Step By Step

You will need to locate the Sample tab on the navigation bar of the No Experience website to find a sample copy of the Unit One session of the No Experience program. Download and print a copy of the provided PDF for convenience.

Instructions for Unit One sample session walk through:

Take a look at "Job Orientation," the first session in Unit One (starting on page 18).

In No Experience Necessary, you learn from the Bible and each other. Not every Bible study works this way, but don't worry! Each step in every session is set up to help you do this. And the "Group Tips" on the right-hand pages are there to guide you along.

1. Come as you are (page 19 in Session 1)

Check in with each other. (See the Group Tips for how to do this.) Then read the opening paragraphs in the "Come As You Are" section and take time to pray, using the prayer that's provided.

2. Just 3 questions (page 19 in Session 1)

Everything in the session builds on this section, so spend most of your time here. Read the Bible passage out loud and discuss the following questions about the reading:

• What do you think God is doing here? (What's going on in this reading? What's God up to? What's the plot of the story? Who are the characters and what are they up to?)
• What do you hear God saying to you, personally? (What is God saying to you about your life, relationships, work, and so on in this reading? What is God saying to you about what you're called to be or to do?)
• What do you hear God saying to us (as a small group, congregation, community, nation)? (How is God calling, challenging, directing, forgiving, and loving us in this reading? What is God saying about what we're called to be or to do?)

3. Lead article (pages 20-22 in Session 1)

Read and discuss the "Heart of the Matter," using the questions found at the end of the article.

4. Additional articles (pages 23-26 in Session 1)

Pick one or two articles from "Another Look"; "Right to the Point"; "Bible Basics"; and "Right Here, Right Now." Read and discuss your choices, using the questions at the end of the articles. Encourage everyone to read the rest of the articles on their own during the week.

5. Get going (page 27 in Session 1)

Read the "Wrap Up" and discuss the question. Then plan for your next meeting. (Will there be any "homework" to read ahead of time? Will anyone bring refreshments?) Close with prayer, using the suggestion provided in this section.

Focus on reading the main Bible passage and discussing the three questions. Then read the lead article and talk about it. If you have time, read and discuss one or two additional articles.