Reading Colossians Together

This fall, we will be…

Hinsdale Covenant Church | Fall 2021 Rooted Groups Plan
It’s our hope and prayer that every person in our congregation will engage with others in reading Paul’s letter to the Colossians this fall. This resource list is to offer you, your household, and your small group a companion to reading this letter. 
Whether you study at home, at church, or online, “we pray that the Holy Spirit will fill you with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.“ (Colossians 1:9b-10)
Required Rooted Group and Small Group Facilitator orientations will be held Sunday, August 22nd after 2nd service or Thursday evening August 26th (via Zoom). Start gathering your group and look for RSVP to one of these orientations! 

2021 Fall Study Small Group ResourcesVideo Series for Rooted Group Study (RightNow Media login required; reply if you need one):

Books for Rooted Group Study (Purchase your own copies or contact Joy@HinsdaleCovenant.com): If you use a book, take turns leading! Begin your session by reading Colossians aloud and praying for God to open your eyes and ears to what he has for you to learn. 

  • Colossians & Philemon For You by Mark Meynell (The Good Book Company, 2018), 193 pages. This is a longer, more in-depth study that is accessible even to beginning Bible readers; use this book if your group likes to prepare in-between sessions.
  • Colossians & Philemon for Everyone Bible Study Guide by N.T. Wright (IVP, 2009), 55 pages. Use this booklet if your group likes to study together without any preparation. 


Introductory Videos for Additional Study:

Book Introduction: “Introducing Colossians” articleFacilitators, consider printing this out for everyone to read together as you begin your study.

Resources for Additional StudySave the Date: We will supplement your group discipleship with a very special event, hosted by Pastor Joy. Dr. Max Lee, New Testament Professor at North Park Seminary will be joining us on Sunday, November 14 at noon to share about his work in Colossians as he works on a commentary. Bring all your questions to ask after the talk! Lunch will be served at 11:30, followed by the talk.


A Week in the Life of a Slave by John Byron (IVP Academic, 2019). Historical fiction, 160 pgs. This short work of historical fiction will immerse you into the first century life that surrounded the book of Philemon. Though the storyline is imagined, it will help you to understand the context of slaveryand the group of people first hearing Colossians and Philemon read aloud! 


Hidden in Christ: Living as God’s Beloved by James Bryan Smith (InterVarsity, 2019). Devotional/Small Group study, 216 pages.  This devotional is a meditation on Colossians 3:1-17. The author encourages readers to memorize this portion of Scripture in order to internalize the reality of life that is hidden in Christ. Each short chapter offers engaging questions for reflection and practice as well as a group study  guide at the end of the book. A great resource to use alone or with others.  

Recommended Rooted Group Meeting Schedules
If you choose a video-led series, then you’d begin the week of 9/12 for 12 or 13 sessions, ending in February. If you choose a book-led study, you would finish around the new year. Check out these options and let me know what series and dates you are choosing.


Video Series Recommended Schedule (12-13 sessions):Meet every other week beginning the week of September 12, and end the week of February 13 or 27 (depending on your Thanksgiving/Christmas plans.)  Your home group would meet every other week, during the weeks of 9/12, 9/26, 10/10, 10/24, 11/1, 11/15, 11/29, 12/12, (skip Christmas week or host a fellowship gathering) 1/2, 1/16, 1/30, 2/13 and 2/27.


Book Series Recommended Schedule (10 or 8 session):Colossians & Philemon for You book study groups could meet for 10 sessions starting the week of September 12, ending the week of 1/16Colossians & Philemon for Everyone could meet starting 9/12 for 8 sessions, ending 12/12 (Our proposed Thursday night Colossians online group would follow this schedule.)Online Group (8 Sessions be hosted by a pastor): We’ll be hosting an online group, Weds 7—8pm starting 9/15 for 8 sessions, ending the week of 1/16.Contact Simon@HinsdaleCovenant.com to sign up. 


**Required Rooted Group and Small Group Facilitator orientations will be held Sunday, August 22nd after 2nd service or Thursday evening August 26th (via Zoom). Start gathering your group and look for RSVP to one of these orientations!**