What is an on-line book study?

It is a group of four to six people who discuss a book on-line. Using an electronic study guide to lead their discussion, they share comments via an e-mail format. The Work and Worship Institute provides a structure for studying a specific book and gather the folks through our membership base and the working public. There is a proctor who keeps the study moving, much as Oprah keeps her book studies moving. Our book studies are user friendly, as no special arrangements need to be made to take place. All that is required is to set aside some time each week, and not even the same time each week! There’s no need to travel anywhere, and each person’s favorite chair, drink and snacks are already at home. There is no need to clean the house, find a babysitter, kennel the pets, or set the VCR to record. Flexibility is the key to each on-line book study.

Each book study is broken up into a series of weeks, from two weeks to five weeks in length. Every Sunday a portion of the study guide, which usually covers from 50 to 100 pages of the book, is sent out via e-mail. In each section there are questions that have the answers provided, and questions, both content and discussion questions, that are to be sent to the proctor and the other participants. Typically you would answer a minimum of two discussion questions per week, although no maximum will ever be instituted. Throughout the week everyone has their chance to respond as often as they would like on whatever questions they would like to discuss. We request that you respond to at least one discussion question that another participant answered. The cliché of “what you put in is what you get out” holds up just as well here.

Each section will also include personal questions that will allow the group to familiarize themselves with the other participants and find their own similarities and differences. As the weeks progress, discussion becomes more and more important, as each individual finds their voice to speak in the framework of the book.

At the Work and Worship Institute, we strive to explore books which cannot conveniently be placed in any one mold. We’re constantly on the look out for new and sometimes adventurous thinking in the books we select. The goal being to expose our clients to varied knowledge, writing, and most importantly: other people. Each book that we focus our attention on has its own views, thoughts, patterns concerning the connection between spirituality and the workplace. Though different, all these books are chosen for their ability to bring out discussion and long-term thinking.

Participation is free for members. Please contact us for more information.