As a pastor’s wife and Bible study leader, I know it can be a challenge to fill your study year…
As I shared in “Finding the Right Study For Your Group,” there are so many things to consider…the needs of your ladies, the type of study they respond to, and of course, there’s always the budget.
Because I love women’s Bible studies so much, I was humbled and excited when my publisher asked me to create DVD curriculum to go along with my books. It’s been a glorious adventure and a true labor of love!
With the individual book websites finally ready to be unveiled, it seems like the perfect time to explain the format of the studies, the bonus material, and how they can be used together to answer the age-old question…
“What shall we study next year?”
Three Book Studies – One Family
To think I’ve written three books on Mary and Martha and Lazarus still surprises me a little! After Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, I had fully expected to move on to other topics, but God wouldn’t allow me to escape this family. Instead, He kept showing me fresh revelations and new facets the story, and two more books were born.
Even after the books were written, ideas and concepts kept bubbling up in my heart. It’s been such a joy to share that ALL-NEW material in studies filmed in a variety of locations – from my own home, to a studio audience, to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
Priced at $34.99-$39.99, the studies can be used by individuals as well as churches of every size. It’s a great deal – especially when each DVD Study Pack includes a free study guide!
With discounted prices, it’s possible to get all three studies for LESS than $100! That’s 30+ weeks of Bible study material for less than half the cost of many DVD Bible studies.
I’m extra grateful to WaterBrook’s special offer to churches – 30% off and free shipping for orders over $200.
Just send an email: churches@waterbrookmultonomah.com
More About the Studies
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life
10-Week DVD Study – $34.99
An invitation for every woman who feels she isn’t godly enough … isn’t loving enough … isn’t doing enough…Like Mary, you long to sit at the Lord’s feet…but the daily demands of a busy world just won’t leave you alone.
Featuring all-new material filmed in Joanna’s home, the DVD Bible study explores the “Living Room Intimacy” our hearts long for but will never find in “Kitchen Service” busyness for God.
The participant’s study guide, designed to be used with the book, gives women tools to go deeper in their relationship with God as well as each other.
(Study can be expanded to 11 or 12 weeks using suggestions in Leader Guide.)
The DVD Study Pack includes a copy of the study guide (can be purchased separately) as well as:
- Ten 20-minute video sessions plus “Developing Quiet Time” bonus session
- “Word Time” bonus videos filled with practical tips for studying God’s Word.
- Leader Guide with details for organizing and leading study.
- Resources including: short promo video, posters, flyers, invite cards, memory verses, etc.
- Special Feature! Retreat Guide turns teaching sessions into a special event, complete with fun and meaningful activities.
Check Out Brand New Book Website! Filled with lots of samples, tips and resources for leading the study @ www.HavingaMaryHeart.com
View PROMO VIDEO
Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out
12-Week DVD Study – $39.99
Lord, whatever it takes, make me like you!
You long to serve God with grace and strength, to reflect Christ in every word and action. Yet at our very core, every one of us is a “twisted sister” within whom the flesh and spirit battle constantly for control.
Featuring all-new material, the DVD Study complements rather than repeats the book, elaborating on the Holy Makeover God longs to bring to each one of us as we invite Him into the hidden corners of our hearts.
The study guide refers to assigned book reading, but focuses on the Word of God as it gives women tools for a Spirit-led transformation.
The DVD Study Pack includes a copy of the study guide (can be purchased separately) as well as:
- Twelve 20-minute video sessions taught by Joanna
- “Tool Time” bonus videos filled with practical tips for applying God’s truth – (Three included, remaining videos available for download at book site)
- Leader’s Guide with details for organizing and leading study
- Resources including: short promo video, posters, flyers, invite cards, memory verses, etc.
- Special Feature! Retreat Guide turns teaching sessions into a special event, complete with fun and meaningful activities
Visit the New Book Website! – filled with all the things you need to lead the Bible study @ www.HavingaMarySpirit.com
View PROMO VIDEO
Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God
8-Week DVD Study – $39.99
Filmed in Israel, this companion DVD study features locations all around the Holy Land.
