For several weeks, we’ve given out free copies of Collin Hansen & Jonathan Leeman’s book Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ Is Essential. The reason has been two-fold: firstly, the past couple years have been massively disruptive to churches. Christians need to be reminded afresh why the local church is crucial in their relationship to Christ. Secondly, we want to encourage the members of Mount Hope Church to connect with one another to discuss this important book so they can more faithfully carry out their calling as members. Additionally, they will be equipped to help others understand why the church is essential.
Here’s some guidance on how to leverage the material in this book to grow yourself and promote growth in others:
Get Together
When reading a book with someone, getting started is half the battle. Identify a person you’d like to read with. It could be someone you respect spiritually, someone you’d like to invest in, or simply a good friend. Ask them if they’d be up for meeting regularly to share insights and takeaways from the book. You might even consider inviting another person to join. Groups of three have a different dynamic compared to groups of two. Whether it’s 2 or 3; whether it’s at a coffeehouse or in your living room, find your people and get together.
Set a Plan
Depending on the people involved, faster might work better for some and slower might work better for others. Rediscover Church could be split up into a few reading plans. One is to pick up the study guide and work through the questions that have been provided chapter by chapter. Another reading plan is to knock out the book in 5 meetings. Another is to split up over 10 meetings.
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5 Meetings Plan: Week 1 – Introduction & Ch.1-2 Week 2 – Chapters 3-4 Week 3 – Chapters 5-6 Week 4 – Chapters 7-8 Week 5 – Chapter 9 & Conclusion |
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10 Meetings Plan: Week 1 – Introduction & Ch. 1 Week 2 – Chapter 2 Week 3 – Chapter 3 Week 4 – Chapter 4 Week 5 – Chapter 5 Week 6 – Chapter 6 Week 7 – Chapter 7 Week 8 – Chapter 8 Week 9 – Chapter 9 & Conclusion |
Discuss With Purpose
As you read the book, mark it up and take some notes. This will make you ready to share insights and takeaways with one another. We’d recommend three categories for your conversation: Head, Heart, and Hands.
Head questions deal with matters of substance. What is the main argument the authors are making? What did you learn? Was there anything that caused a shift in your thinking? Heart questions help bring the conversation from the abstract to the personal. What challenged you? What struck you as good and beautiful? Where is God seeking to work in your life? Hands questions seek to put things into practice. What are steps you can take in response? What is something you can do? Make space to pray at the end of your time and support one another as you seek to be faithful hearers and doers.
Find your people, get a plan, and enjoy the conversation as we seek to grow together for the glory of Christ! A great habit to kick off the New Year.
But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head – Christ. From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesians 4:15-16 (CSB)
