Small Group Info
While I wrote Treasures of Encouragement for individuals, my heart’s desire was that through intergenerational small group studies, younger and older women will learn from one another. Community is a priceless gift where the Lord often keeps His promises through His people. As participants practice what they are learning, as a group as well as individuals, friendships deepen, churches become a safe place for hurting people. And perhaps the intentional practice of biblical encouragement will act a magnet to unbelievers and wounded Christians. Perhaps the love of God flowing through biblical encouragement will flow into our culture and soften the vitriolic and unfiltered words and behavior. This study is field tested with over twenty-five years of women gathering to study and be better equipped to offer biblical encouragement. Let’s pass on to the next generation the power and beauty of biblical encouragement.
Small Group Participants: Each chapter in the Leader's Guide includes guided Bible study, group encouragement activities, Handouts and links to Encouragement Videos and bonus Help & Hope podcasts. For your convenience, this page will include links for these resources for each chapter. You can download the handouts each week or all at the same time.
Encouragement Stories videos will be available in mid July.
In the meantime, I invite you to listen to these featured Help & Hope podcasts.
CHAPTER #1 ~ Priceless Treasures of Encouragement
Chapter Handouts - Priceless Treasures of Encouragement
Welcome Video - Sharon Betters Welcome Message
H&H Story - Joy in Caring for a Child with Special Needs with Kara Dedert
H&H Story - Healing After Abortion – A Conversation with Lovette Vassar
CHAPTER #2 ~ The Driving Force Behind Encouragement
Chapter Handouts - Memory Work
Encouragement Stories video link with Julie Malone
H&H Story - From Pieces to Peace, Loving a Prodigal Daughter - A Conversation with Julie Malone
CHAPTER #3 ~ Deborah, God’s Promise Keeper
Chapter Handouts - Our Village
Encouragement Stories video link with Wendy Alsup
H&H Story - Companionship in Suffering – A Conversation with Wendy Alsup
H&H Story - Dementia – A Conversation with Dr. John Dunlop
CHAPTER #4 ~ Taking Responsibility for One Another
Chapter Handouts - Tribes of Israel
Encouragement Stories video link with Jane Anne Wilson coming soon.
H&H Story - The Thorn of Autism – A Conversation with Lori Sealy
H&H Story - Helping Your Teens with Same Sex Attraction - A Conversation with Cooper Pinson
CHAPTER #5 ~ The Directing Force of Encouragement
Chapter Handouts - Applying Scripture
Encouragement Stories video with Vaneetha Risner
H&H Story - How Does God Meet Us in Suffering? A Conversation with Vaneetha Risner
H&H Story - Finding Joy in the Hard Places with Autism - A Conversation with Paul and Jill Miller
CHAPTER #6 ~ Treasures in the Church
Chapter Handouts - Creating a Safe Place in a Local Church’s Women’s Ministry
Encouragement Stories video link with Melissa Weisenfels
H&H Story - See Me, Not My Disability - A Conversation with Tim Merkel
H&H Story - The Amish Schoolhouse Shooting: A Light in the Darkness - A Conversation with Marie Monville
CHAPTER #7 ~ Treasures in Clay Jars
Chapter Handouts - Personalizing Scripture
Encouragement Stories video with Sherry Kendrick
H&H Story - Intentional Grieving – A conversation with Sherry Kendrick
H&H Story - Depression, Walking with My Husband into the Darkness - A Conversation with Sue Tell
CHAPTER #8 ~ Spiritual Mothering
Chapter Handouts - Spiritual Mothering
Encouragement Stories video link with Barbara L’Italien
H&H Story - When Your Wife Dies - A Conversation with Jim Meyer
H&H Story - Sexual Abuse and the Church – A Conversation with Ellen Dykas
CHAPTER #9 ~ Treasures of the Soul
Chapter Handouts - Praying Scripture
Encouragement Stories video link with Susan Hunt
H&H Story - Grief and Lament - A Conversation with Dr. Frank James
H&H Story - The Mother in Law Dance – A Conversation with Annie Chapman
CHAPTER #10 ~ Apples of Gold in Settings of Silver
Chapter Handouts - A Guard on Our Lips
Encouragement Stories video link with Barbara Juliani
H&H Story - Hope for the Parents of the Prodigal Child - from a Prodigal with Barbara Juliani
H&H Story - Doing Life with Your Adult Children – A Conversation with Jim Burns
CHAPTER #11 ~ Treasures in the Wilderness of Suffering
Chapter Handouts - Practical Encouragement
Encouragement Stories video link with Roberta Dosa
H&H Story - Loss of a Child - A Conversation with Chuck and Sharon Betters
CHAPTER #12 ~ Ordinary People, Extraordinary Ministry
Chapter Handouts - The Last Word
Encouragement Stories video closing comment with Sharon Betters coming soon.
H&H Story - Flourishing in a Season of Loss - A Conversation with Dianne Balch
H&H Story - Pornography and Women: Breaking Free – A Conversation with Jessica Harris
BONUS HANDOUTS
Appendix 1 – Telling Your Story
Appendix 2 – Ask an Older Woman
Appendix 3 – An Invitation from Sharon
Appendix 4 – Bonus Resources