The Christian life was never meant to feel like an endless performance review. But somewhere along the way, many of us absorbed the message that God's love is something we earn through right behavior, consistent devotion, and spiritual achievement. We live as if grace is the starting gun. Then, we're on our own to maintain what we've been given.
Growing in Grace dismantles that exhausting framework and reveals what grace truly is: not a subset of Christian theology, but the foundation of everything. Through four weeks of study, you'll explore:
How God's grace finds you first - before you're even aware of Him, before you've done anything right, grace is already at work
How forgiveness sets you free - not just from past sins, but from the crushing weight of trying to earn what's already been given
How grace transforms you from within - not through your effort, but through God's power at work in your life
How community becomes the place where grace grows - discovering what it means to walk with others who are also learning to receive rather than achieve
How grace moves you outward - extending to others the love and mercy you've received
This study is rooted in Wesleyan theology and written for everyone.
Each session includes Scripture reading, reflection questions, and group discussion prompts designed to help you move from intellectual understanding to lived experience. This isn't about learning more information. It's about discovering that the foundation you've been standing on is stronger than you ever imagined-and it was never your job to build it.
In Growing in Grace, authors Dori Barber and Kenda McVeigh guide readers through a four-week exploration of what grace actually is and how it works in our lives. Through biblical teaching, group discussion, and personal reflection, you'll discover how God's grace meets you before you're even looking, sets you free from guilt and shame, and transforms you from the inside out. You'll learn what it means to grow in community with others and how grace moves you outward in love and service. Whether you've been in the church your whole life or are new to faith, this study reveals that grace is about more than forgiveness. It's the power source for a full and abundant life.
Dori, Barber: - Dori Barber is a Jesus follower, a woman happily married to Keith for over 30 years, a mom, a student and teacher of the Bible, a speaker, an author, a creative collaborator to look beyond the obstacle to see the bigger adventure. She holds a bachelor's degree in theatre from Southwestern University and a master's degree in theological studies from Asbury Theological Seminary. She spent 15 years on the ministry staff at The Woodlands Methodist Church where she continues to write and teach impactful Bible studies.
McVeigh, Kenda: - "Kenda McVeigh believes her primary calling is to serve Christ in the church through teaching, leading, and supporting church ministries. In addition to volunteering, she has been on staff for various churches around the state of Texas. Most recently, she worked in the Creative Services Department of The Woodlands Methodist Church as a copywriter - writing, editing and developing resources for church promotion, education and congregational development. She also served as their Women's Ministry Director, training leaders, planning programs, mentoring women and organizing Bible studies."
