Focus Studies are short-term classes or support groups that take a deeper look at God’s Word as it relates to a specific topic or book of the Bible, helping us grow in Jesus. These studies typically meet over a few weeks and provide an opportunity to explore a focused subject through the lens of Scripture. Focus Studies are designed to supplement—not replace—the weekly relational experience of a Small Group.

To register for these studies, please click here or use the link at the bottom of the page except for MoneyWise and GriefShare, where another link is provided in the description.

GriefShare: Navigating Loss and Grief With Support

No matter the circumstances, grief recovery is a painful process. Griefshare is designed to help you take healthy steps forward following the death of a loved one. Each week of the thirteen-week support group includes an encouraging 30-minute video followed by a discussion. The group is led by Tim and Linda Flowers, who have themselves experienced grief and understand what you are experiencing. The class is free, but a workbook ($15) is suggested to enhance your personal study. The support group meets at 2:00pm on Sundays in Room C105 beginning January 18.  Click here to register. 

Preparing to Teach the Word (Women)

Whether you are teaching a large group or facilitating a discussion of a Biblical text in a Small Group, how do you move from studying the text to teaching it? In this session, you'll learn some best practices for studying a text of Scripture, then creating a teaching outline and crafting effective discussion questions based on that text. We will also examine various ways to use Brook Hills' Small Group Guides when teaching and facilitating a group.  This study will be led by Ashley Chesnut at the following times.

• Wednesday, January 21, 6:30pm, Room B304
• Sunday, February 8, 10:35, Room C125 
• Sunday, March 15, 11:50am, Room B304

Evangelism: Faithful First Steps in Evangelism

Sometimes, the most difficult step is the first. This one-week study will provide some practical ideas and tips to get you started on the journey of sharing your faith. The first steps may not be what you thought! Jay Gordon will lead this repeated study three times Wednesdays at 6:30pm, on January 21, March 18, and May 6.

Understanding the New Testament: The Improbable Victory of the Church

In the Greco-Roman world, early Christians were misunderstood and accused of being traitors, cannibals, and even lazy. Despite such hostility, the church endured and grew rapidly. By drawing on archaeology and cultural insights, this study brings the world of the New Testament to life and deepens our understanding of its message. This four-week study will be led by Bill Norton beginning Wednesday, January 28, in Room B304. 

Grow Up! Mastering Personal Spiritual Disciplines

Scripture is clear that God's design is for believers to grow in their relationship with Christ. Join us to learn how to cultivate habits that lead to spiritual maturity. Participants will learn best practices for foundational disciplines, such as reading the Bible, praying with purpose, memorizing Scripture, and other intentional habits that lead to lasting maturity. Jay Gordon will lead this one-session study meeting at the following times. Jay Gordon will lead this study on the following dates.

• Sundays at 10:35 on Feb 1, March 8, June 7, in Room C109
• Wednesday, May 20, 6:30pm in Room C126

MoneyWise: Practical, Biblical Financial Management

This five-week Focus Study will meet on Wednesdays at 6:30pm, beginning February 4 in room B313. Topics include living with an eternal perspective, creating a spending plan, learning a lifestyle of generosity, understanding debt, and saving for the future. Ethan Pope, with over 30 years of experience in financial ministry, will lead the study, and the cost is $10 per person.  To register and read FAQ's, please visit brookhills.org/moneywise.

Processing & Engaging God with Our Emotions

God chose to make us with emotions, and because the Lord wants to make every area of a Christian’s life more Christlike, growing in our relationship with Jesus will involve maturing emotionally. Identifying and processing how you’re feeling is part of growing emotionally, and in this Focus Study, you’ll learn and practice a variety of tools to help you identify what you are feeling and thinking and to help you talk to God about your emotions. Led by Ashley Chesnut, this three-week Focus Study will meet on Wednesdays at 6:30pm, beginning February 11 in Room C124.

Disciple-making: Helping People Grow in Christ

Although we're given the command by Jesus to make disciples, we often struggle to know how. Whether you are working with one person or a few, we'll examine practical steps for getting started and what to do. This one-week class, led by Jay Gordon, will be repeated multiple times and will meet on Wednesday nights, March 4 and June 3.

The Book of Acts: God on the Move

What if the forward progress of the gospel in the book of Acts wasn't just history? What if we can live in that story ourselves? This study will focus on reading Acts as a whole and how that shapes our application of Acts today.  Join Chip Bugnar for a 5-week study of the book of Acts beginning Wednesday, April 1, 6:30pm, in Room B304. 

Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense

Sometimes life just hurts - out of nowhere, death, illness, unemployment, a traumatic event, or a difficult relationship can change our lives and challenge everything we thought we knew, especially about God. But amid all the pain and confusion, we are not alone. In this study, you'll learn how to trust God in the midst of suffering while avoiding some dangerous traps as you look to the comfort God provides. This six-week study, led by Brian LaFavor, will meet in Room C124 on Wednesday nights beginning April 1.  An optional book is available for $10.

Spiritual Leadership: Preparing for the Future

Could God be preparing you to lead others as a Small Group Leader or in some other capacity? What do you need to do to follow God's call to prepare? How do people grow in Christ, and how can others influence that? Come learn the answers to these questions and more. This four-week class will meet at 10:35am in Room C106 beginning Sunday, April 12.

Anxiety: What It Is and How to Deal with It

Why do we experience so much anxiety? How does scripture speak to this common experience? What can we do about it? How can we help others near us experiencing anxiety? Join us as we dig deeper into these questions together! Brian Munnings will lead this three-week study meeting Sundays at 9:00am, Dates are TBD. 

How to Read the Bible Faithfully

This Focus Study helps believers read and apply Scripture with clarity and confidence. Participants will learn a faithful interpretive framework that considers grammar, history, culture, theology, and application, and will practice it on well-known biblical passages. The goal is to grow in biblical maturity by handling God's Word accurately and responsibly. This four-week class will be led by Michael Mickens. Dates and Times are TBD. Room B112.