This month's topic is Biblical Manhood & Womanhood. This is our first month reading a book as a group. This is an important topic for your group. The goal for this month is to look at God's unique design for us and to identify some key areas in our lives to work on. We will use four sources to complete this task: (1) read a book, (2) interview a mentor; (3) research God's Word; and (4) discuss within our group.

Leader Guide 

• There are a few articles in the curriculum appendix about why we read books as a part of discipleship and some tips for reading and getting the most out of them.  

• There is a book summary at the end of this month's curriculum. Make sure your group is completing this summary. It will help them process the book and improve the discussion time. It is also an excellent accountability tool to ensure everyone has read the book.

• Discussing how our parents modeled this for us is a great way to process manhood/womanhood. This will usually be a source of pride or a sore spot.

• There is a significant progression. God created everything, and He created man and woman in His image. He is the author and creator of what a man or woman is and does.  

• Encourage them to schedule the interview as soon as possible. Have them send their questions to their mentor in advance to get the best results. Sometimes I have someone who has never had a mentor. Identify a few people willing to be interviewed so everyone can experience the process.

• This assignment usually has a significant impact on my group. Make sure you save time for everyone to share. Ask follow-up questions like Why did you select this person or What was your main takeaway?

• What is a Man? / Woman? This question usually leads to a good discussion. The group will be all over the board, but there will usually be some common ideas in the group. If you have time, come up with a group definition that everyone agrees on.

Bible Reading Plan – Talking Points 

• Discuss the cycle in Judges (sin / compromise - oppression - repent - deliverance - peace - sin)

• What can we learn about how David faced a giant in his life?

• In 2 Samuel 7, we see God making a covenant with David and a promise for the future king, who is the Messiah.

• The pattern of sin with David and Bathsheba (I see - I want - I take - I hide it). Same with Adam and Eve.

• Solomon had the best of everything - What caused his downfall (1 Kings 11:1-3)

Book Recommendations: Manhood / Womanhood

1) Wild at Heart by John Eldridge.  This is a classic book about manhood and is highly recommended.  

2) A Guide to Biblical Manhood by Randy Stinson.  This book is also good, but more concise (short).    

3) Biblical Femininity by Chrystie Cole.

4) (A)Typical Woman by Abigail Dodds.