Participatory Study

Following the outlines of the Participatory Study Method, Dr. Robert Cornwall presents a study guide to the book of Ephesians that is both usable and challenging while not skirting the difficult issues. These eight lessons take you through the letter leading from the history and background to modern application and sharing in corporate study and worship.

Whether you are approaching this book as an individual, as a small group, or in a larger classroom setting, this study guide will provide you with direction, exercises, and questions for discussion and further investigation.

The Participatory Study Series from Energion Publications is designed to invite Bible students to become a part of the community of faith that produced the texts we now have as scripture by studying them empathetically and with an aim to learn and grow spiritually. The section Using this Book and the appendices are designed for the series and adapted to the particular study guide. Each author is free to emphasize different resources in the study, and individual students, group leaders, and teachers are encouraged to enhance their study through the use of additional resources.

It is our prayer at Energion Publications that each study guide will lead you deeper into scripture and more importantly closer to the One who inspired it.

132 pages.

Geoffrey Lentz and Henry Neufeld, a pastor and a teacher team up in Learning and Living Scripture to present the Participatory Bible Study Method, an approach to Bible study that is rooted in the conviction that God can and will speak to us in scripture.

They bring together their different experiences and perspectives to present this method of study in a practical, usable way.

There are three key elements to this study:

1. The integration of prayer and study
2. Serious questioning and research that is nonetheless within reach of the non-scholar
3. Study in community with both witness and accountability through sharing

In this guide you will learn to integrate prayer and scripture reading while also being faithful to the historical meaning of the text and its use throughout history by the community of faith. This method is not just about study and learning facts; it’s about letting the God, who gave scripture, live in and through you, as you learn and share.

Philippians: A Participatory Study Guide is the sixth volume in the Participatory Study Series. From beginning to end, the student is invited to absorb the text and allow God’s message to change her or his life. At the same time, it maintains the series standard of providing a guide that takes account of current biblical scholarship and helps the student examine the text critically while also listening to and being guided by the Holy Spirit.

This guide contains eight lessons suitable for use by an individual student, but best used in a small group. The lessons are clearly written so that a laity-led class or small group can use them to advantage. In addition, there is a guide to using the book that provides insights into Bible study in general, and two appendices, one outlining the process of Bible study and one listing and describing useful resources.

Each lesson includes prayers, spiritual exercises, thought questions, and theological reflection. These are designed to help students learn to see the text in a new way and to realize their full potential through the power of the Holy Spirit. This book will not only impact your knowledge of scripture; it will change the way you pray, live, witness, and relate to your community of faith and the world.

Energion Publications catalog page

This study guide to Revelation is designed for individual or small group studies. Its flexible lessons are ideal for Sunday School classes, small study or prayer groups and Wednesday evening studies. The guide is based on the participatory method, developed by author Henry Neufeld to help lay people learn to understand the Bible better.

Features:

1. Clearly defined study method for individuals and groups.
2. Basic lessons with graded additional study allow you to choose the time spent on your study
3. Examination of different approaches to Revelation
4. References to study Bibles and standard reference materials
5. Emphasis on spiritual application-even if your group has problems agreeing on prophetic interpretation, you can share many spiritual lessons
6. Glossary of terms
7. Background references
8. Study questions and topics for discussion
9. Outline and notes for reference

Suggested uses:

• Personal study
• Sunday School classes

Small Group Resource

Energion Publications recommends this book as a small group resource.

The Gospel of Saint Luke: A Participatory Study Guide is the newest installment to the successful Participatory Study Guide Series from Energion Publications. This series emphasizes individual and community involvement in the Bible story, inviting students to become part of God’s activity in the world by acting on and sharing what they learn.

Written by Geoffrey D. Lentz, associate pastor at First United Methodist Church, Pensacola, FL, this study guide gives the seeker historical insight and a fresh look into the Jesus Christ that Luke sought and recorded. Rev. Lentz brings his love of Church history and great thought-provoking questions into a user friendly layout that promotes lively discussions and deep-rooted growth in a group study.

Each lesson includes suggestions for prayer, exercises, thought questions, and basic background information on the passages studied. References to study Bibles and other useful resources are provided.

Useful for:

• Small group study
• Individual study
• Discussion and sharing

Small Group Resource

Energion Publications recommends this book as a small group resource.

This study guide to the book of Hebrews is designed for individual or small group studies. Its 13 lessons are ideal for Sunday School classes, small study or prayer groups and Wednesday evening studies. The guide is based on the participatory method, developed by author Henry Neufeld to help lay people learn to understand the Bible better.

Features:

1. Clearly defined study method for individuals and groups.
2. Basic lessons with graded additional study allow you to choose the time spent on your study
3. References to study Bibles and standard reference materials
4. Study of Old Testament quotations
5. Glossary of terms used in Hebrews
6. Background references
7. Study questions and topics for discussion
8. Translation and notes for reference

Small Group Resource

Energion Publications recommends this book as a small group resource.