A few years ago I authored some curriculum that might best be described as a “discipleship intensive.” Beginning on Ash Wednesday and spanning 46 days, a group went through the curriculum together.
Their involvement included completion of the “Project Manual,” which included:
Daily lenten meditations.
Daily Scripture readings. Participants read the vast majority of the Bible over the span of 46 days. Intense? Yes. But like I said, it was an intensive discipleship journey.
Daily study questions to aid in digesting the text.
Designed to be used in a group setting, there were weekly accountability questions (they could be answered/discussed more frequently if those in the group desired).
The Project Manual also included weekly reflection questions and questions designed to get each individual (and the group) to think about how they might enact what they’ve studied at home, at church, and in their community.
The Project Manual was done in conjunction with a group Sunday School class (where we’d review the study questions) and a weekly group meal (where we would debrief and have a conversation about where the week’s material had especially “hit home”).
The Metamorphosis Project, as we called it, was received rather well. We had two groups graduate. Over 30 people went through the program, considering that we were a church of 70 at the time, that’s a relatively high level of involvement.
Feedback was solicited and received. Modifications to the curriculum were made.
I’m pleased to say that a few publishers have approached me about the publishing the curriculum. Most wanted to produce a three-product package: Project Manual; Small Group Curriculum; and Weekly Messages on DVD. Standalone products would have started around $15 for the Project Manual, with complete kits retailing somewhere in the $125-150 range.
These prices, I believe, were too high. So I’ve shopped around. After much searching, and some incredibly value conversations with a friend who has recently done some publishing, I’ve decided to self-publish through CreateSpace. This avenue will allow for relatively decent exposure, lower pricing, while still allowing for digital copies via Kindle.
Unfortunately, for now, that means only the Project Manual will be available. I don’t have the time or resources to produce the weekly message DVDs or the small group curriculum. Thus, these things will have to be put off until time, resources, or demand dictate otherwise.
Regardless, I’m excited to announce that within a few weeks, I should have some details about where and when you can begin to purchase the book. Even without the DVD and small group curriculum, the Project Manual (as I continue to call it until it is officially released under its title) will make a wonderful companion for you and yours this Lenten season.
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