Instructions for Facilitators

Each of the weekly modules in this course contains a short video featuring scholars of the text, a study guide, and discussion questions. Certain modules also feature additional resources for further study.

Below is the schedule for which portions of the text are being studied in a given week, occasionally including optional reading when relevant. In addition to reviewing the recommended scripture, you should review the “Questions for Discussion” section each week in order to help facilitate group discussion.

Week 1: Hebrew Bible – Sarah

1. Prepare for the session by reading Genesis chapters 16-17 and 21.
2. Optional: Read Genesis 11:31 – 23:2.

Week 2: Hebrew Bible – Tamar

1. Prepare for the session by reading Genesis chapter 38 and 2 Samuel chapter 13.
2. Optional: read Genesis 19.

Week 3: Hebrew Bible – Women Warriors

1. Prepare for the session by reading Judges chapters 4-5, and Judith.
2. Optional: read Judges 11 and Genesis 27.

Week 4: Hebrew Bible – The Woman of Valor

1. Prepare for the session by reading Proverbs 31:10-31.
2. Optional: read all of the book of Proverbs.

Week 5: New Testament – Mary, Mother of Jesus

1. Prepare for the session by reading Luke chapter 1 (especially 1:26-56) and Matthew 1:18-25.

Week 6: New Testament – Mary Magdalene

1. Prepare for the session by reading Matthew 27:55-61 and 28:1-10; Mark 15:40–16:8; Luke 8:1-3 and 24:1-11; and John 19:25 and 20:1-18.

Week 7: New Testament – The Woman at the Well

1. Prepare for the session by reading John 4:5-30, 39-42.

Week 8: New Testament – The Whore of Babylon

1. Prepare for the session by reading Revelation chapters 17 and 18.

Week 9: Theme – “Biblical Marriage”

1. Prepare for the session by reading Deuteronomy 21:15-17, Deuteronomy chapter 24, and 1 Corinthians chapter 7.
2. Optional: Read 2 Samuel chapter 13.

Week 10: Theme – Sex and Desire

1. Prepare for the session by reading Song of Solomon chapters 1–2, Proverbs chapter 7, Numbers 5:11-28, and Matthew 5:27-28.

Week 11: Theme – Family

1. Prepare for the session by reading Genesis chapter 3 and 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
2. Optional: Review 1 Corinthians chapter 7.

Week 12: Theme – Women in the Early Church

1. Prepare for the session by reading Acts 16:13-15, 18:1-3, and 26; and Romans 16:1-16.