*Please note this post contains affiliate links. Your support is appreciated and helps to cover the costs of this blog!
I have been anxiously a-waiting the day I could share this study with you all! Joanna Weaver has just released a new DVD Bible study for her book, Lazarus Awakening. I was able to be a part of the Lazarus Awakening Launch Team and am excited to share the details with you!
“Just as Jesus called Lazarus out of his grave, I believe He desires to call you and me out of our tombs as well. Out of the caves of self-protection and halfway living we often settle for and into the abundant life He came to give. So that you and I become wide-awake believers – made fully alive as God intends us to be!” – Joanna Weaver, Lazarus Awakening Study Guide
Let me begin by telling you that this is WAY more than just a Bible Study. This set can be used as a retreat, personal Bible study, or as a group Bible study. (Check the price ladies, it is very affordable!)
There is so much to tell you, I struggle with where to start!
1. Lazarus Awakening book – You’ll never look at the story of Lazarus the same way again. The pages of my book are bent and yellow highlighter marks dozens of spots where God used Joanna’s words and insight to drive home various points of scripture. Just as Lazarus’ grave clothes were unwound, Joanna unwraps the story of Lazarus, opening our eyes to new details. Practically speaking, there are 11 chapters and a Bible study in the Appendix (the study is not the same as what is in the guide). You could use just this book to guide your personal or group Bible study.
2. The Lazarus Awakening Study Guide – This is not a stand-alone study guide. It is a companion to the book (see #1). Your group members will need to have both pieces. This is an 8 week study, some weeks you’ll have 2 chapters to read through. There is a weekly homework assignment. I found it very manageable and valuable. There is plenty of room for taking notes, writing answers, and even a spot for weekly prayer requests.
3. The 3 DVD set – Completes the set with 8 weekly 20 minute teaching sessions filmed in Israel. The videos are stunning and provide a richness and depth to the study that you cannot get on your own. You’ll love the attention to detail. The scripture verses and study guide questions are clearly displayed on the screen. The DVDs include all of the bonus materials listed below, as well as “Israel Moments” video segments that you may choose to watch each week. The DVDs are only available as part of the Lazarus Awakening DVD Study Pack.
Here’s a peek at the DVDs:
LAZARUS AWAKENING Promo Video from Joanna Weaver on Vimeo.
Joanna has included an unbelievable amount of free resources for you on the 3rd DVD (most are also available free on her website):
- 52 Page Leaders Guide (for the study)
- 41 Page Retreat Guide
- 29 Page Retreat Journal (for the participants)
- Postcards for the study and the retreat
- Posters for the study and the retreat
- Bulletin inserts for the study and the retreat
- Power Point slides
- Bookmarks
- Graphics Galore
- Promotional Video
- And more!
The complete Lazarus Awakening DVD Study Pack is designed for a 2 hour class, however, Joanna knows that not all classes are able to meet for 2 hours and includes specific modifications you can make to adjust the class to an hour or hour and a half time frame.
Every single detail is covered. Seriously. The agenda. The craft directions for the retreat are included. Icebreaker games coordinate with lesson sessions. Printables can be found in the back portion of both guides.
One of the most common excuses I hear from women is they don’t feel equipped to lead. There is no excuse with the materials Joanna provides. She guides you through the study and retreat. It is organized from start to finish, complete with the amount of time each activity should take.
What I love:
1. Content – Joanna brings this story to life in a fresh, new way.
2. Scripturally-centered – Joanna keeps the focus on scripture, sprinkling illustrations as needed.
3. Reflection and response – Both the book and the study guide provide opportunities for response and reflection.
4. Flexibility – Use it as a Bible study or a retreat. Meet for 2 hours or an hour. Pull out pieces that suit your women’s needs (I.E. prayer stations).
5. Organization – Both in the leader’s guides and in the study guide, directions are clear. The homework for the next week is spelled out. Leaders know exactly which questions to ask the group.
By now, you’re probably thinking “she got paid to say all this”. I want you to know that is not the case. While I was given a copy of the materials to review, these are my personal opinions and I received no monetary compensation.
I’ve done a lot of Bible studies over the past 20-ish years. Some have been more about man, than about God’s Word. Others lacked direction for the facilitator. Others had no study guide leaving us to flounder about on our own. Some had videos lasting longer than our allotted discipleship hour. Others bogged down the participants with lengthy daily homework.
I really do believe your women will love and benefit from the way this study has been put together.
You may also want to read:
How to Set Up and Facilitate a Bible Study Review Team
My Favorite Bible Study Resources
Tips & Tools for Facilitating a Bible Study and Small Group Facilitators
I received my “Lazarus Awakening” Bible study yesterday and want to thank you so very much! I feel honored that I was chosen as the winner! Again, Thank you!!
Awesome! 🙂
I believe this study would be excellent for our Women’s Ministry!
I have no doubt God will use it in a mighty way in the lives of your women!
I loved the book! My copy has so many highlights from passages of scripture that touched my heart while I was reading the book. I can’t wait to watch the DVD’s. As a member of the #LazarusAwakening DVD Study Launch Team, I was able to view an excerpt of “Israel Moments – Lessons from the Desert”. In this video, Joanna Weaver holds a conversation with Amy Turnage. You will find this conversation enlightening. Listen for a story about the “Jericho Rose”.
I like homework. Is that weird?
It’s the accountability I need to get into the scriptures each day. I also enjoy the insights and connections that the author helps me see.
I so loved the book! Can’t wait to get the DVD’s and teach it this fall with my Bible study ‘girls’! You did an excellent job in breaking down the different elements of the study and laying out everything available. It truly is a one of a kind study and so deep into the word!
blessings!
I believe the homework would be helpful to me. I do better studying on my own.
Sounds AWESOME!
I am so excited! I’m ready to start this study TODAY!!!
I am interested in this study!!
I am reading this book right now!!! Would love the study guide set!!
The discussion time among other women allows for sharing and relationship building. Many women have little time for fellowship and friendship–so important!
I am interested I. The whole study, but often find discussion is my favorite part, where we learn together to apply what we have learned.
I find all aspects of the study beneficial because each has its purpose in the overall teaching and application of concepts being taught.
Well that is hard to answer because I find all of the aspects beneficial but if I had to choose, I would say the homework – personal study.
I am a hands on type of gal:) So holding the actual book and getting to delve deeper with a study guide would be my favorite way of studying:)
I would probably find the video to be most beneficial.