Threads is a division of Lifeway committed to connecting with “younger” generations through small-group study materials. These typically include a leader’s kit, a DVD featuring live-action sequences rather than teaching sessions and an audio CD with more tools as well as music that accompanies the themes of the study.

What sets the Threads material apart from many similar offerings is not just the high-quality material, but also the commitment to make sure that it is implemented well. They include teaching hints and ideas about how to lead a successful small group. In other words, it strives to be more than just curriculum and for this the people at Threads must be commended.

The topic of the “tough sayings of Jesus” is certainly not a new one, but it is an essential one. It doesn’t take long (but it does take honesty) to realize that the Jesus of Scripture often doesn’t line up very well with our Sunday School, felt-board version of Jesus. In fact, Jesus said many things that do come across as “tough.”

Michael Kelley sets out to explore and apply these sayings of Jesus. Michael Kelley lives in Nashville, edits for Threads, grew up in Texas, received an M.Div. from Beeson Divinity School and travels the country writing and teaching. Kelley writes with a clear, direct but compassionate style, not as one preaching, but as one searching along with the participants (all the while guiding the study).

The study is broken down into four sessions, each accompanied by a DVD presentation playing off of the theme of the study. The introduction challenges us with the possibility that our understanding of Jesus might owe more to society than Scripture. Scripture, particularly the Gospels are presented as the authoritative Word of God which must be commended. From there, sessions include such challenging ideas as: “You Have to Give up Everything Becoming a Nobody,” (the Rich Young Ruler), “You People Are Dogs: Discovering a Faith that Melts Borders (Why Did Jesus Call the Canaanite Woman a Dog?), “No Forgiveness For You: Finding the Answers in the Question” (What is the unforgivable sin?), and “I Didn’t Come to Bring Peace: A War That Binds” (Is Jesus a Peacemaker or a Warrior? Or Both?).

The “tough sayings” that Kelley addresses are not really all that difficult to understand, they just don’t necessarily fit with our conceptions of a “comfortable” Jesus. And that is much of the point of the study, moving past our personal conceptions to the Jesus presented in Scripture. Kelley does a fine job rooting the study in Scripture rather than opinion and he has picked “tough sayings” that do contradict many popular conceptions of the Savior. The Jesus of Scripture doesn’t always come across as “nice” as the Jesus of our imagination. The Jesus of Scripture demands allegiance.

Each session is accompanied, not just with the DVD and audio accompaniments, but good, though-provoking questions and discussion-starting ideas. It’s clear that much time and effort has been put into making this an interactive study that moves toward application rather than just discussion. While discussion can be good, if it does not result in application and changed lives, we’re just spinning our theological wheels.

One caution might be that the DVD sessions might be a bit powerful for younger audiences. The first features a man captured by another man. As the scene unfolds, the captured man is revealed to be a billionaire businessman. The capturer gives him the choice of walking away from everything or dying and the scene closes with a gunshot on a black screen. The point, of course, goes hand-in-hand with Jesus command that we must be willing to give up everything. The point is correct, the scene is powerful, but might not be appropriate for all age groups.

The curriculum does well in sticking to the Scripture and driving participants to the Word for answers rather than just “What does this mean to you,” or “what do you think this means” type questions. This is important and appreciated. I appreciate the attempt to incorporate appropriate music as a reminder that the Gospel is truly about all of life but I wonder how many groups will actually use this tool. It presents an interesting concept and I’d love feedback from anyone who has used the Threads material on this aspect. The e-mail-able audio files also help participants move to a “whole-life-integration” model while incorporating a variety of learning styles.

It must be said that the Threads approach to small-group studies does require more work from the leader than some other approaches. This is not a bad thing, in fact I quite appreciate it, but it will be a departure for those who have been able to “wing it” at the last minute. The mid-week emails and the in-depth discussion will require that the leader is prepared, which again, seems like a simple thing, but sadly, this doesn’t always happen.

Kelley challenges the attitude of becoming “comfortable” with Jesus, which is a worthwhile task. This study is a good first step in engaging the Jesus of the Bible. After this quality study, I’m quite interested to see how Threads continues with the approach that they’re developing.

• Visit the Threads media official website
• Order the “Tough Sayings of Jesus” curriculum
• Watch the promotional video for the study