Do you ever wonder what your friends are reading or studying? We do, and we ask for recommendations all the time!
We asked the Lifeway Women team for their study picks, and this is what they had to say:
Elijah by Priscilla Shirer | 7 Sessions
“Due to COVID my church was still not meeting in person for Bible studies at the beginning of 2021. I loved doing Elijah on my own and then also with the online Bible study group. Priscilla is an amazing teacher, and although I’ve studied Elijah before it seems I only remember his high points when things are going great. It was good to be reminded how he struggled in his faith and his deficiencies. His example reminded me that sometimes the best lessons we learn are in the midst of hardship and stillness.” – Michelle R.Hicks, Journey Managing Editor
“Our church wasn’t offering any in-person women’s Bible studies during this time, so I took advantage of participating in the online Bible study of Elijah. It was such a great way to start my year and dig deeper into the life of Elijah. I loved how Priscilla talked about Elijah’s preparation and how God used difficult circumstances to shape his confidence in the one, true God.” – Kelly D. King, Manager of Adult Ministry Magazines/Devotionals and Women’s Training
“It was so easy to use with the codes and watch online. I did it with two of my best friends and we really enjoyed the pace and were able to take a break when we needed to and pick back up right where we left off.” – Brandy Cerny, Event Project Coordinator
Everyday Theology by Mary Wiley | 8 Sessions
“When my church was able to begin meeting again we had a group start the study Everyday Theology. It was good to go back to the basics of why we believe what we believe and how we are to live it out everyday. Our group needed a reminder of why it is important to meet together, and how we grow in community with other believers. COVID had a lot of us studying God’s Word on our own but missed community and how we sharpen one another as we share what we are learning. Everyday Theology provided a great opportunity and format that didn’t require videos but allowed for more time for us to talk through what we had learned in our individual study. I think all of us can better explain to others our faith and how Jesus makes a difference in our lives everyday.” – Michelle R.Hicks, Journey Managing Editor
“I had the privilege of leading this study with about 20 women from my church. They were all a little intimidated by the subject, but also intrigued. They came hungry to learn and quickly found that theology is for every woman and that Mary Wiley did an excellent job of making hard subjects, like the Trinity, easier to understand.” – Kelly D. King, Manager of Adult Ministry Magazines/Devotionals and Women’s Training
Jesus and Women by Kristi McLelland | 7 Sessions
“Kristi has such a clear way of explaining the Bible through the lens of the Middle East instead of Western culture. I had so many ah-ha moments listening to her teach, and I found myself thinking, Why didn’t they teach me THIS in Sunday school?!” – Larissa Roach, Lifeway Women Marketing Manager
Anxious by Scarlet Hiltibidal | 8 Sessions
“The video access code in my book made it so easy for me to dive right into the study from my phone. I appreciated Scarlet’s vulnerability as she talks about fighting stress and anxiety with God’s Word. This 8-week study helped me embrace the practice of prayer in times of anxiety and find peace in turbulent times through Scripture. This study is an excellent reminder of the truth we find in God’s Word, we are safe with Him!” – Juliana Wilson, Lifeway Women Social Media and Influencer Marketing Specialist
TruthFilled by Ruth Chou Simons | 7 Sessions
“I’ve always wanted to be friends with Ruth Chou Simmons and this study only added to that! I loved the graphics and layout. I was drawn to the study because I struggle to believe and remember truth when confronted with lies – especially after the last two years of crazy. This study laid out bedrock truths of who God is, what He did for me through Jesus, who I am in Him, and how to remember truth when faced with lies. It was encouraging and increased my love of the Word. I’m sure I will do this one again!” – Savannah Ward, Event Project Coordinator
Now it’s time for your recommendations! What were your favorite studies of the year?