{"id":9947,"date":"2019-01-22T10:00:35","date_gmt":"2019-01-22T15:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womensministrytoolbox.com\/?p=9947"},"modified":"2020-01-17T13:22:18","modified_gmt":"2020-01-17T18:22:18","slug":"discipleship-idea-bible-study-practical-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/womensministrytoolbox.com\/discipleship-idea-bible-study-practical-skills\/","title":{"rendered":"Discipleship Idea: Bible Study + Practical Skills"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Check<\/p>\n

How many of your women struggle to put a healthy dinner on the table each night?<\/p>\n

Maybe the process of ironing a shirt has left them confused and discouraged.<\/p>\n

What if you could meet that need by providing a discipleship program that offers Bible study and teaches women practical kitchen and homemaking skills<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

A few months ago I stumbled on just such a discipleship resource at the LifeWay Women\u2019s Leadership Forum<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As I walked through the vendor area, I came across a booth for Secrets Savored<\/a> by Diane Dougharty.<\/h4>\n

The tagline on the book is what really grabbed my attention \u2013 \u201cMentoring young women through simple homemaking tips and spiritual insights.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Side note: It\u2019s not just for young women, women of all ages can be involved and benefit.<\/em><\/p>\n

Based on the requests I receive for mentoring and discipleship resources,<\/strong> I knew this was a resource I needed to share with other women\u2019s ministry leaders.<\/p>\n

Diane explains, \u201cFor several years now, I have desired to find a way to teach young women how to be effective homemakers and to value their God-given calling. Many have expressed to me an interest in being discipled in the area of homemaking. Thus, the Secrets Savored material was birthed in order to meet this critical need.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve also seen the need for this type of resource first-hand.<\/p>\n

I know women (of all ages) who would love to learn some basic kitchen and cooking skills. Many women today want to cook healthy meals and take better care of their home, but they don\u2019t know how.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at this resource.<\/h3>\n

Secrets Savored Book 1 is going to arm women with some much-needed kitchen knowledge and easy, delicious recipes while pointing them to the one true source of comfort and knowledge, the Lord.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how Secrets Savored works:<\/h3>\n

1. The study is structured for a group of 8-12 women<\/strong> led by a leadership team of 3-4<\/strong> more experienced (likely, older) women. The leadership team includes one woman to serve as the teaching leader, one or two assistant leaders, and a home hostess.<\/p>\n

2. Each session should last 2 \u00bd to 3 hours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

3. Groups would meet weekly for approximately ten weeks<\/strong> to complete the curriculum in Book 1. You can purchase additional Leaders Guides to keep your group going and growing.<\/p>\n

4. The cost for each course<\/strong> includes the leader\u2019s guide, one workbook per participant, and supplies purchased for the weekly baking or cooking activities.<\/p>\n

 <\/h3>\n

The components for each weekly session:<\/h3>\n

1. Devotional lesson<\/strong> \u2013 In Book 1 each 20-30 minute lesson is focused on a woman in the Bible.<\/p>\n

2. Practical lesson<\/strong> \u2013 Lasting 1 \u2013 1 \u00bd hours, students participate in an instructional activity. Book 1 focuses on time in the kitchen (beginning with the basics and including piles of recipes). Book 2 focuses on the home (ironing, cleaning, painting, and some additional kitchen topics).<\/p>\n

3. Food<\/strong> \u2013 Either snack time or enjoying the food that was prepared for the lesson.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll find the Leader\u2019s Guide includes step-by-step instructions, worksheets, fun activities, and detailed devotionals.<\/strong> It\u2019s detailed and thorough!<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s just a sample of the recipes you\u2019ll find: Tortilla Soup, Slaw Salad with Chicken, Mild High Potatoes, Hawaiian Chicken, Blueberry Crumble, Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies, Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies, Nancy\u2019s Pie Crust, Cathy\u2019s Easy Quiche, and Applesauce Nut Bread.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not sure there\u2019s a need in your church or community, consider surveying your women to find out if this is a program that would interest them.<\/p>\n

As we seek to reach more women, finding ways to meet their physical needs and spiritual needs at the same time is key!<\/strong> Women who may not be ready for a Bible study-only discipleship group may be drawn in by learning practical skills.<\/p>\n

Secrets Savored is another way that we can live out Titus 2 in our churches, homes, and community.<\/h4>\n

Take note of the things Paul lists that older women are to \u201ctrain\u201d the younger women in.<\/p>\n

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Titus 2:3-5 ESV<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you\u2019ve sensed God nudging you or your team to prioritize discipleship, mentoring, or engaging multiple generations, I encourage you to pray about using Secrets Savored in your church and community.<\/p>\n

Disclosure: I received a free copy of these resources at my request so that I could share them with you all.<\/em><\/p>\n