Sowable Word: Helping Ordinary People Learn to Lead Bible Studies
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Bible Studies That Actually Study the Bible
When the word of Christ falls on good soil, the results will astound. That’s why there’s a surprising glory in leading a group of ordinary people to simply open their Bibles, read what’s on the page, and discuss how God might use these words to change the world.
Yet too many small group leaders hesitate to try such a method without professional guidance from a curriculum or study guide. Here is a book to inspire and equip believers in Christ to lead fruitful and engaging small groups where God’s Word is read, discussed, and put to direct use to transform lives.
“Learning to live well in Christian community is the task of every believer. And for that, preparing men and women to assist others in the study of the Bible is essential. I know Peter Krol, and through him, some of the dozens of Bible teachers and small group leaders he has trained over the years. We owe him our thanks for Sowable Word. For in it, the confidence many need to begin leading others in the joyful study of God’s Word can be acquired.”
— David Helm, Senior Pastor, Christ Church Chicago; Chairman, The Charles Simeon Trust
Because ours is a multiplying faith, many ordinary Christians seek to lead their peers toward Christ through Bible study—but they often don’t know how. Whether from fear, ignorance, or feelings of inferiority, they don’t trust themselves to teach the word without the approval of a published expert.
Yet the word of God is faithful and true. God’s words pierce souls, delight hearts, and effect change. When God’s people hear his voice, the Spirit draws them in and bears witness to Jesus Christ. Therefore, the best thing leaders can do is open the valve on this living water so thirsty souls can drink their fill.
“If you are looking for a simple and practical way to lead group Bible studies more effectively, this is it. Oftentimes, books on Bible study will either focus on the Bible part or group dynamics. In Sowable Word, Peter combines both. Get this book and use it yourself or give it to your small group leaders in your ministry or church. They will be glad you did.”
— Dr. Tim S Lane, President, Institute for Pastoral Care, and Tim Lane & Associates; author of Unstuck: A Nine-Step Journey to Change that Lasts
When we lead Bible studies, we get VIP access to the greatest show on earth: the softening of human hearts. Sometimes we’ll see people change their minds or their convictions over the course of a single discussion. At other times, it will take place over weeks, months, or even years. Sometimes we’ll notice an improvement in attitude or character before the changed person even becomes aware of it. Such is the humble glory of rightly handling the word of truth.
Sowable Word helps ordinary people learn to feed others from God’s word. These aspiring leaders will learn how to start a group, develop good preparation habits, conduct a persuasive discussion, and shepherd group members through what they’re learning.
“Sowable Word is Peter Krol’s great sequel to Knowable Word. Whether you are new to leading a Bible study or an old hand at it, this book will equip you with tools and encourage you with zeal to lead a group into the Word. Sowable Word is well-organized, biblical, thoughtful, seasoned, humble, practical, doable, readable and fresh — what more can you want from a book?”
— Tedd Tripp, pastor, author, and speaker
Order now from Cruciform Press or Amazon or Westminster.
What’s in the Book?
Part 1 (Building a Foundation) outlines the vision for interactive small groups that engage directly with the pages of Scripture. Such groups can serve believers and win non-believers by focusing on knowing Christ. If you haven’t read Knowable Word, this part contains a chapter that summarizes the basic principles of OIA Bible study.
Part 2 (Preparing to Lead) trains leaders in a foundational mindset—dependence on the Lord—and guides them through four phases of preparing a vibrant Bible study discussion that keeps participants focused on the text in healthy ways.
Part 3 (Leading the Group) explains group dynamics, the mechanics of leading the discussion itself, and the way of love that determines the success of any teaching ministry.
A brief appendix casts vision for multiplying your Bible study group by apprenticing a new leader.
“If you want to learn how to lead and write your own Bible studies, this book will help you do it. Peter Krol gives an accessible, practical guide for how to create a Bible study that people actually want to attend. The tools he puts forward are simple and effective. A novice leader will learn, and an experienced leader will be refined.”
— Colleen McFadden, Women’s Ministry Director, Trinity Community Church; Director of Women’s Workshops, Charles Simeon Trust
Who is This Book For?
When people experience the thrill of meeting Jesus in the pages of Scripture through rigorous OIA (observe, interpret, and apply) Bible study, they naturally feel compelled to invite others to “come and see.” This book is for those people.
They might be church leaders, fulfilling their responsibility to shepherd the flock of God. They might be aspiring leaders, learning to impart what has been entrusted to them. They might be women who crave the pure milk of the word and love the people around them.
Regardless of whether they hold formal leadership positions, these people have both love for Christ’s word and courage to read and discuss it with others. They only need guidance to do these things well.
Therefore, this book will serve lay leaders and Bible teachers who have any degree of experience. Some will gain confidence to lead their first Bible study that brings a neighbor to Christ. Others will learn to draw more deeply on the power of interaction, thereby overcoming their penchant for dominating conversations. All will discover the surprising glory and astounding fruit borne from leading a group of ordinary people to open their Bibles, read what’s on the page, and discuss how God might use these words to change the world.
“So often I hear people referencing a Bible study of which they are a member reading through a book written about the Bible, not the Bible itself. I believe this is because many leaders today feel intimidated by teaching directly from God’s Word for a myriad of reasons. This is exactly why Sowable Word was written and is desperately needed. In it, Peter Krol gives biblical, practical, step-by-step wisdom to every level of Bible study leader. There is not one element of Bible study leadership that is left unconsidered in this thoughtful, easy-to-use guide. It should be on the shelf of every serious leader.”
— Vince Burens, CEO/President, The Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO)
Order now from Cruciform Press or Amazon or Westminster.
Disclaimer: The FTC wants me to tell you that I, the author of Sowable Word, will get a small commission if you click a button and make a purchase. While I’m at it, I’ll add that “if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie” (Eccl 11:3). See, even God loves to state the obvious.
