Inhaltsverzeichnis:
You have questions?
We’ve got some answers for you! Here are some:
Frequently asked questions
Course participation
What can I expect to get out of the course?
You will not become a different person, nor a theologian expert, nor find a solution to all your problems. It is likely, however, that your enthusiasm for discovering the Bible will increase, your awareness of the love of God will deepen, and your joy, peace and trust in God, and care for others, will grow.
Can I invite friends to do this bible study?
If you want to start a new course: Yes! You are warmly welcomed to begin a course together with friends of yours, regardless of whether you are the leader or a participant yourself. Only keep in mind that a separate registration is required for each participant, and everyone needs their own manual.
If you want to invite her/them to an ongoing course, ask your instructor. Since joining the study requires a manual and builds on previous sessions, it is most recommendable to attend from beginning to end. Rather than joining mid-way, we recommend attending the next course – perhaps one that you might lead yourself.
Is the course suitable for people with disabilities?
All ladies are warmly welcome to join. One of our participants in Germany is blind and we are particularly grateful that she overcame the obstacles given by our text-heavy course and now even contributes to encouraging others by leading courses herself. Likewise, we would love to enable you to participate and support you however possible. Do let us know how we can assist you. If you have concerns questions, please feel free to ask!
Is the course suitable for non-Christians?
We want to be transparent, so as not to frustrate expectations. For non-Christians, other programs may be much better suited to address relevant topics and questions. We still welcome any lady who would like to join, but Having faith in Christ, an interest for the Bible and a basic consent of its usefulness and applicability for us today is helpful in order to receive the most benefit from the course.
What can I do after the course is over?
We are happy to send you a participant’s certificate upon request. Simply send us an e-mail.
You can start a course of your own! Invite friends and share what you’ve learned.
I cannot attend the upcoming course. What are my options?
Check our website at a later point in time. Other courses may be offered in a few months. You can also email our office and request to be notified as soon as another course is offered.
The manual
Can I do the course without a manual?
No. Without a manual, you will miss the readings and weekly questions for power-sister time and „personal time“. The manual allows you to read along the extensive content and read aloud Bible verses during our time together. It gives you a nicely structured, illustrated guideline, room for notes and highlighting and provides extra lines to copy the key phrases which will be shared aloud during our sessions.
In our very first course, we only had bullet points, but the ladies requested to have the teaching printed in full because they couldn’t keep up with taking notes and didn’t want to miss a word! Experience shows that some power-ladies treasure their manual so much, they still read it years after the course is over.
What if my manual does not arrive in time?
For the first session, having a manual is not as important as for the following sessions. If you meet in person, you might be able to share with your neighbor. If you meet online, you could take notes and copy them into your manual later.
I have the course manual. Do I need anything else?
The course manual is the only thing you need apart from a Bible online or in print for your personal time.
Is the course available in other languages?
Yes, it is originally German and available in German also. See our German website: www.power-ladies.org
We are also working on having the POWER-LADIES course in Portuguese and Spanish in the future.
About the course setup
How long will the course last?
That depends on the rhythm of the course. Generally, the 12 sessions may be held weekly, spanning over 3 months.
Will the group meet during Thanksgiving, Christmas or other holidays?
Usually, holidays are skipped in order to honor family times. However, your course instructor may confer with the group what they prefer before making a final decision on less important holidays.
Notify your instructor in advance. If you are attending an online course, there may be a recording. You can also ask your power-sister to show or tell you the key phrases and copy them into your manual.
What if my power sister cannot meet with me?
If the distance is too far, calls or videocalls are a popular alternative to meeting in person.
If your schedules do not match at all, ask your instructor. Perhaps swapping with another Power-Sister is possible.
Can I invite friends to do this bible study?
If you want to start a new course: Yes! You are warmly welcomed to begin a course together with friends of yours, regardless of whether you are the leader or a participant yourself. Only keep in mind that a separate registration is required for each participant, and everyone needs their own manual.
If you want to invite her/them to an ongoing course, ask your instructor. Since joining the study requires a manual and builds on previous sessions, it is most recommendable to attend from beginning to end. Rather than joining mid-way, we recommend attending the next course – perhaps one that you might lead yourself.
Behind the scenes
What stance does the course take on feminism?
This course is not about the rights and power of women. We respect people of all sexes and attribute them equal value and potential for the kingdom of God. Our aim is to collaborate, not compete. Political aims of feminism is not addressed directly and are not a concern of this course.
What is the theological position of the course?
We use the Bible and aim for open-mindedness that welcomes and encourages Christians of all denominations.
What are the theological credentials of the authors?
