Growth: Training vs. Trying

Rating:
Summary: A high quality study that promotes group discussion
Review: "So what did you get for number four?" "Number four? Let's see...I got "the Lord." What about you?" Ever heard that kind of interaction in a small group? It's frustrating, and many of the small-group bible study guides promote this kind of dry, academic approach by sticking to a simple question and answer type of format, with little or no assistance in facilitating relevant discussion. Not so this book! I found "Growth--training vs. trying" to be an excellent study guide for use in a small group/growth group. Its balance of spiritual exercise and bible study provide the reader with a positive and challenging means to apply what they are learning--as they are learning it! The discussion questions in the guide itself promote great opportunities for the members of a group to get to know one another better and develop closer relationships as they encourage one another in spiritual growth. The readings that open each chapter are relevant, straightforward, and thought provoking. If you are considering a bible study guide to use for a discussion oriented small group, or simply interested in a great resource for your own individual study, I highly recommend this one. (This book is one of a seven booklet series, "Pursuing Spiritual Transformation.")

Rating:
Summary: A high quality study that promotes group discussion
Review: "So what did you get for number four?" "Number four? Let's see...I got "the Lord." What about you?" Ever heard that kind of interaction in a small group? It's frustrating, and many of the small-group bible study guides promote this kind of dry, academic approach by sticking to a simple question and answer type of format, with little or no assistance in facilitating relevant discussion. Not so this book! I found "Growth--training vs. trying" to be an excellent study guide for use in a small group/growth group. Its balance of spiritual exercise and bible study provide the reader with a positive and challenging means to apply what they are learning--as they are learning it! The discussion questions in the guide itself promote great opportunities for the members of a group to get to know one another better and develop closer relationships as they encourage one another in spiritual growth. The readings that open each chapter are relevant, straightforward, and thought provoking. If you are considering a bible study guide to use for a discussion oriented small group, or simply interested in a great resource for your own individual study, I highly recommend this one. (This book is one of a seven booklet series, "Pursuing Spiritual Transformation.")

Rating:
Summary: Excellent narrative and exercises, mediocre questions
Review: Growth: Training vs. Trying is a very readable book with short but pointed narratives and spritual exercises.

Each lesson identifies an area of discipline. The text isn't afraid to address common misunderstandings, mistakes and shortcoming when it comes to our exercising a certain discipline. And yet, it is encouraging and helpful in allowing the reader to see where he/she would rather be in his/her relationship with God and how to get there. The spiritual exercises are especially helpful in moving the reader from "theory" in the lesson to practical daily "application".

While the text and the spiritual exercises were excellent, the bible study questions were a bit lacking and not necessarily good in prompting meaningful discussion. I would not use it as is but rather as a roadmap/guide in exploring key ideas and develop your own questions for small group discussions.