Many churches are using DVD driven Bible studies as their primary format for Bible study in groups. Yet they are the target of much criticism. Because of this I think it’s important that we consider the pros as well as the cons when a group uses these.
Today, let’s consider the pros. Tomorrow, we’ll dive into the cons. And Wednesday I’ll give my opinion on when it is most appropriate to use DVD driven small group studies.
I believe there are five pros:
1. DVD driven Bible studies assures the church leadership that biblical truth is going to be taught. A conversational Bible study can quickly become a night of shared ignorance. If a knowledgeable and spiritually mature Bible teacher is the talking head on the DVD that individual will teach the truth and the group will give their time focusing on application.
2. DVD driven Bible studies demand little to no preparation time.
3. DVD driven Bible studies can help in the recruitment of new group members. That is, if the teacher teaching on the DVD is a well-known teacher or preacher.
4. DVD driven Bible studies makes it possible for a group to experience substantial understanding without having someone in the group with the spiritual gift of teaching.
5. DVD driven Bible studies allows an expert to teach the group concerning topics that are often outside the knowledge base of any of the group members.