Book studies are simply that; reading a book to learn more about God. For example, None Like You by Jen Wilkin helps the reader understand 10 ways God is different from people and why that is a good thing.
The women’s ministry at my church traditionally meets for a fall and spring semester of Bible study. Typically, we do not meet over the summer. However this year, we decided to try having 3 different book club meetings.
Why a Book Club?
We wanted to do something different than our typical 10-12 week Bible Studies. We hoped to draw in women who might not be able to make a long weekly commitment. Our desire was to bring women together to read and discuss books that we thought would be help each woman grow in their faith. We offered 3 different time choices…two evenings and one morning option. We decided to meet in May, take June off (VBS), July, and August reading a different book for each meeting.
Introduction email
The book clubs were promoted in Bible study announcements, church email communications, women’s ministry emails, and social media. Each women received the following email after they registered to attend.
Hi Ladies!
We are less than two weeks away from our gathering time to discuss “You Are A Theologian”. We are excited to walk this journey with you as we grow together in our knowledge and love of God.
We will meet Tuesday, May 27 from 6:30-8:00pm in the living room at church.
What to expect:
- We will begin promptly at 6:30 since we have 90 minutes to discuss the whole book!
- Please remember that each woman is different, and God is taking us each through different seasons and challenges. We all have different histories and experiences.
- Please refrain from discussing topics that may be considered divisive such as politics.
- Please give space for everyone to participate and be heard as the goal is to encourage and learn from each other.
How to prepare:
- Buy a copy of “You Are A Theologian” and read it.
- Answer the discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Note a specific question that you might like to discuss.
- As you reflect on the book, think about these questions:
- What did you learn about God in all of these doctrines?
- How can you love God well having learned more about Him?
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Suggested Questions to Ask
- Overall, what did you think of the book?
- Looking at the table of contents, which chapter stood out to you? In an encouraging or convicting way?
- What is something new you learned?
- Of the Trinity, which Person did you know the most about? Which Person did you learn something new about?
- Which of the misconceptions of the Holy Spirit stood out to you? Why?
- What quotes stood out to you through the book?
- Which prayer stood out to you at the end of each section?
- What attribute most encourages you about God?
- Is there an attribute that you struggle with?
- What will you do with what you have learned?
Other Book Club Suggestions
- None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
- Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt
- Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of our Identity in Christ by Melissa Kruger
- God Does His Best Work With Empty by Nancy Guthrie
- Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever
- In His Image by Jen Wilkin
- Enough about Me by Jen Oshman
- Home with God: Our Union with Christ by Kyle Worley
- Remember and Rehearse: An Invitation to Participate in God’s Story by JT English
- Love Your Church by Tony Merida
- A Praying Church by Paul Miller
Follow Up Resources
The following resources were sent out in a email after the book club meeting.
- Knowing Faith Podcast
- 1/2 Sheet TLBP Attributes Printable
- TLBP Blog-Attributes: Remember These Truths about God
- The two remaining books in this series: Remember and Rehearse by JT English and Formed for Fellowship by Kyle Worley
Bonus: this could be a cute gift or giveaway! Theologian Mug by The Daily Grace Co.
We would love to hear from you!
If you’ve hosted a book club like this—or want to—we’d love to hear from you! Tag us on social or send us a message. What other books would you suggest?
-Heather, TLBP Content Director