More of a study ‘resource’ than a study ‘guide’, this book weighs in at 301 pages. Inside you’ll find four sections all flowing through Mars Hill Church’s study of Ephesians:
• 112 Daily Devotions: flexibly designed for families
• 16-Week Small Group Study: designed to slot into mid-week gatherings in the home
• 16-Week Women’s Study: written & used by women in Mars Hill
• 16-Week Student Study: produced for Bible hungry students
The daily devotions are stand-alone while the studies run alongside the DVD Based Study, but don’t feel pressured into buying the DVD. You can manage without it by reading the scripture out loud in a group setting, or to yourself if you’re using this book for personal study. The DVD brings Mark Driscoll into your home, with some slick story-based visuals and a short talk by the butch American pastor.
From a leader's point of view, you’ve got a decision to make: do I want to buy into a Mars Hill resource? This study began as a Mark Driscoll’s sermon series preached to his church, then was made into this study for their church, and has now been opened up to the rest of us. It’s certainly different to the NOOMA DVD’s back when Rob Bell was at the helm.
If you (and your group) like Mark’s preaching style and are comfortable to be taught by him, this study is for you. If not, don’t waste any more of your time. I like his directness, his ability to grab you, his disregard for the ‘norm’. But I can understand why many dislike him for the exact same reasons.
April 9th, 2013 - Posted & Written by James Warwood
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