features? We’re glad you asked.
When we set out to update the Leader Guide, our main goal was to make leader prep simpler. We know leaders are busy. So, how could we craft a Leader Guide that would make it more efficient and easier-to-use? Placing the teaching plan alongside the commentary was our first thought. While it was a departure from how we’ve always had it, this format won us over. Would it be easier to teach from? Could it help a teacher easily find info to respond to a question during a discussion. These questions led us to our current model.
What changes can you anticipate?
- The commentary highlights key words, names, places, and concepts, offering the leader a quick guide to the most important items to know in that passage. No longer will leaders have to scan pages to find what they need, the critical words and phrases are clearly designated.
- The teaching plan now reads alongside the commentary. No more flipping pages between the commentary and the teaching plan. Finding what you need is quicker, keeping you focused on the text.
- Bonus audio clips, video clips, charts, and maps are sprinkled throughout the Leader Guide. These offer additional context to the passage, enriching your study of God’s Word. A better understanding of the people and places is always a benefit.
Change is never easy! We hope that after a few weeks of using this new format, you’ll come to appreciate the updates. We’re praying that this Leader Guide makes your preparation easier and more efficient. Mostly, we’re asking God to use these resources and your Bible study group to help people grow closer to Him through a study of His Word.
I’m trying to like your new format. The old worked just fine! I read the scriptural basis on Monday, along with notes from a study Bible; then Tues- Thursday (6 pages) I read the scripture passage, with the authors comments and researched any questions, words, or other details as I was led to do. Friday and Saturday, I rested from study with a quick review prior to teaching on Sunday. Works for me. I’ll try to keep the same regimen this quarter. Yes, I’m old; I teach senior men at a small church. I’m the youngest in my class at 70. Thanks and God Bless you!
That is a great prep schedule! Thank you for investing in the Kingdom by teaching a Bible study.
I agree. Don’t fix what isn’t broke.
I love the new format! It makes it much easier to prepare. We use this book for a Wednesday Morning Bible Study for senior adults. We take turns leading and the new format is easy to follow.
I love the new format. The icons to bring up are very helpful also. Thanks for the improvements.
I love the new format! It is so much easier to use, and I love the extra content that supplements the lessons. I have been teaching adults for over 40 years and this is by far the best leader’s guide. Thank you.
I really love the convenience of having it all together and needing to flip pages. Kudos.
Personally I like the previous format. It seemed to be better laid out. I would like it better if you went back to it. Thanks for asking.
The new format is good for me. I really like the commentary and teaching plan being together.