Book reviews

‘Seek’ ~ A new book by Donna Jones

I’ve started many seeker and new believer Bible studies over the years, and this is the book I wish I’d had: Seek: A woman’s guide to meeting God. Too often I’ve used books that lost women in the first two weeks as theological terms bounced about causing more confusion than clarity.

That isn’t the case with Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God (affiliate link).
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I had the privilege of reading a few chapters before publication, and I felt immediately as if I were sitting down with a hot mug of Earl Grey talking to a dear friend. Okay, the author, Donna Jones, is such a friend. But it was the warm, endearing tone that pulled me in. The book is filled with delightful stories that illustrate spiritual concepts in ways that just make sense—that make you go “Aha!” And each chapter ends with questions ideal for discussion groups.

Look at the way she begins explaining trusting in false beliefs:

In second grade I read a book that, quite frankly, no child with my personality traits should have been allowed to read. Though I can’t recall the title, the book was filled with sure-fire ways to win party games, including one game my friends inevitably played at birthday parties—Pin the Tail on the Donkey. While this handy manual conceded no fool proof way to win Pin the Tail on the Donkey existed apart from cheating, it did, however, outline a little known rule: A secondary prize should always be given to the child whose tail is furthest away from the donkey, in addition to the first place prize awarded to the child whose tail is closest. My eyes widened and my heart beat wildly as my seven-year-old mind unraveled the implications of discovering this life-altering revelation. I would never go home empty handed from a party again!

Donna is a long-time Bible teacher who knows what questions women have and is skilled in answering them. I’ve listened to Donna teach for the past five years and love her humor and down-to-earth explanations that engage seekers, new believers, and long-time Christians alike.

So if you

  • want a book for a neighborhood Bible study
  • need materials for teaching Bible essentials to your church’s women
  • have a seeker friend who might read a warm, inviting, non-intimidating book
  • have always wanted a clear explanation of Christian essentials

…then check out Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God (affiliate link).for details.

The Story: Personal Journal & Discussion Guide

Sensing a need for a more comprehensive view of the totality of Biblical truth, this year two hundred women in Crossline Church read The Story, NIV: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, which excerpts passages from Genesis to Revelation. Though we began with a set of discussion questions from another source, they didn’t quite meet our needs. Our women’s ministry director asked me to write the weekly study that the women completed at home and then discussed in their small groups. Many women told me that they had never before had such a robust appreciation for all that God was doing in the sweep of history.

The response was overwhelmingly positive as people said they understood parts of the Bible for the first time and were no longer afraid of it.

The positive reaction prompted our women’s ministry director to send two of the studies to Zondervan, the publisher of The Story. Zondervan has asked to post the series in their on-line resource library as soon as I write the first seven lessons! How exciting is that?

I’m in the middle of writing those seven, and I’ll test them at a women’s Bible study group this summer so I can hone them before sending them off. (Let me know if you’d like to join us!) I’ll post the lessons on this site as I finish them. This will give you a chance to preview the material and see if it’s something you can use at your church or for your own devotional times.

Update: The lessons are finished and you can download The Story: Personal Journal & Discussion Guide at ‘The Story’ Guide.