This is the suggested program format for individuals and groups who want to follow the Christian Quest study lessons.

(However, this should be viewed as only a guideline and can be adapted according to group preferences and situations as needed or preferred.)

Preparation:

• Check the study Lesson number on the SEEK page of the Christian Quest website and print it out a week in advance of the planned meeting.
• Make copies for each participant in the group and distribute them so people may read and study before the meeting if they wish. This is especially good for reading the introductory commentary if it is not read at the meeting.
• If there is optional "Extra Research" suggested, individuals may like to do this for added interest to the meeting. Sources for research might be Bible handbooks, Bible dictionaries, Commentaries, or searching on the Internet.
• Some study suggestions for individuals:
  • Start a little notebook for noting scriptures about certain subjects as you read the Bible.
  • Some people fold printer paper and keep it in the back of their Bible. When you see a particular Scripture text that makes a point for you, make a subject entry and note the verse(s) so you will not have to wonder "where did I read that?" when you want to share the point with someone.
  • Good sources for "Optional Research" are Bible dictionaries and Internet search engines using key words.

Conducting the meeting:

1. Designate a coordinator for each meeting.
2. This person may call on people to read, may say the prayer or call on someone to lead in prayer.
3. Open with a songs and prayer.
4. Some groups may like to have a minute or two of silence for individual prayer, then have the coordinator or other person conclude by briefly asking for God's blessing on the meeting.
5. Coordinator may call on someone to read the first few verses of the Bible assignment. After the verses are read, ask if there are any comments or discussion. Then call on the next person to read the next few verses. Continue reading and discussion until the assigned Bible verses have been read and everyone has had an opportunity to comment. Its recommended to try to keep this within about 45 minutes.
6. The last 15 minutes, the coordinator may ask the "Review Questions" from the lesson outline.
7. Conclude the study.
8. Decide where the next meeting will be held if different homes host the gatherings.
9. Pass out copies of the lesson for the next week study, especially for those who may not have access to the Christian Quest website on the Internet.

If there are a number of children in the group, members might to consider rotating responsibility for a separate group in another room with children activities.

After the meeting, some groups enjoy having a buffet or potluck. This makes an enjoyable conclusion to the fellowship and is perhaps something like the love (agape) meals Christians of the first century shared in some of their gatherings. (See the article "Christian Churches and Assemblies in the First Century" under Gleanings on the Christian Quest website. Christians are also encouraged to engage in social family activities such as picnics, games, gatherings to watch videos, and so forth. Videos of interest may be available for rent from local Bible book stores and other video shops.It might be a nice plan to have a social function at least once a month with special consideration for the interest of teens and young people.

Suggestions from participants and interested ones are always welcome.