Using metaphors as well as familiar Bible stories, Lazarus Awakening DVD Study explores the resurrection life God wants to bring to every heart – not one day when we get to heaven, but here and now! For we all have graveclothes that need unwinding and tombs we must leave behind.
The study guide enhances weekly reading in the book, then explores scripture and the power of God to roll away any hindrances that keep us from living free in Christ.
The DVD Study Pack includes a copy of the study guide (can be purchased separately) as well as:
- 18-minute video sessions taught by Joanna
- “Israel Moment” bonus videos feature interviews with Israel expert, Amy Turnage about the land and culture that shaped our Savior
- Leader’s Guide with details for organizing and leading study
- Resources including: short promo video, posters, flyers, invite cards, memory verses, etc.
- Special Feature! Retreat Guide turns teaching sessions into a special event, complete with fun and meaningful activities
Don’t Miss the New Book Site packed with bonus material, resources and tips for leading the study. Go to www.LazarusAwakening.com
View PROMO VIDEO
Spend a Year in Bethany
While each study can be used separately, you might consider using all three to spend your Bible study year in Bethany! The studies cover different topics (such as, intimacy with God, cooperating with sanctification, experiencing Christ’s resurrection life), so you don’t have to worry about repetition.
They can be used in any order, but here’s one approach. Check your calendar to see how they’d work best for you.
FALL: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World – 10-Week Study
WINTER: Having a Mary Spirit – 12-Week Study
SPRING: Lazarus Awakening – 8-Week Study
Book-Only Study Option
Having each participant purchase a copy of the book and study guide is definitely the best way to get the most out of the study. But if budget is an issue, the “Book-Only Study” option combines the DVD teaching sessions with the original study found in the back of the book.
Each participant needs a copy of the book and a binder with the following items (all links below are from Having a Mary Spirit Book-Only Study – visit other sites for these resources):
LEADERS: A simple User Guide shows you how to incorporate the DVDs, but I’d suggest referring to the Leader Guide that goes along with the DVD study for helpful tips as well as lots of fun and meaningful activities you can incorporate into your time together.
A Final Note
It’s rare that a Bible study leader has the opportunity to create the study they are looking for, but that’s the privilege I’ve had with these three projects! I tried to anticipate and provide everything you might need to host a study (resources available at all the book sites). Things like:
- Promo and bonus videos
- Posters, flyers, promo slides, bulletin announcements, even sign-up sheets – and much more!
- Printable memory verses, bookmarks, and other resources
- Leader Guide with helpful tips and optional activities, plus bonus session
- Retreat Guide that shows how to turn the study into a special event
So, I know this is a lot of information to digest in a single blog post. I hope you’ll take time to visit the “Leader” page at the new book sites:
www.HavingaMaryHeart.com/Leaders
www.HavingaMarySpirit.com/Leaders
www.LazarusAwakening.com/Leaders
If your a ministry or study leader, check out the out the “Leader Access Pass.” In exchange for your email address and a little information, you’ll be given access to a pecial page designed for you. With sample chapters, resources, and study guide pages, you’ll get a sense of how the studies work. You’ll also have access to a teaching session from each study.
Well, there you have it, my friends! One family from Bethany encounters the Savior, and nothing is ever the same.
That’s the kind of encounter God wants to have with everyone of us.
A Great Big Thank You!
I want to give a special shout out to my amazing website designer, Karen Lewis from Simply Amusing Designs. I can’t begin to tell you how amazing she is to work with. She’s not only a wonderful designer, she’s now a dear friend. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to create or (like me!) redesign their website.
Here’s her contact info… (she’s incredible!) 
SA Designs
Owner: Karen Lewis
Contact Number: (903) 213-5480
Email: info@simplyamusingdesigns.com
Website: http://simplyamusingdesigns.com
I’d love to hear from you…Any questions? If you’ve done any of the studies, I’d appreciate your feedback.