Deep Breathing for the Soul

If you have a small group that is looking for a new book to read together in 2010, I’d like to humbly suggest you read Simple Compassion together. But don’t take my word for it. all this week you can read what other bloggers are saying about this book, as the Simple Compassion blog tour starts today. I hope you’ll visit these blogs and read their reviews, get in on the discussion. Some bloggers are giving away a copy of the book. Feel free to stop back here at my blog and leave a comment or question as well!

Here are a couple of blogs that have already put up posts. Please stop by these blogs, leave a comment. This is a fun way to discover some great new blogs to read. I’ll post the entire list later today. If you are a blogger and want to join the tour, please contact me and let me know!

http://bookbargainsreadingroom.blogspot.com/2010/01/simple-compassion.html

http://the160acrewoods.com/?p=3579

A few readers have written to me, asking about tips for reading my new book Simple Compassion with a group or book club. I really designed this book to be experienced in community, so I’m glad to offer some help, especially if you are leading a group. I spent years at Willow Creek coaching small group leaders, so if you need a coach as you go through this book with a group, I’m glad to help.

Because Simple Compassion is a 52-week devotional, it is great for a weekly discussion group. So what I will do is to have a “virtual book club” right here on my blog. Each Friday, I’ll post a question about the chapter, and we can chat about it here at Deep Breathing for the Soul (and on Facebook, as these posts show up there as well.

We’ll start today with the introduction, and do “Week 1: Position” next week. You can read the introduction for free by clicking here. (there’s also a link to an audio book sample on that page if you want to listen to the book). The book also contains a leader’s guide, with verses and information to help you. That guide also has a suggested structure for group time.

Every Friday, I’ll post something about the chapter, and ask for your comments. If you are reading the book with a group in your neighborhood or church, you can share your insights, questions or comments here on the blog. I hope it will be very interactive.

So let’s dive in. Read the introduction, then let’s talk about a few simple questions:

When you were growing up, how did you view God? What did you think he wanted from you?

What do you think our lives should be about if we are following God?

Where have you noticed God at work in your life lately?

After we have some comments (on Facebook or the blog) I’ll jump in with comments of my own. And feel free to respond with questions.

On Wednesday I will be teaching a class on “How to use the Bible devotionally in small groups”–part of a series for a class at Willow Creek, my home church.

I’ll be talking about listening to God through his Word, about reading for “formation” rather than just “information.”

Our culture also puts emphasis on individual reading and study. But the New Testament letters were never studied individually at the time they were written. They were read aloud to the church, in a corporate setting, and immediately discussed. What if we were to do that in our small groups?

I wonder how many small groups turn to books about Christian living, or about relationships, rather than the Bible itself. I lead a small group, and I have to admit, it’s sometimes hard to draw applications and make the ancient texts relevant.

But that’s why I said yes to teaching this class. I think study is an important foundation, but true transformation occurs when we let the text touch our hearts. So I’m excited about not only sharing this with the leaders who will gather for the class, I’m inspired to put it into practice in my own group. The class will be available on-line after I teach it, I’ll post the link.

Are you in a small group? Do you study the Bible, or another book? Would you say your approach is more analytical, or devotional?