a quest for ideas
If you were going to lead a small group bible study based on Anonymous: Jesus' hidden years and yours, what resources would you like from me?
Yesterday I spoke with a wonderful woman whose church is thinking of using Anonymous for their women's groups. They'd like to do something new and fresh.
I'm planning on writing a 6 week bible study and also a reflective journaling guide for Anonymous. But they were wondering how we could also partner real time through a weekly Skpye call or podcast or q&a with the author.
So--my techy, webby friends--if you have a few moments, I'd REALLY LOVE to hear any ideas you might have!
Yesterday I spoke with a wonderful woman whose church is thinking of using Anonymous for their women's groups. They'd like to do something new and fresh.
I'm planning on writing a 6 week bible study and also a reflective journaling guide for Anonymous. But they were wondering how we could also partner real time through a weekly Skpye call or podcast or q&a with the author.
So--my techy, webby friends--if you have a few moments, I'd REALLY LOVE to hear any ideas you might have!
posted by alicia britt chole at
4:32 PM
7 Comments:
If I were to have an Anonymous journal, I'd love to have like those intense one liners scattered through out that make you ponder and peirce your heart with truth. Like in passing when you told me this life was the shortest one I'll ever live... Ouch! It totally stuck with me. (obviously) Also, I think just giving non-rhetorical questions would be awesome.(Personally,I like the why stuff.) Then maybe have like fill in the blanks to your own anonymous journey. Like: God is leading me into this season for, for this purpose,etc... fill in the blank. (Does that make sense?) I have lots of other ideas if you want them....just let me know. As far as real time...Skype is your best bet...it works well internationally. However, Alicia, if you started your own podcast, I think I'd flip.Haha.I don't know if I've told you lately, but I'm proud of your blogging....=) Love ya! -Bethie
Since "Anonymous" was (is) one of my all-time favorite books, there are a couple of things that come to mind:
1. The fly jacket asks the question: Are we there yet? That would be such a good theme to expand upon, such as "what to do while you're on the way" ... (I'm thinking of how my kids drove me bats during long car trips, and how creative I had to be to keep them occupied during the seemingly endless journey)
2. Elaborating on the beauty of obscurity: what it is, and what it isn't. I think our culture does a huge dis-service to our youth in particular by inferring (or telling outright), you have to be notable to have any worth.
More to come ...
Kathleen
When my church is going to host anything unique, we (our webby techies, not me) create a website just for that event, as well as an "e-vite" for people to send invitations. An e-blast (a broadcast announcement) is sent to everyone at our Church ahead of time to announce the event, and that contains a link to the e-vite.
Might be fun to have a community of "Anonymous" people wherein the study material, daily devotionals, related resources, video, downloads (podcasts, etc), input by study-goers (i.e., "what I'm learning", or "how this has changed my thinking"), on the site.
Still thinking ...
Kathleen
GREAT ideas Bethie and Kathleen! Please keep them coming! Thanks so much, alicia
ditto bethie's comment... and i think a video blog would be great. people can view it online or in a group setting. you can have a few pre-packaged call-ins that can be updated periodically if you wanted.
you could have some personal touch time with the bible study groups, but at the same time there would be freedom for these to take off on their own.
i'm sure there are many ways to facilicate this, but one idea is to set up a youtube page, and i think you can embed the videos on your website as well. just some thoughts!
ps - the art on this site is beautiful.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/
here is another option i recently learned of. seems pretty cool.
I, too, LOVE this book in particular. I can hardly think of a more timely message for women today -- it's so relatable. Most of us have been in or are reconciling fallow seasons and their impact. It's countercultural to accept that God values periods of inactivity as much as productivity. This world tells us as women that we can have it all and should have it all, and sometimes we just can't or shouldn't right now.
I am so EXCITED about this possibility! I came alone from another church to your conference in Virginia last weekend, and the work God did in me was so personal and deep. I bought your "8 Choices" study materials to bring back to a unique group of women I meet with who need this. I would LOVE to have this option for the "Anonymous" series as well.
A few thoughts:
1. While I think a weekly Skype call would be incredible, I wonder if it wouldn't be better to do a video podcast and/or a streaming video segment on your website. Either for those who register and pay a small fee for downloadable materials and the opportunity to participate in the study (username/password), or however you wish to distribute the materials. This would allow the study to continue for a much longer period of time, and without specific start/end dates, without pulling on your precious time significantly for an indefinite period of time. You'd launch the study, people could join in at anytime (with or without a "group"), and you would be free to raise your kids, be a wife and hear from God for the next series! ;-)
2. Perhaps once a month, you'd offer a two-hour Skype conversation that people can join to hear from you and experience community with other study participants.
3. I think that 6 weeks is too short. Go at least 8.
4. In your discussion guides, I would love more of the heart-probing questions for personal reflection and good group discussion. If I'm diving into something like this with materials from an author like you who really draws out unique and penetrating truths, I really want to think about this for awhile as I'm processing through the lessons.
5. Whatever you do, choose an option that would allow this to last longer than a one-time study. This book is too good. Yet, please don't feel that you need to tie up significant amounts of your time for an extended period. You have too much yet to say to all of us, and it would truly be sad if this became so resource-intensive for you and your family that it became a distraction to your greater calling. We need the study materials -- YES, we do....please -- but don't yes to a good idea at the expense of the greater thing you do for the Kingdom.
I love your ministry and your heart. May more of us "rise up and walk" in our callings!
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