FOUNDATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE STUDIES

Foundations for Effective Evangelistic Bible Studies

The discussion emphasized the importance of structured Bible studies in fostering a unified church culture at Crossings Church. All members, including newcomers, engage in these studies to ensure everyone understands the church's beliefs and practices. The goal is transformational, focusing on heart and life change rather than just disseminating information. The studies are conducted two-on-one, with a third person learning to study, promoting multiplication. Consistency, relational connection, and prayer are crucial. The approach aims to teach discipleship, model Christian life, and ensure genuine commitment and transformation.

Action Items

• [ ] Study the Bible using a two-on-one model to train others how to lead studies.
• [ ] Make sure studies are consistently scheduled and avoid long gaps between meetings.
• [ ] Address any areas where life change is not occurring before baptism.

Outline

Crossings Church Study Structure and Importance

• Kerry Cox explains that all members of the Crossings Church have gone through structured studies, emphasizing the importance of everyone being on the same page.
• The studies are designed to ensure that new members, even from other churches, understand the church's culture and beliefs.
• The goal is to create a unified church culture through these studies, which help members understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Kerry Cox advises other churches to adopt a similar approach to ensure everyone is teaching the same things and speaking the same language.

Transformation Through Studies

• The primary goal of the studies is to transform individuals from the inside out, not just to disseminate information.
• Kerry Cox stresses that the studies are about changing hearts and lives, not just teaching facts.
• The studies are designed to lead to inward repentance, which shows up in changed behaviors and a closer relationship with God.
• Kerry Cox references passages from 1 Timothy and James to emphasize the importance of applying the word of God and seeing real transformation.

Commitment and Expectations in Studies

• Kerry Cox acknowledges that the studies may seem demanding, but this is part of the commitment required to follow Jesus.
• The studies are designed to call people to a radical transformation, which may lead some to decide it's not for them.
• Kerry Cox uses Jesus's ministry as an example, noting that many people who heard Jesus's teachings did not follow Him.
• The goal is to weed out those who are not serious about their relationship with God and to teach what it means to be a disciple.

Relationship and Discipleship

• Kerry Cox emphasizes the importance of relationship in the discipleship process, noting that discipleship has always been relational.
• The studies are designed to be relational, with the goal of building deep connections between the study leader and the person being studied with.
• Kerry Cox uses the analogy of a plow to illustrate how a loving relationship breaks up the hard ground and makes the studies more effective.
• The relational connection is essential for the studies to be effective, and it should be maintained consistently between meetings.

Prayer and Consistency in Studies

• Kerry Cox highlights the importance of prayer in the study process, encouraging leaders to pray for themselves and their students.
• The studies are more powerful when conducted in love and with consistent prayer.
• Kerry Cox advises leaders to be consistent in their studies, emphasizing the urgency of a relationship with God and the importance of not letting too much time pass between studies.
• The studies should be conducted consistently to teach people the importance of prioritizing God and being consistent in their faith.

Study Method and Personalization

• Kerry Cox explains that the studies should not be conducted from a book but should be chained in the Bible, with the goal of internalizing the concepts.
• The studies should be personalized to the individual being studied with, making the notes relevant to their life and struggles.
• Kerry Cox advises leaders to ask questions that apply to the person's life and to make the notes reflective of their personal experiences.
• The goal is to help the person grasp the concepts and apply them to their life, making the studies more effective and relational.

Handling Resistance and Adjusting Studies

• Kerry Cox acknowledges that some people may resist studying, and it's important to handle this with love and understanding.
• If someone decides not to continue studying, the leader should still maintain a relationship and be available if the person changes their mind.
• Kerry Cox advises leaders to be patient and consistent, even if the person is not ready to apply the concepts immediately.
• The leader should be willing to adjust the studies to meet the person's needs and to address any specific struggles they may have.

Modeling Discipleship

• Kerry Cox emphasizes the importance of modeling what it means to be a disciple in one's own life.
• The leader should live out the concepts being taught in the studies, showing the person what it looks like to follow Jesus.
• This helps the person see the sincerity and authenticity of the leader's teachings and reinforces the importance of discipleship.
• Kerry Cox advises leaders to be honest and consistent in their own walk with God, setting an example for the person being studied with.

Keeping Studies on Track

• Kerry Cox acknowledges that keeping studies on track can be challenging, but it's important to stay focused on the key concepts.
• The leader should be prepared to adjust the study if the person is struggling to grasp the concepts, breaking them down into simpler terms.
• Kerry Cox advises leaders to be flexible and willing to adjust the study to meet the person's needs, while still maintaining the overall structure and goals.
• The leader should be patient and consistent, ensuring that the person understands the key concepts and is making progress in their faith.

Asking and Committing to Studies

• Kerry Cox explains that asking someone to study the Bible should be a simple and straightforward conversation.
• The leader should be upfront about the commitment required and the goals of the studies.
• Kerry Cox advises leaders to be honest and clear about what the studies involve, setting expectations from the beginning.
• The leader should be confident in their approach, trusting that God will guide the conversation and the relationship.