Does your women's group need to experience God's Word in a fresh way? Susan Lawrence talks about a resource that'll help you do just that.

• Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl: Living the Faith After Bible Class Is Over. Lysa TerKeurst. Book, 224 pages, $12.99. Participant Guide, 122p., $9.99. DVD, $24.99. Zondervan.

I was reading Lysa TerKeurst's Becoming More than a Good Bible Study on a long flight, when the man next to me asked me what I was reading. I responded vaguely. He acknowledged my response with a slight nod, I returned to my reading, and then he asked, "So what is a good Bible study girl?"

As I talk with women around the nation, I hear such comments as…

"I study the Bible because I'm supposed to, but I don't get how I'm supposed to live it all out."

"I stopped going to a Bible study group. The women were too hypocritical and judgmental."

"I'm not smart enough or good enough to study the Bible. I'll just try to soak up what others teach and read other books that appeal to me."

We might think, as "good Bible study girls," that we have to check off a to-do list of requirements. But as TerKeurst points out, God has other plans: "Becoming more than a good Bible study girl means I separate my shortcomings from my identity and let Jesus be the only measure of my worth." TerKeurst's goal is to help women discover fulfillment through meaningful connections with God that transform every area of their lives. Through personal stories, Bible verses, and insights, TerKeurst encourages women to learn and experience God's Word.

Small groups meet together for six sessions, watch a video (about 15 minutes), and discuss questions in the participant's guide. Each woman needs her own participant book to work through six days of personal study between group sessions. It's also recommended each woman have a copy of the book Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl, which is both separate from and woven throughout the participant's guide. I found considerable overlap between the book and study. While the overlap helps the entire curriculum fit together, it also might cause some frustration for women who like more variety. The book is an excellent read on its own.

TerKeurst challenges women, telling them this study isn't for those who are just "playing the game," and her conversational style is inviting. The opening clips of each session could be used to enhance other women's gatherings. Verses are included on the screen as TerKeurst reads a few at a time, creating less pressure for women unfamiliar with the Bible and self-conscious about finding verses when in a group. And the group-discussion questions are open-ended, allowing women to share experiences and ideas in nonthreatening ways.

Susan Lawrence is a Women's Ministry Consultant for Group for Women and coordinates women's ministries in central Illinois. Her first bible study, Pure Purpose, released in April of 2010. More information about Susan and her ministry can be found at http://susanhlawrence.blogspot.com.