I reviewed the eight sessions of the DVD in the "See" portion of the Leadership box before reviewing the participant book and leadership guide.Since I am a visual person, my eyes celebrated the fact right away that this study was to be a beautiful setting in which we would journey into God's Word. The teaching took place in a shabby chic style coffeehouse chapel setting. The beauty of the light, stained glass and the bottles, cups and saucers were highlighted. Each session began with this type of visual tour. Artistically done, I was instantly inspired and ready to glean from each day's teaching. Joseph was the main character in this study but so many life lessons and Truth was mentioned in each session.
My favorite session was Places. I actually watched it twice. The second time I watched it with my husband. He agreed that Jennie Allen was wonderfully expressive and on fire for Jesus.
Clearly, each day was the anointed day for me to tune in to her teaching. This study was anointed and I do believe was and still is bathed in much prayer. I just know from my own personal time with the materials that God had already entered the process. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit within the first few seconds the DVD began.
The speaker was humble, direct and honest. I have not witnessed a Bible teacher (public figure in print and video) with her passion and transparency in a long time (if ever!).
For once, I have to say that I am at a loss for words to describe how blessed I was to be entrusted with a review. I have learned so much and have so much respect for this teacher. I reviewed the study book and the cards that would be introduced in a small group setting. I regretted not having had attended her study at my church. This study needs to be at every church where the Word of God is spoken!
One mini criticism I had which was even more minor after watching the study was the repetition of the word 'feel' on the cards and on the back of the study book for the participants. I run far and fast away from the 'feel' word. The back of the book asked, "Do you feel restless? What if this feeling weren't a bad thing? This feeling could be a longing, ..." I get it. And we do need to appeal to others feelings to lead them to Christ. We need to know our feelings will lead way to faith. And faith was the order of the day in Restless. It was not based on emotions, but the Word of God.
Lastly, I have a confession to make. I wanted to be in that room with Jennie Allen! I wanted to be next to that sweet sister she hugged at the end of one of the sessions and be close enough to see the tear fall down her cheek. I like that she admitted she does not like small talk and she wants to be real, even though being real costs and hurts. I want more from her! I would love to be her friend, to be cheering her on and sharing a cup of the coffee she served with the creamy heart in the center. She was cool, beautiful, humble, passionate and everything I aspire to be! Of course, as she stated, she was not a 'Beth Moore' ha ha!
We all need to be who God designed each of us to be. However, a hero of the faith such as Jennie Allen surely is someone I would want to befriend - and so, I shall pray for her ministry and follow her blog and to hopefully continue to review her Bible Studies! Though she is quite young in years, her wisdom will hopefully lead her on to be the Titus woman that this generation is so sorely lacking.
Jennie Allen, be blessed and be well. Preach it, sister!!
For more information and to order the kit and book visit Jennie Allen's website.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive
