Unleash the Word

This book is absolutely outstanding! Karen explains so clearly and simply why we do Bible studies, how to handle group dynamics and how to write a simple study. One of my colleagues has described the chapter on application as ‘pure gold’ and I couldn’t agree more. I can’t wait to get it into the hands of as many of our small group leaders as possible.

A great book to equip anybody who is new to leading Bible studies, or who is prone to feeling inadequate and ill–equipped for the task. Karen reminds us that leaders are not there to be fountains of knowledge, and gives plenty of helpful advice on how to ensure we get the most out of group Bible study. It would have been good to see a stronger reminder of the role of the Spirit, to encourage the anxious or reluctant Bible study leader, but that shouldn’t take away from the great practical wisdom found throughout this book

This book is a potent mixture of exhortation, insight, diagnosis, instruction and guidance. Karen has produced an invaluable resource that is accessible and incredibly winsome. As a church pastor small groups are the area of church life where one sees so much potential, experiences much anxiety and is regularly disappointed with the result. However, into this treacherous sphere of church life comes Unleash the Word which is essentially 85 pages of Why, How and How Not to lead a small group Bible Study. It is both disarming in evaporating the myths of being a small group leader but also inspiring in painting a picture of the blessing and benefit that comes from preparing and leading a small group well. It is a book that everyone involved in small group ministry should read as it emphasises the absolute basics before building on that strong foundation best practice, things to watch out for and the final nuts and bolts chapter which is gold dust. I particularly enjoyed Karen walking people through ‘The Big Question’ model which seems to walk the delicate line between sterile comprehension and free form experiential jazz. This championed model empowers the group to wrestle with the text together, helping each other along and come to some firm if not concrete conclusions. It honours the text and its authority, whilst directing and giving room for honest discussion and appropriate application. I also found the encouragement to prepare seriously and prayerfully a timely reminder about the responsibility and privilege it is to lead people in small group Bible Study. If you are leading a church or are part of a church that has a stuttering and often underwhelming small group ministry then as an investment in your leaders invest in multiple copies of this book, it is small group dynamite.

Pros: The price – affordable gold dust from 10ofThose. Well played. The content – sublime. Knowing the authors great reputation, I was keen to feast in her knowledge, and boy I was not disappointed. Cons: Pictures – none. Characters – none. No one to dress up as on world book day. In all seriousness, a godly women sharing her vast knowledge and experience through her writings has to be celebrated, pray for more in the future. P.S A good book for older children who are looking for a book that will aid there development in reading, with longer words that will challenge them, but a basic writing structure that is easy to follow if not a tad generic.