4 Questions

 

Welcome to Season 2 of the Your Church Matters podcast.  In this episode (67), I am sharing another simple, but effective, small group Bible study method.

 

 

The 4 Question Method for Processing God’s Word Together

 

Another simple, yet effective method for facilitating powerful group discussion is the 4 Question method.  This method may be particularly effective if the curriculum being used is so detailed that the S.O.A.P.Y. method seems strained.  (See episode 66 – The S.O.A.P.Y. method of group Bible study)

For this method, we need to allow enough time at the end of the study to ask these 4 questions and process them as a group:

 

  1. What did you like best about this study?  This question engages people at an emotional level.
  2. What did you not like or not understand? This question engages people at both emotional and cognitive level.
  3. What did you learn about God?  This question engages people cognitively and helps them reflect theologically (even if “theology” is a scary thought to them).
  4. What must we do? This question engages people at the level of will, choice, and action as a follower of Jesus and provides accountability.

 

It is important to not give the impression that these questions are a “wrap up” to close the study. If group participants have that mindset, they will begin to shut down and disengage. This is not a wrap up, but a workshop; it is where the content of the Scripture becomes real in our lives. The curriculum content is like reading a book on the health benefits of vegetables. The 4 questions allow us to share our thoughts and recipes together in the kitchen, so we are better equipped for healthy living.

 

So, how much time should we allow for this group processing? My suggestion is half the allotted time for the study session. It is better to go deeper with less content than to stay shallow with more.

 

It is better to go deeper with fewer Bible verses than to stay shallow with more. Click To Tweet

 

This content is actually included in my new book, Why “Bible Study” Doesn’t Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism’s favorite discipleship method.  I’d love to have you join me as part of my launch team.

More info coming soon, but if you just can’t wait, send me an email at contactgerrylewis@gmail.com and put “book launch team” in the subject line.

 

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*Special thanks to Keith Cooper (Guitar Music)

*Special thanks to Nathan Woodward (Saxophone Music)

About

Just an ordinary guy living an amazing life. Amazed by God and joining Him in His amazing activity in the world. Seeking the flourishing of fellow travelers. Author, Blogger, Speaker, Singer, CoachSultant, Husband, Dad, Grandpa.