Summertime sings of freedom, laughter, and picnics in the park. We look forward to it all year long, and once it’s here, we don’t want to waste a moment! However, in the unspoken hustle that summer brings, it takes intentionality to stay connected with Adonai through having your regular quiet time. Summer can rush on by, leaving you feeling spiritually dry. But what if you did something different this summer, and invited your friends to join in on the fun? We’re talking about hosting a summer study!
Dear You is the perfect summer study book to do with friends. Not only will it take you deep into Scripture, building up your faith, but it will also take your friendships to deeper levels as you share the things you’re learning. We knew we wanted it to be used as a study book—that’s why there’s even an appendix at the end of the book called Hosting a StudyGroup. It’s full of tips and ideas, from themed snacks and activities, to setting the right atmosphere for people to share during your study.
While we highly suggest using the appendix as a reference (be sure to read it on page 209 of Dear You), here’s a few more ideas for a fresh and fun study group!
I. Have Various Themes
Having themes creates an element of fun and camaraderie with those attending. Create a Pinterest board with different ideas, and as you’re putting things together, think of ways how your friends can join in and participate by bringing something to contribute. Maybe you decide to have different themes for decor to set a fun atmosphere where you’re having your study at—like a summer garden theme (ask everyone bring one stem of their favorite flower to contribute to the floral arrangements!), day at the beach theme (go do your study at the lake!), or a night in Paris (baguettes and charcuterie boards, anyone?). Speaking of baguettes, having themes for food is always a hit—like an ice cream bar, pancake bar, or hot chocolate bar where everyone can bring something to contribute. Another fun theme is dressing up— such as 50’s dress, wearing hats, or who can do the craziest hairstyle. Keep things fresh and fun, but also without pressure—you don’t have to have a theme every week! Do whatever works best for you and your friends.
II. Connect Beyond the Study
Connecting beyond the study shows that you genuinely care for those in your group and that you want to be involved in their lives. Doing life together is the greatest way to build community—and it doesn’t have to be anything elaborate! Plan a picnic, take a scenic hike, go on a thrifting expedition, or just go out for coffee together! Have a group chat or texting thread going so that you can always drop a message saying, “I’m available Sunday—would anyone be interested in doing ___________ with me at 2pm? It would be so fun to do it together!”
III. Assign Prayer Partners
If your group takes prayer requests, consider assigning prayer partners. Pair up everyone two-by-two, and ask them to specifically pray over their partner’s prayer request. If it’s okay with everyone in your group, have all your attendees share their phone numbers so that each person can contact their prayer partner throughout the week by dropping them a text or giving them an encouraging call. It gives everyone the opportunity to build friendships with each other, and you’ll notice the camaraderie and unity that comes from it as you gather each week!
IV. Have FUN!
We have the joy of Adonai within us, which means we should be SO EXCITED to embrace who He has created us to be! Your study should be fresh and fun, not heavy or monotonous. Encourage laughter, share testimonies and triumphs, always point everyone back to Yeshua’s love…and use confetti cannons if need be! That doesn’t mean things will always be easy, and some women attending your group may be going through some really hard things right now. Be gentle, gracious, and understanding. Pray over your group and all the women attending! It’s okay to feel the weight of situations or emotions…but don’t let it drag you down to despair. We have HOPE, and that is reason to celebrate!
With Love from Victoria 