Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #3 — Study Groups

Picture: Counsel #3 — Study Groups CCL 66.1

Study-based groups, typically focusing on the Bible or books by Ellen White, are common. However, many other study groups can reach and bless others. Book clubs can cover various subjects, from relationships to finance, parenting, or personal growth. Skill-based groups can teach languages like Sign language, ESL, or even Biblical Hebrew and Greek. One church started a small group teaching English to immigrants in their community. Members attending the classes a few evenings each week began attending the church to improve their English skills. Within a year or two, this group generated baptisms simply by demonstrating the church's care for their community.^[92] CCL 66.2

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." - Philippians 4:8 CCL 66.3

“It has been our study to devise some plan for the establishment of a literary society [book club] which shall prove a benefit to all connected with it.... If men and women of mature age would unite with young persons to organize and conduct such a literary society, it might become both useful and interesting.” Ellen White in The Review and Herald, January 4, 1881, Art. A, par. 24 CCL 66.4

Reflect: What kinds of study groups could benefit your local church and community? CCL 66.5