Book Clubs

At certain times in my life, leading a Bible study simply does not fit into my schedule. Hosting a book club is less time intensive and is still a great way to connect with friends and grow spiritually. Many book clubs meet in a coffee shop, deli, library, or restaurant. This neutral environment can help everyone feel welcome and allows for a shared sense of ownership. Here are some simple guidelines to help you start a book club:

1. Make sure the book is approved by your church’s leadership.
2. Read the entire book before offering it to the book club.
3. Create a schedule of meetings and choose the location; weekly or biweekly meetings work best for reading through a book.
4. Prepare a reading assignment for each meeting (keep in mind that mothers and working women may have less time for reading). Send by mail or e-mail the schedule prior to the first discussion—if club members miss a discussion, they can still keep up with the reading.
5. Read the assigned portion prior to the meeting, so the material is fresh in your mind.
6. If your book does not include a discussion guide, write three to four questions about the material you are covering. These should be open-ended questions that encourage deeper reflection and practical application of what you’ve read. Consider providing some related Scripture references for further discussion.
7. Open the meeting with prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to work in and through your discussion.
8. You can ask this simple question to begin the discussion: “What made the greatest impact on you from the material we read this week?” Encourage everyone to participate in the discussion.
9. If someone begins to dominate the discussion or go in an inappropriate direction, use the questions you’ve prepared to redirect the conversation.
10. Enjoy the time with friends and the great conversation a good book can generate!

Recommended link: www.christianbooksummaries.com—Accurate summaries of quality Christian books, and a free “new book” notification service. If you have a book club, check it out!

God has opened many doors for KERRY CLARENSAU, which have prepared her for her current position as Leadership Development Coordinator for the national Women’s Ministries Department. Kerry has served the Kansas District in different ministry roles and as national Missionettes Coordinator. Under her leadership the current Mpact girls clubs (formerly Missionettes) program was developed in 1998. She has also served as women’s pastor at Maranatha Worship Center in Wichita, Kansas, where her husband serves as senior pastor. She is a Bible teacher, writer, wife, mother and much more. Her role as pastor’s wife is instrumental in developing effective leadership resources for the local church.