This is a story of how a CEO faced his own struggle to obey God, whatever the cost, and his passionate call for Christians to change the world by actively living out their faith. Believing that the “good news” is more than a private transaction between God and us, Stearns challenges readers with this question: What does God expect of us? Two thousand years ago, twelve people changed the world. Stearns believes it can happen again.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ we are going on a six week Gospel Quest. We are going to study The Hole in Our Gospel, by Richard Stearns. This is the 2010 Christian Book of the Year. The study is a video study with an excellent study guide. It uses excerpts from the book in the video curriculum and the study guide. Because the video and study guides use excerpts from the book, you don’t have to read the book at all, but it is well worth your time.
Why should you do this study? Well, it may change your life. Rarely do Laura and I read a book that challenges us enough to consider changing the whole direction of our lives, but this book has done it. God has been leading us to participate in missions for the last several years. Through this book, he is now challenging us to wholeheartedly dedicate our lives to sacrificially serve the poor, the sick and hungry, the widows and orphans in ways we haven’t done before.
What do we want to get out of this study? We want to understand better all of the issues involving poverty and suffering throughout the World and how this relates to God’s call on our life. We want to equip our brothers and sisters at SonLight to more effectively serve the poor locally and abroad. We want to identify a group of members who are willing to step out further and lead our church to more fully heed God’s full Gospel call.
What is required? Purchase at least one Interactive Study Guide per couple $6.99. Commitment to participate fully, to reconsider how you view your World and your role in God’s redemption plan. An open mind and soft heart. Six Sunday evenings 7/25 – 8/29.
How many people do we want in the group? As many as possible! If we have a small group, we’ll meet at our house or those that volunteer. If the group is large, we’ll meet at SonLight Community Church. We are specifically inviting anyone who has been on a mission trip to Panama or who has signed up for the Haiti trip, but will welcome others. Feel free to pass this on.
What is the schedule? Meet at 6:00 for dinner and fellowship. Do study.
What other materials are available? The Hole in Our Gospel Book $9.99, The Personal Action Journal $6.99, or Individual participant value bundle $19.99 which contains the book, Interactive Study Guide, Personal Action Journal, Study DVD, and 1 daily scripture card. The Hole in Our Gospel Audio Book $7.49 Laura has examples of all of these if you would like to see them.
Can I preview the study? Glad you asked! Go here: http://www.thegospelquest.com/pages/preview2. There is a video preview and a preview of the Study Guide and the Personal action journal.
What do I do if I want to sign up? Fill out this online form
What if I have been in your small group and I don’t want to do this study? We still love you and will look forward to doing something different together in the future. You are encouraged to study something else or join a different group during this time. Follow God wherever he leads you. We’ll do a typical small group again in September.
What if I have questions? Call Jim or Laura
Thank You for prayerfully considering this opportunity! We pray God is blessing you and your family this summer and hope you will join us on this Gospel Quest!
Jim and Laura Ingram |