I have expressed a preference to see more groups take on direct Bible study instead of purchasing commercial lesson package plans with DVDs, books, and study guides one after another. We are training people to eat scriptural baby food instead of training them to chew the meat of the Word for themselves.
Use of a devotional book is a pleasant experience and exposes us to a range of other’s work in the Word, but it must be accompanied by discipleship teaching on how to mine the scripture’s treasures for one’s self, too.
2/4/2017 notes in journal:
“Somewhere along the way the church started outsourcing discipleship. Personal relationships were replaced with big programs. Celebrity Bible teachers were picked over ordinary gospel-formed women that sit to our left and to our right. And what’s more, these famous Christian teachers are influencing our flocks, but they are not accountable to us. They’re simply taking advantage of a moment made available to them by you and me.”
from A Trojan Horse in Women’s Ministry: Confronting a False Gospel Message