Chasing Daylight in New York City

This morning, I had the opportunity to talk with James Leonard who I mentioned in the previous post. James is the Associate Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in New York City. Trinity Baptist is a progressive, outreach-oriented church that ministers to a diverse congregation in the heart of the city.

They average around 700 attendees and once a year in the fall, they participate in a church wide bible study. In the past, these church wide studies have really helped unify their church and reinstate their vision. Several years ago as a church, they went through Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life and it was a great experience for everyone.

James told me how he’s always looking for small group studies that are captivating and that will really speak to his church. He’d been looking for a study to do in the fall but couldn’t seem to find the right one. He mentioned how a lot of small group bible studies out there are designed more for suburban areas rather than urban. James remembered how he’d heard Erwin McManus at Leadership Summit where he came across Erwin’s book, Chasing Daylight. He really felt that Erwin’s teaching would resonate and connect with the people he ministered to. James then called Erwin’s church, Mosaic and asked about what resources they had available. Mosaic sent him to us and we were able to help him out.

James ended up purchasing 300 Chasing Daylight books and workbooks and 20 Leader’s guides and DVD sets. They will begin their study in September so they are gearing up for it right now. He said when his church participates in a study it will coincide with the pastor’s sermons for that week.

It was great to hear how James is really seeking out the interests and needs of the people in his church. He had done his homework and knew exactly what his people needed. It was also neat to get a little glimpse into how our resources are impacting people. I look forward to hearing their stories about Chasing Daylight.

How have church wide bible studies been effective in your church? How important do you believe it is to find a small group study that will connect and resonate with the type of people you minister to?