House / Discussion Group Ideas

[BackforGood]

Hi. I'm part of a House Group from our Church but we feel we've hit a bit of a stalemate. We want to continue to meet but are looking for some discussion materials we've not used before.
any suggestions please ?
In the past we've done things over perhaps 6 sessions but are very open to trying something different

(I've got to go out for a bit, I'm not ignoring you - will pick up any responses later) thanks

[mostlydrinkstea]

We are probably going with this www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/life-st-martins/discipleship/inspired-to-follow/

One of the local churches did it and then had a day trip to London to see the art in the gallery.

[BackforGood]

Oooh. Thank you. that is exactly the sort of thing
We actually looked at the Methodist Art Collection a few years ago and really enjoyed doing that.

Anyone else got any others ? Maybe a Lent study course you've enjoyed ?

I'd be particularly interested in any pointers anyone can give me where the group looks at relatively topical issues and what we, as Christians can do in a practical way in today's world (Things like the Trade Justice Movement, and Drop the Debt Campaigns, in the past)
Doesn't actually need to be produced by a Christian organisation - could be maybe something by the likes of a Charity like Shelter if anyone knows of anything ?

[FloralBunting]

I've been through a number of house groups over the years that have fizzled. The ones that have lasted have had a strong, clear focus. I mean, sure, you could find a book and do a study for 8 weeks and that would be a short term purpose, but once that study finishes, you find another etc. and it just meanders along, directionless.

A good strategy is to be very deliberate - an active project to get involved with, or a specific prayer focus. One of the longest running, still viable groups I know has a consistent prayer focus on the persecuted church. That has given them drive and shape and helped cement them together in their relationships.

[BackforGood]

Well, we've been going for 16years, and quite like having variety.
One in the group likes bible study, but, for myself, those aren't my favourite weeks. I think the fact we've done lots of different things is what keeps the interest.

We have set up some projects where issues have arisen from discussions within the group, and have also joined in some bigger projects, and we also have a prayer time at each meeting.

So it is study booklets or courses we are looking for.

[spacebunny]

BackforGood not sure if you've found anything to suit your needs but we have used Scripture Union materials in the past, particularly their Lifebuilder series, which are now published by IVP:
ivpbooks.com/commentaries-and-group-resources/

[FriarTuck]

Thanks for that pointer spacebunny, I've just ordered myself a couple of copies of Lifebuilder books