Experiencing God Q & A

Q: What is Experiencing God - a class, a Bible study, or something else?

A: Experiencing God is, first of all, a book by Henry Blackaby. The same material was later published in workbook form. This all happened back in the 1990s. Experiencing God has proved its value over many years of use. It is perhaps best described as an experience - a long-term encounter with God that takes place in several different ways.

Q: That still doesn't tell me what it's all about, or what I would be doing if I signed up.

A: Sorry! It's not that easy to describe.  In some ways it's like a Bible study group - you have a printed workbook, you go through it and answer questions, you meet together with other participants every week to discuss it. But in other ways it's quite different.

Q: How is it different from a Bible study?

A: A Bible study's goal is to help you learn what the Bible teaches, and to apply it to your life. The goal of Experiencing God is to help you to know and to do God's will. A Bible study is typically focused on just one part of the Bible - Experiencing God uses the whole Bible to accomplish its goals. Also, most people who've been through both a Bible study and Experiencing God say that Experiencing God is a deeper, more time-consuming experience than a Bible study. Some report that for them it has been more difficult than a Bible study, but also led them into a deeper relationship with God.

Q: Hmmm. How can I know whether Experiencing God is suitable for me?

A: The people who've found Experiencing God most helpful are those who've been Christians for a while and are wanting to go deeper into their relationships with God. They may be seeking to know His will for their lives, or feeling that their relationship with Him is not as close as it once was or as they'd like it to be. Some may have had problems that they feel are indicative of a need to get more direction from God in their lives. Experiencing God is appropriate for anyone who wants a deeper relationship with God and is willing to commit to the time and work that it requires.

Q: How much time is that?

A: The workbook is divided into 12 units. We are scheduling two weeks for each unit. During those two weeks you should complete the five lessons that make up each unit. A lesson typically requires 30-60 minutes to complete. Also, you will attend a group meeting each week along with other participants.

Q: ppens at the group meeting?

A: Mainly we will meet as a large group, however, at time we will break up into smaller groups of about ten people meet to discuss the ideas that were brought up in the lessons and to pray for each other. Meetings are led by someone who has been trained and has experience as an Experiencing God group leader. Sometimes there is a co-leader who is also there to help with the group.

Q: Is this program competing with the church Bible studies?

A: Not exactly. It's another option - some people may wish to take a year off from Bible study and go through Experiencing God. Others may wish to do both. Experiencing God has a calendar similar to the Bible studies, but it doesn't change from year to year like the Bible studies do.

Q: When and where does Experiencing God meet?

A: At Northern Hills Community Church (NHCC), Building "B" in the Sanctuary at 6:30PM on Wednesdays.

Q: How can I find out more about Experiencing God?

A: Contact the NHCC church office at 602-482-8140.