Multi-Sensory Together
£11.99 (Approx)
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Overview
What does it say on the tin?
Multi-Sensory Together is composed of 15 ready-to-use sessions for Bible exploration in creative small groups. Practical and easy-to-follow directions facilitate open discussion and encourage participants to delve in to both the Old and New testaments. Aims to reignite a passion for the Bible, making it relevant for participant’s lives today. These adaptable studies will challenge and change anyone who takes part.
What do you get and how?
Multi-Sensory Together leader’s book from Scripture Union. One in the Multi-Sensory Series: Multi-Sensory Bible/World/Message/Scripture/Church
Who is it for?
Small groups, youth groups, retreats, conferences and camps looking to delve in to the Bible deeper. Not age restricted but depth of questions may be more applicable to adults and older young people.
Cost?
£11.99 for leader’s notes.
Review
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What is the overall quality of the material?
Pleasing glossy format with relevant images relating to sensory stimulation. Includes entertaining animations for activities throughout and consistent icons to help identify sub-headings.
How clear are its aims and outcomes?
Each session begins by stating what will be explored directly. Aims are not explicitly written, in order to allow group interpretation and discussion to go in any direction.
How accessible are the leader's notes?
Extremely. Each session begins by concisely outlining the context of the main passage for the session. This is followed by five subheadings making up the study. The instructions to leader's are written clearly, attractively laid out, and can be accessed by all levels of literacy abilities.
Who could lead it?
A committed Christian. Emphasis is put on someone who has pastoral gifts rather than an expert knowledge of scripture.
How helpful are the participants' resources?
Clear, entertaining, relevant and not confined to a specific age. The cartoon images and animations act as a helpful reminder that we are to approach God with a childlike faith (Matthew 3:18).
How good is any digital material?
N/A however some reference to external digital material needed, e.g. film – Prince of Egypt.
How much prep will I have to do?
A fair bit. Each session allows flexibility in activities and is extremely interactive so the leader will need to make sure things are in place and the appropriate activities have been chosen for their group. In one instance, the game of Secret Santa is suggested which would needed to be sorted the week before the next session.
Is there website support? Links?
No specific links are suggested for this 15 session study.
Is it dated?
Not yet. Certain external resources suggested may need exchanging for more up-to-date ones in the future e.g. the use of the BBC CD
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How well does it encourage interaction with the group?
Very well. Lots of practical and discussion work throughout each study. This works to build trusting relationships so that honest and open conversations can be had.
How well does it cater for a variety of both learning and delivery styles?
Very well, especially as the series is based on sensory stimulation. Lots of activities involving smell, touch, sight, hearing and some taste.
How adaptable is it to my situation?
This series is unique in that it is appropriate for many different people from different social backgrounds. The flexibility in a choice of activities for the interactive parts allow the leader to apply the notes appropriately for their audience. This series can be used as stand-alone studies or as a series. It is most appropriate for those who already have a relationship with Jesus, as it looks at the Bible in depth and applies prayer and meditation often. Such activities may be received better to an audience of committed Christians.
How well does it encourage people to work together in applying the material?
The Bible is made relevant to our lives today. Each session contains a ‘Reaching Out' section which enables individuals to take what they have learnt and apply it to their communities/friendships between sessions.
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How much of the material is Bible-based?
Around half, session dependent
How well is the biblical material presented and used?
With context and relevant questions to ask the group. Constant reinforcement of key points with biblical cross-references. Questions aid understanding.
How well does it apply biblical material to everyday life?
Challenges each individual in their thoughts about God and works to transform their lives by gradually revealing more and more of God's promises.
Is there a particular theological perspective?
The course focuses a lot on what the implications of certain stories/passages mean to us today. Some sessions suggest the use of the Lord's Prayer or the Eucharist so a common understanding of what these mean and how your church performs them should be considered before starting. Some suggested prayers giving thanks for the gift of Jesus.
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How well does it inspire people towards whole-life discipleship?
Praise and thankfulness to God are the main motivators for this. Focuses on growing and being inspired together.
How well does it encourage and enable people to grow in their faith?
Directly and inventively. The ‘Living Scripture' section ask provocative and challenging questions of examples in the Bible and encourage people to think about passages in a non-conventional way. For maximum growth, Christians need to be comfortable with one another as this series enables people to be vulnerable with one another.
How well does it stretch faith and vision of God and his purposes?
This series helps participants to understand God's characteristics and challenges people on making sure the church is how Jesus intended it to be. His purposes are set by example in biblical characters. The ‘Reaching Out' sections encourage stepping out of comfort zones which many Christians may find a challenge.
How well does it connect with real life issues?
Through reflection and trusting God. An emphasis on learning things from passages and applying them to life by going straight to God in prayer.
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How well does it encourage personal evangelism?
With encouragement and a choice of suggestions. Outreach suggestions can be individual or group based.
How well does it encourage local or network-based community involvement?
Challenges to reach out to the community with thought over what has been covered in the session.
How well does it connect with global issues?
Not a huge focus, some mention of slavery and remembering to not only consider local situations but global ones too.
How well does it encourage global mission?
Not a focus, references to buying Fairtrade and considering how to help those who work overseas.