We do not have any degree in theology. We are only laypeople who love Jesus. That is why we asked theologically educated people to proofread and correct the contents. Still, we and our works are fallible. We ask all participants to use their minds and Bibles to test everything and keep only the good. Since the beginning, we encourage asking questions and expressing criticism, and the course has benefitted much from both.
How can I be sure this is not a cult?
First, because of our structure. We encourage active participation in local congregations rather than trying to steal people from their local church. Our aim is to strengthen the body of Christ in its beautiful multiplicity, to support Christians wherever they are and to unite rather than divide.
Second, because of our attitude towards money. We cultivate gratefulness and generosity. Our purpose is to serve God rather than to gain money. Therefore, we aim cultivate a grateful and generous attitude. Our practical aim as a NGO [?] is to break even, and we work largely on voluntary rather than paid basis.
Third, because of our imperfections. We know and confess that we make mistakes and are fallible humans., We realize that Jesus is the only perfect one.. Jesus is the only one worthy of worship and following.
How come I have never heard of POWER-LADIES before?
POWER-LADIES was originally developped in Germany in 2016. Since then, it has reached hundreds of women from different backgrounds and denominations in Germany and beyond. The translation of POWER-LADIES into English has only recently been completed and we look forward to sharing the course with you!
What if my question isn’t answered here?
Please contact the office via e-mail. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sicherungskopie
What can I expect to get out of the course?
You will not become a different person, nor a theologian expert, nor find a solution to all your problems. It is likely, however, that your enthusiasm for discovering the Bible will increase, your awareness of the love of God will deepen, and your joy and peace and trust in God, and care for others will grow.
How long will the course last?
That depends on the rhythm of the course. Generally, the 12 sessions may be held weekly, spanning 3 months.
Will the group meet during Thanksgiving, Christmas or other holidays?
Usually, holidays are skipped in order to honor family times. However, your course instructor may confer with the group what they prefer before making a final decision on less important holidays.
Notify your instructor in advance. If you are attending an online course, there may be a recording. You can also ask your power-sister to show or tell you the key phrases and copy them into your manual.
What if my power sister cannot meet with me?
If the distance is too far, calls or videocalls are a popular alternative to meeting in person.
If your schedules do not match at all, ask your instructor. Perhaps swapping is possible.
Can I invite friends to do this bible study?
If you want to start a new course: Yes! You are warmly welcomed to begin a course together with friends of yours, regardless of whether you are the leader or a participant yourself. Only keep in mind that a separate registration is required for each participant and everyone needs their own manual.
If you want to invite her/them to an ongoing course: Rather not, but do ask your instructor. Since it requires a manual and builds on previous sessions, it is most recommendable to attend from beginning to end. Rather than joining mid-way, we recommend attending the next course – perhaps one you might lead yourself.
Is the course suitable for people with disabilities?
We hope so. If not, we would love to enable you to participate and support you however possible. Please let us know how we can assist you. If you have concerns questions, feel free to ask! For example, one of our participants in Germany is blind and we are particularly grateful that she overcame the obstacles given by our text-heavy course and now even contributes to encouraging others by leading courses herself.
Is the course suitable for non-Christians?
We want to be transparent, so as not to frustrate expectations. For non-Christians, other programs are much better suited to address relevant topics and questions. Having faith in Christ, interest for the Bible and a basic consent of its usefulness and applicability for us today is helpful in order to enjoy and benefit from the course.
What stance does the course take on feminism?
This course is not about the rights and power of women. We respect people of all sexes and attribute them equal value and potential for the kingdom of God. Our aim is to collaborate, not compete. Political aims of feminism is not addressed directly and not a concern of this course.
What is the theological position of the course?
We use the Bible and aim for open-mindedness that welcomes and encourages Christians of all denominations.
What are the theological credentials of the authors?
We do not have any degree in theology. We are only laypeople who love Jesus. That is why we asked theologically educated people to proofread and correct the contents. Still, we and our works are fallible. We ask all participants to use their minds and Bibles to test everything and keep only the good. Since the beginning, we encourage asking questions and expressing criticism, and the course has benefitted much from both.
How can I be sure this is not a cult?
Firstly, because of our structure. We encourage active participation in local congregations rather than competing for members. Our aim is to strengthen the body of Christ in its beautiful multiplicity, to support Christians wherever they are and to unite rather than divide.
Secondly, because of our attitude towards money. We cultivate gratefulness and generosity. Our purpose is to serve God rather than to gain money. Therefore, we aim cultivate a grateful and generous attitude. Our practical aim as a NGO [?] is to break even, and we work largely on voluntary rather than paid basis.
Thirdly, because of our imperfections. We know and confess that we make mistakes and are fallible humans. Please don’t idealize us, we will probably disappoint you. Jesus is the only one worthy of worship and following.
What if my question is not answered here?
Please contact the office via e-mail. We look forward to hearing from you.
