An Anchor for the Soul

Many have expressed interest in guiding family and friends through a discussion of this book. We invite you to download the Anchor Discussion Guide, then take a look at the ideas below, which will help you use the book and the guide with family and friends.

Have a story about using this book to talk with someone about Christ? Email your story to Pastor Jay Halley.

Helpful ideas for using the Anchor Discussion Guide:

• Who to invite—friends, family, coworkers, etc.

• When to meet—whatever works best for them. Try four sessions the four weeks leading to Easter.

• Where to meet—accomodate them. Meet somewhere comfortable and conducive to a discussion.

• What to do—See the Discussion Guide prepared by Chapel staff, and adapt it as you like.

How to guide a discussion for one or more participants:

• Be clear ahead of time that the chapters up for discussion are to be read in advance.

• Be a fellow learner, not a teacher.

• If there is another Christian in the group, ask them to pray and to stay fairly quiet during discussion.

• Know ahead of time what questions you want to ask, but insert others based on the conversation flow. Don’t be too rigid.

• Be comfortable with silence after asking a question. Or, rephrase the question.

• Avoid "rabbit trails." Offer to get back to the issue later or deal with it one-on-one.

• Affirm even off-the-wall remarks, answers, beliefs, etc.

• Recall the points made on the previous pages.

• Keep it fun, light, safe, and simple.

• "Remember the Lord." (Nehemiah 4:14)

What about the Bible? Here are some options:

• Have an easy-to-read Bible available for each participant as you may anticipate wanting to turn to a passage. Usually, it's very good and important for seekers to see exactly what the Bible says.

• Have photocopies of the passages you anticipate.

• Have at least your Bible nearby so you can refer to it.

• It’s important that Bible exposure happens if the person is agreeable to this. You be the judge. Be sure to show the participant the table of contents and even explain the large and small numbers on the pages. Don’t assume Bible knowledge.