Think Update #13 - Hammer & Anvil Groups
Welcome Back. Big Announcement Today.
First things first: thanks for subscribing. I'm Joel Settecase, and I'm the founder and lead teacher of the Think Institute.
My goal here is to equip you with what you need to fulfill your piece of the Great Commission (Mt 28:18-20).
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Having been podcasting this since early 2019, I'm learning that there are natural peaks and valleys to our audience given the time of year. During these early winter months, listenership declines a bit. However, I'm happy to report that overall listenership and viewership of the Think Institute Podcast is way up over last year. Thanks for watching and sharing our content around to your friends and family. I know, our getting guests like Sye Ten Bruggencate and Michael Heiser have made it easy to share. Lord willing, we're going to have more exciting guests rolling through in 2021.
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Before The Big News, A Short Reflection
The Hammer & Anvil Society, our study cohort focusing on worldview, evangelism, apologetics, and cultural engagement, wrapped up last night. I had the guys over to our home in the Tri-Cities of Illinois, and we enjoyed an hours-long, free-ranging discussion on theology, politics, ecclesiology and more.
Meeting with these brothers over the last 10 months has really been special. We've covered a lot of topics and had some super helpful and sharpening discussions. And added to all this has just been the sense of brotherhood and camaraderie that's developed. In a way, it's reminiscent of my days back in undergrad in my fraternity or on the rugby team. A group of men banded together to work at achieving a goal and serving a higher purpose.
My original plan for this group, going forward, was to turn it fully-virtual and expand an open invitation to all men everywhere. But instead, based on what I've learned from running the Society and the drastic changes to our world over the last 10 months, we're going to do something different. And I think it's going to be way, way better. So now I'm ready to tell you the big news.
So Here's The Big Announcement
Introducing The Hammer & Anvil Groups!
These are going to be really cool, and super innovative. I have to credit my wife Aliza for coming up with the overall concept. She's an excellent thinker, and she's really knocked it out of the park with this one.
FAQ:
What's the purpose? To equip believers to understand, explain, share and/or defend the Christian message by pursuing a focused topic together.
Who's in the group? You (the facilitator), me (the teacher), and whoever else you recruit (typically 2-12 people).
How will we meet? In person, virtually or hybrid. The beauty of this format is that it can be done whichever way makes the most sense. For example, if you wanted to do this with your existing small group in Texas, you could all meet in person, and I could "join" virtually as the teacher.
How long will we meet? Depending on the topic, between 5-8 weeks.
What happens at the end of the group? You can let it disband, or continue it yourself as a Bible study or small group.
What are the major benefits? Participants will receive high-quality, scholarly, practical training in compelling, Scriptural subject matter in a personalized way, from a Christian apologist and Bible teacher. This gives you the chance to kick your existing group up a notch, to start a new group and keep it running, or to enjoy a fun and educational experience without an ongoing, endless commitment.
What will the sessions be like? This may change from group to group, but the general pattern will be
Look back (check-in)
Look up (subject matter)
Look forward (Q&A, discussion and challenge)
What are the 5 options?
Bible Study Methods (8 weeks through Mark's Gospel)
The Biblical Worldview (8 weeks)
Evangelism (5 weeks)
Apologetics (6 weeks)
Influencing Society (6 weeks)
How can I start a group?
We're starting our first group, an eight-week study through Mark's Gospel, in early January. If you want to start a group or need more info, email me here.
Until Next Time
Thank you for subscribing, and thanks for reading. Again I ask that you would share this with other like-minded believers, to help me get the word out. Anyone who wants to subscribe can do so here.
If you have questions or comments about the Institute, my family, or our ministry with Cru Church Movements, please email them to me at thethink.institute@gmail.com.
I'm glad you're joining us on this journey. As I always say to close out the Think Podcast, I hope it made you think.
Your brother in Christ,
Joel Settecase
Founder | The Think Institute
thethink.institute@gmail.com
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