“Essentials” doesn’t fit the typical Bible study pattern — there are no lectures or workbooks. The approach is simple and relevant to the way most people prefer to learn: connecting with peers, discussing instead of just listening, considering life stories and making an immediate practical application.
An “Essentials” session is simply a directed conversation around key passages of Scripture. Group members pray and consider what the Scriptures say and how they apply to daily life.
You don’t need to be a Bible scholar to lead a session. Your role as a leader is to guide the group in discovering truth together.
The Content: 2 Tracks for Different Levels
“Essentials” is divided into two tracks. Track A has 12 discussions that teach the "DNA" of the Christian life. Track B has 12 discussions that teach in greater depth about knowing and responding to God.
All the sessions are organized into groups by theme. This leader’s guide will help you get the conversation going.
The Discussion: How to Keep It Moving With Purpose
Every discussion moves through four phases: “Connect With Needs,” “Hear What God Says,” “Apply That to Life” and “Tell Someone They Know.” The group discussion flow helps you direct the conversation, with open-ended questions to ask, Bible stories to tell and passages to read.
To give you additional insight, a brief commentary on the relevant Scriptures is included.
Get Ready: Preparation Checklist
To help you get ready, there is a “Notes and Preparation Checklist” for every discussion. This checklist helps you think through the discussion flow beforehand so you have examples, alternate questions and transitions to use during the session.
The discussion is designed to flow through four phases, as explained below.
Before you begin, pray for wisdom and confidence.
Also, pray that each person in your group will:
Attend the session.
Have God’s help to understand what is discussed.
Apply the main lesson in a specific way.
Share what he or she learns with someone else.
Four Phases of Each Group Discussion Flow