Faithful Living Series by Logos

It’s definitely the right time for the largest electronic Bible software company Logos to roll up their sleeves and get more directly involved in creating an electronic church curriculum. I say that in a good way because Logos is the very well established leader when it comes to innovative and exciting enhancements in providing quality Bible software. They have made some serious moves to get their work into the hands of the masses and the new church curriculum is a great example of heading further in that direction. The real question is how appealing is it to do electronic Bible study? Recently, I volunteered to serve at the Extraordinary Women’s conference for our area. One of the things of particular interest to me is how many traditional paper bibles where in use compared to those using some type of electronic device. It was an unofficial 1 to 4 ratio, with electronic devices of all types leading the way to access their bibles electronically. I think it’s safe to say that now more than ever people are embracing the smart phone or tablet over the traditional paper bible. I mean, how great is that you can add to your grocery list or I mean prayer list and still follow along when someone is quoting scripture! I must admit that I still feel a little guilty when I get distracted with an electronic device when I know that I should be listening, taking notes and or fact checking. I still occasionally am afraid that I had forgotten to silence my device when in a meeting! While at the conference I noticed that the Logos sales table had a steady stream of customers ready to get into one of the base packages. The fact is that electronics and Bible study go together more now than ever before. As the devices are more readily in use, the savvy users, (people who know how to silence the ringers) will be looking for ways to access quality resources that go beyond what you can do with a paper book and a pocket full of pens and markers. I have recently reviewed an in-depth Bible study series on the life of Abraham or Abram depending on when you started knowing him. This is the first of the Patriarchs Collection. The curriculum is well structured for doing a series of (8) sessions on learning more from the life of a man who believed God and enjoyed His promises. The collection has already expanded and there are additional character studies available for Mary, Jacob and Joseph. If the other titles are as detailed as the first, then you will be getting much for your investment. You have enough to deliver a lot of great content from the pulpit as a church wide challenge or the podium in a smaller group setting. Will the multitudes embrace the idea of replacing their denominational oriented material for what might be considered generic or non-denominational in an electronic format? I say the answer is yes! I say that because it’s a detailed Bible study series that will let you insert your notes, findings and or questions that can be used for further discussion. There are links to other resources to give additional information that is relevant to the character study. Slides are suggested for the visual learners and to help draw interest. You can print handouts which help engage hearers and draw them into the study. They really seem to have thought of almost everything! Using this makes it easier for faith families to unite to go deeper into the Word. I found that the first for me to try in the series, to be deeply engaging, biblically accurate, and filled with life-changing applications. This series will be the go-to resource for lay leaders and ministers for years to come. The only suggestion I could make to enhance this church wide study experience, is to include some age appropriate content that specifically target the teens and children. More infographics, maps, artifact images, that appeal to the younger attendees would make it easier to cross the age ranges of a congregation. All in all Logos definitely has a winner here! I look forward to seeing what this exploration into church curriculum holds. Being a children’s worker at my local church, I hope they will focus on completeness and affordability so that all ages can enjoy this together!