Gather a group of 2 or more people and you have a small group. Only one person needs to register for the study.
Most studies are 4-6 weeks. There are several studies available in the Prayer Bench Shop. They are available for Advent and Lent and many can be used at other times throughout the year.
The Small Group includes:
A link to a downloadable video or audio podcast or print article;
A leader sheet with written group process for each 1 hour session;
Participant handouts to be photocopied for your group;
Other resources to supplement the process.
Sometimes there is a written script of the audio recording.
“I thought the small group study was very well organized with excellent study material. Our study group wasn’t able to meet every week but we followed the weekly study schedule and we did try to do some discussion via email.”
The leader needs basic computer skills to access and download the materials. The materials are found on an Private webpage and you receive a link and a password. Return as many times as you need. Share the page with the members of your group.
Your group study takes place around the kitchen table or at a church meeting spaces. An internet connection is not needed once the leader has accessed and downloaded resource materials.
This resource may be particularly helpful to congregations with part-time ministry where time to offer all things is limited. But the Small Group Study is available to anyone looking for a resource to share with a small group.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions.
Our church doesn’t have an internet connection. How will this work?
The Audio Recording is easily downloadable. You can download (directions on the Study webpage) and save it to a laptop or computer. Once downloaded and saved you don’t need internet to play it. You might need laptop speakers.
Do you have a sample of the Leader Page so I can see what a session looks like?
Here are samples of LEADER PAGES from two different Small Group Studies available in the Prayer Bench Shop.. Landscapes of the Soul | O Wisdom
Do you have a sample of an audio recording?
Here is a sample of an downloadable AUDIO RECORDING. Click the orange arrow to play.:[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/242087383″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
I ordered. Where are my resources?
When you order you receive in the “completion of order” e-mail, a link and a password to a private webpage on my website. Here you will find general resources, the LEADER PAGE, a PARTICIPANT PAGE, a AUDIO SCRIPT, and the downloadable AUDIO RECORDING. You can return to this webpage whenever you wish.
Can we share the weblink and password to the Small Group Webpage with participants?
Yes. When you purchase a Small Group Study you can share the weblink and password to the Wisdom webpage with other leaders (you can have more than one group on your pastoral charge/parish) and participants. This is especially helpful when someone misses a session.
We might meet once a month instead of weekly, how long do we have access to the webpage?
You have access to the page for at least one year.
Can we use the material in Worship and in a Study Group?
Yes, I know leaders who use the Small Groups as a focus for worship. You are free to use the material as you wish – within your pastoral charge or group
We don’t have a credit card. Can we pay by cheque?
Yes. Please make cheques payable to Janice MacLean and send to: PO Box 4749, Sackville, New Brunswick E4L 3M7.
Once I order how long does it take to get the second email with the weblink and password to the Study Webpage?
If you pay by credit card you receive the second email as soon as I get to my computer and confirm payment. Always within 24 hours, often much sooner. If you elect to pay by cheque, I reserve the right to confirm once I receive the cheque. However, if you don’t receive it by the time you need it, just email me.
I’ve lost the email with the weblink and password.
It happens. Just email me. I’m happy to help if you are having any issues with downloading, etc.
What Leaders Say About Small Group Studies….
“I just wanted to tell you that those participating are getting a lot out of it,
and as a leader I have never done less planning – everything is there.”
“My group likes knowing that they are connected in the study to many other groups doing the same study within the Maritimes and beyond. Your studies are different than my traditional line by line look through a book of Scripture at a time. It gives my pastoral charge some variety in the style of Bible Study.”
“We had a member who at times prefered to remain at home due to previous illness issues,
so she was very grateful that she could access the weekly sessions on her own computer.”
“Such ease of preparation because of the clear layout/design.You had it all there and easily accessible.”
“I loved the intimacy created by a group coming together with an intention.”
Is your life busy? Longing for a soul pause? Are you seeking the sacred in the ordinary? Perhaps hoping to find soul deepening resources? Do you want to journey in your own time and at your pace yet in company with an internet community? Welcome! Have a look around.
A link to a downloadable video or audio podcast or print article;
