different ways to implement the building faith and finances course
The Building Faith and Finances Course has 6 modules. Each module has reading, exercises, and a small group meeting. It was designed to be a turnkey, 6-week course for your entire church. The small group meetings are meant to replace your regularly scheduled midweek meetings (and not interfere with Sunday services). The course is very flexible and can be implemented in any number of ways.
standard 6-module course (weekly)
After announcing the course and getting out the course books to your congregation, groups would meet weekly for a guided bible discussion on the topic of each module. Under the standard weekly schedule, the course would last for 6 weeks. Participants should do the reading and exercises before each meeting. It’s best to give a 2-week lead time before the first meeting. The facilitator training video helps explain their role and the overall course flow. This schedule can be fast paced for some, but maximizes the continuity and impact of the course.
staggered 6-module course
You could build in weeks off due to pre-existing church plans, holidays, or to give people more time to read and do the exercises. This staggered schedule would allow people to catch up and take breaks.
every other week 6-module course (bi-weekly)
You could set up the course to meet every other week so that participants have ample time to do the course work. This schedule has the advantage of reducing time pressure, but can affect continuity. This may be a good design for groups that are busy or already meet on a bi-weekly, small group schedule.
If your group is pressed for time, you could choose to only do the first four modules. They are the essential modules that cover the basics and key spiritual topics. The last two modules could be done at a later time if desired.
4 module variation
Rather than having a small group discussion (i.e. 2-20 people) for the module meetings, your church could have larger meetings in person or online where the presenter teaches or preaches a lesson based on the small group meeting materials. The materials can be adapted by the speaker as desired.
group teaching instead of small groups
You could adapt the materials into a financial workshop or series of financial workshops. You could have participants read the book first, then come to the workshop(s) and do the exercises with teaching segments in between each module. This configuration can create excitement and focus, but might not allow people to be reflective and thorough.
workshop variation
The course does not affect Sunday services, but you could preach a related sermon on Sundays to strengthen the theme and continuity of the course. Teaching the exact course materials is not recommended because it would be repetitive. It is best to preach on the subject indirectly to keep things interesting. Here are some suggestions for sermon topics.
involving sunday sermons
There are endless ways to implement the Building Faith and Finances Course. Please feel free to contact the author to discuss how the Course can best be implemented in your group.