By Michael C. Mack
Do small groups that use an inductive Bible study model ever use video curriculum? Yes, many do. It”s a both-and, not an either-or decision. A leader and group who have been trained in how to dig into the Scriptures can do video-based studies in order to explore specific topics or interests. A couples group, for example, might carefully choose a marriage study like The Song from City on a Hill (cityonahillstudio.com) to do together. Or a group might choose a study that helps them investigate an important topic, such as spiritual revival, and choose the new Woodlawn study, also from City on a Hill.
Be sure to choose studies that are based on and saturated with Scripture. Remind group members to bring their Bibles, as usual, and dig into God”s Word as you study and apply the topic of the video presentation. An inductive Bible study group will get even more out of this kind of study than other groups because they”re already equipped to investigate Scripture. Use video curriculum strategically as a discipleship tool for your group, and resist the temptation to fall back into the “just push play” approach.
Inductive and deductive are words that describe bottom up and top down strategies both of which are needed for any kind of discipline including theology. A good combination of both strategies is needed when tackling Scripture. Having the Hebraic presuppositions and a good understanding of “covenant” is imperative.