The Portal

Fresh.  Exciting.  Right.

These are the words that express how we felt about starting a Discovery Group (DG) last fall.  The guided discussions in an accepting and listening atmosphere were thought-provoking for people who came.

By adulthood, many people have had bad interactions with so-called Christianity“It’s not acceptable to discuss Jesus or the Bible out in public anymore.” Lina Morscher said. “I think a Discussion Group breaks the ice and is a great relief to have a place where you can say what you’re thinking and share what you’re going through.”

By adulthood, many people have had bad interactions with so-called Christianity or religion in general.  But so many still  don’t know what the Bible really says or why they’re so hostile toward Jesus.

Ted Howell led discussions on some of the following topics:

• “How does anyone know God exists?”
• “Do science and the Bible conflict?”
• “What difference does Jesus make?”
• “How reliable is the Bible?”
• “How could God allow suffering and evil?”
• “Don’t all religions lead to God?”

Gary Poole turned us on to these amazing little booklets at the 2007 Xenos Summer Institute (there were no recordings, but notes are available here).  They made leading a discussion super-easy and interesting.

Check out our growing collection of Discovery Group material at BibleNet!Looking back on it, entering the unknown in trying this idea of a DG was a little nerve-wracking, but fun.  We didn’t know who would actually show up, who would come back, or what people would say.

“You feel a little out of control…which makes it even more fun,” Lina said. “What we found was that people really do think about spiritual things and God is working in people’s lives….even if they’re sharing some pretty controversial thoughts.”

The DG revealed that all of the participants were wondering the same questions, and God’s view found in the Bible just continued to gain more credibility as the discussions continued.

After loosening up and getting to know each other better, the group decided it wanted to keep meeting this year! Now it’s really a Discovery Group Bible Study (a DGBS, not just a DG) looking at the book of John.  The discussion format will stay central since everyone enjoys it so much.

Tom and Chris Hauser were excited to start hosting the group in their home.  Dave and Beth Rittman, regular attendees who just recently got married, have been coming faithfully and were “wondering what the Lord has in store for them”  this year!

Ted has been listening to Jake talk about his home church preparing for a Conversation & Cuisine C&C.

“We would have C&C’s in our old HC…It seemed like a lot of work to get people there, and it was difficult to follow up…”“I remember years ago when we would have C&C’s in our old HC,” Ted said. “It seemed like a lot of work to put it together, get people there, and then it was very difficult to follow up on this one ’shot in the dark’ discussion with them.  But with a Discovery Group, there is ongoing discussion, a much more relaxed atmosphere and it’s been so easy.  I’d highly recommend trying discovery groups.”

Ted’s beautiful wife Indre, after attending her first discovery group was also struck by the effectiveness of this kind of group.  The Portal News asked Indre if other HC’s like the Michaleks or Hughes should give DG’s a try.

“I don’t know why they wouldn’t,” Indre said with firm resolve. “They’re the way to go!”

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