About

Threads FAQ

We’re getting a good many questions about what this Threads thing is, so we decided to give you some answers to our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope they help. If you have questions we haven’t answered, please email us.

What is Threads exactly?

We hope it’s a movement that encourages churches to reach a generation of people who are largely outside the church. Many of these people are in the 18 to 34 age range, but all of them are people who have a different mindset about Christianity and what it should be. The core values for Threads are service, community, connection, and experience. We strongly believe God is blowing a fresh wind of His Spirit among people in their 20s and 30s. We just want to equip churches to join God where He is working among this generation. For more info, check out the article, “Practical Young Adult Ministry” and download the “Introducing Threads” PDF (1.5mb)

What are the Threads studies about?

The Threads studies are about a deeper, more significant way to live life. Under that broad description, Threads studies are both topical and textual, all centering around the Bible. Also, there are a few key principles that we keep in mind when we consider upcoming Threads studies: Service, Community, Connection, and Experience. As sort of our core values here, we try and make sure that everything that comes out is written with these things in mind.

Are the studies for married or single young adults, or both?

The studies are written in such a way that they are good for college students, young adults in their 20s and 30s piecing life together, singles, young marrieds… it doesn’t matter!

Can I use Threads Bible studies on Sunday mornings?

Yes, you can, but you might need to alter some of what you do on Sunday mornings to give yourself more time. An hour is not usually enough time to go through one Threads Bible study session. Since it’s discussion based, you are probably going to need 90 minutes a session at least, or maybe two hours if you’re doing it right with food and plenty of time to get to know each other. Here’s one thing to consider… Threads studies are six sessions or less, but that doesn’t mean one session translates to one time period or weekly study. If you’re using Threads studies on Sunday mornings, it might take you two Sunday mornings or more to cover one session.

Do I need the multi-media Leader Kits to do the studies?

It would be almost impossible without them. They have all of the teaching plans, the audio, the video, email templates and lots of other goodies that really bring life to your sessions and to your groups as a whole. It’s hard enough to lead a Bible study without having all the ammunition you need. Why put yourself through that kind of pain, if you don’t need to. We’ve tried to make them affordable so you can get one for every leader. We also have discounts for churches who buy multiple leader packs.

Why does Threads have playlists with the studies?

Because music is a dominant force in our culture and God speaks through music, we decided to create a playlist to continue the themes of each study. Music opens a door to your heart and soul that other forms of media can’t touch. We believe you’re going to get a whole lot extra out of the studies from the music we are providing and suggesting.

Is there a video with each Bible study session?

Nope, because we want you to have a different experience each week in Bible study. One week you may get an audio passage from a great message. The next week you may get video. The next week, you may get an audio clip from a roundtable discussion about the topic you are discussing in that session. We want everything to be fresh each week and we want you to discuss the Bible. So, we give you the tools to do just that. We give you plenty of varied kinds of video. We just don’t stop there.

Do I need the member books to do the studies?

Absolutely. Here’s what we tried to do with the member books. You’ve probably been a part of a discussion group or a book club that met weekly to discuss what they had read. Maybe a Blue Like Jazz group or a I Am Not But I Know I Am group. You may have even journaled about these books. We saw this frequently among churches who were doing a great job with reaching this generation. So we took that model and put together an intentional Bible study model using those elements. So, everyone needs a book to record their thoughts to journal and to generally get the most out of these studies. Besides, they are only $7.95. That’s just two cups of latte or chai tea at your local coffee shop and a lot less than a typical book you get at Barnes and Noble. It’s a deal!

Can I buy downloadable versions of Threads studies? And can I buy the individual pieces - audio and video - from the multimedia Leader Kits online?

These are coming soon.

I have a large small group ministry and we want to start several groups doing the same study at the same time. Is there a way to buy just the multimedia parts of the leader kit for each additional simultaneous study to use?

We are testing this out—right now, we have an option for large small group ministries like yours to use for two of our studies: InTransit and The Exchange. Both InTransit and The Exchange’s Leader Multi-Pack have enough multi-media resources for five more small groups at a discounted price of $199—even with Member Books purchased separately, you save $150! You can order these online or by calling 800-458-2772.

So, how do I get some more information about this research project you are talking about?

First, check out the article, “A New View of Young Adults”. Then, if you have other questions, just send us an email at threads@lifeway.com and we’ll help you get what you need.

So, what’s ahead for Threads?

We’re going to be piloting some events. We’re going to be working on helping churches establish service projects. We’re shooting to have more than 40 weeks of Threads Bible studies by the end of the year. There’s a whole lot to come, so register for our e-Newsletter to get all the latest news, and check this site regularly for new articles, information, and resources!