John H. Chapman

When someone comes forward with the goal of starting a group we start with evaluating curriculum. Oftentimes we will start with multiple curricula and move forward with the goal of running each through a vetting process to pick the curriculum that will best fit and lead to the most healing for individuals present. Our goal is to ensure that our curriculum follows our core values and matches with the DNA of G4 even if it’s a non-nine step curriculum so that it fits well within our church. 

When vetting curriculum, it is best to have more than one individual read through the resource so that you have more than one perspective on the material. As you read through the curriculum, it is helpful to take notes so that you can return to parts of the curriculum that might need further collective discussion or evaluation. If you have already identified a potential leader it is best to invite them into the process and have them read through the curriculum with you so that you are both on the same page. Also, it’s helpful to hear their perspective on how leading through this curriculum would be possible and helpful for group participants. 

As you read through and vet the curriculum, we have provided a list of questions that might be helpful for you as you evaluate a curriculum for any groups you are hoping to launch. 

General Questions

• What’s the goal of the potential group?
• Does the curriculum seek to meet that potential goal?

Theological Questions

• Are there any parts of the curriculum that stand in opposition to the theology of your church?
• Are there any parts of the curriculum that could be divisive in a group of individuals from different theological backgrounds?
• Are there any hard biblical truths in the curriculum that could cause some people to feel isolated, other than, or hurt?

Functionality Questions

• Does the curriculum/book lend itself to discussion?
• Do you need anything other than the curriculum for the group to function successfully?
• Are there limitations to this curriculum that you should be aware of as a group leader?
• Are there any big areas of the topic specific struggle that have been missed or quickly glossed over in the curriculum?
• Will you need to find any kind of supplementary materials that participants would need (articles, books, etc.)?
• What’s the cost associated with the curriculum?
• Who will cover the cost associated with the curriculum?