What Leaders Are Saying

And the encouragement you need to lead your own group!

We asked a few of our veteran “Epic of Eden” Bible Study leaders to share a few of their favorite moments studying the Old Testament in community. We hope their answers encourages you to give it a try! Pre-order a copy and gather your people to lead one this Fall.

When asked what was their favorite part of “Understanding the Old Testament as Your Story,” here is what they had to say:

I think my favorite aspect of the Epic of Eden Study is the ease in which Dr. Richter explains deep theological and historical concepts in such relatable terms that enables the laity - without going to seminary - to understand the true meanings. This also enables learners of all levels to have a clear, concise peek into the world of the scriptures.
-Rev. Debby Stikes

I appreciate how she articulates why our OT closets are so messy and unorganized. I then understood and was able to get clarity so I could embrace their stories as part of my faith journey. The way she explains all the terms of the Ancient Near East have allowed me to experience so many AHA moments and be blown away by how God loves us.
-Louise McEvoy

I grew up in the church. My father was a pastor for 42 years. I taught Sunday school and was the pastor. The Epic of Eden Bible study helps me become a better teacher and follower of Christ as it helped me understand the cultural context of the Bible.
-Steve

We then asked a few people what they would say to someone hoping to lead the Epic of Eden Study this Fall. Here are a few of their answers.

Epic of Eden is by far the most accessible and practical study of the Old Testament I have ever seen. I have done this study in at least 5 different churches and every group has found it to be one of the best studies they've ever done. Epic of Eden is just the beginning and a great springboard, especially for people who are relatively new to in depth Bible Study. The "organizing the closet" metaphor was the hook they needed because everyone relates to the idea of having far too many jumbled Old Testament stories from Sunday School that they are not quite sure what to do with. This will likely continue to be the first study I introduce in any new congregation I serve.
-Craig Sefa

It will change how you read the Bible and transform your spiritual life. For me, it took my faith journey onto a whole new trajectory that still impacts how I look at the Bible, how I teach my classes, and how I share the story of God’s redemptive love with others. It is a springboard or a tool to share the gospel and get others excited about Jesus.
-Louise McEvoy

Trust God to lead you, so you may lead others to trust God.
-Janine Plum

My classes had students on both ends of the spectrum: some with zero knowledge of the Old Testament, others with solid knowledge of the stories taught in Sunday School. I also had a number who were way too familiar with the well-crafted morality-lesson sermons that highlighted Abraham, Moses and David. Epic of Eden gave them so much more. They learned to put the stories into real space and time. To connect the characters one with another and to see God’s work in each encounter, revealing himself and bringing his people closer to the new covenant we have in Christ. Sandy put it all together for us, showing us how every story leads to the culmination we will experience when the Kingdom comes in all its fullness.
-Dori Barber

Are you contemplating leading Epic of Eden this Fall and have questions? Drop them in the comments below!