What is 'Methodology'?

Within the core SEAN courses, each lesson has two main and separate stages: the written home study and the group meeting. Many lessons also include suggestions for both personal and practical assignments. Each stage has its own distinct objective:

Home Study
The written home study, although of great value in itself, has clear educational goals and ensures that everyone coming to the group meeting is essentially at the same point of understanding. The home study is the springboard for the group meeting
 

As each student is exposed to different truths in the Bible through each lesson they have the opportunity to interact with the text and with the Lord. This experience ensures that each student, whatever their academic experience can come to the group meeting on the same level, being exposed to the objectives, so that everyone can contribute.

In essence, deep truths are learned through a method which is neither threatening nor tedious. Whether gardener or graduate, tea-lady or teacher, you will enjoy its gently approach which speaks as strongly to the heart as to the head - therein lies the secret of this material. SEAN makes no claims of originality in using a well proven method of learning, but its application within the context of Christian discipleship in the small group setting gives it its explosive potential. All this, of course, precedes the...

Group Meeting
The group meeting takes, as its starting point, what has already been learned in the home study, and explores it further through discussion in the familiar small group setting. Moreover, the group leader is provided with a structured framework to guide and stimulate discussion amongst the students making both the preparation and the meeting itself more effective than it so often is if we rely on our own resources.

Practical Application
The ministry (or practical) assignment seeks to apply what has been learned both in the student’s relationship with the Lord, in their home life, church life and in the work place. As in so many learning experiences, it is the final ‘doing’ that cements together the whole process of any life-changing education. In several courses, the group leader’s material offers the group leader guidance for practical assignments while at the same time leaving room for applications that are locally relevant and sustainable.