FAQs
What is unique about Noeo studies?
Noeo studies are designed to help your group go beyond the "right answers," because it's important that we do more than simply know the information in our Bibles. Therefore, one difference in format is that when your group meets you won’t be reviewing homework, but rather having an engaging conversation about what was studied. The “Talk about it” discussion page following each week of lessons is intended to encourage thoughtful dialogue, raise tough questions we ought to wrestle with as believers, help us put words to what we believe (and why), and challenge us toward personal application. I sincerely hope that these studies will help us all to look deeply and honestly at the Word of God, and better reflect Him to the world.
What is the difficulty level?
My aim was to create something “in the middle,” difficulty-wise. Noeo Bible Studies aren’t so comprehensive or lengthy as something like Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) or Precepts. As wonderful and instructive as those are, not everyone can make that commitment. But even without that much time to devote to the homework, we can still dig into a thoughtful and careful study of God’s Word. I wanted Noeo to be more accessible for young moms, students, those working long hours, and anyone who may be in a busy season but still wants to put some effort in to studying their Bible, Depending on the study you choose, there will be either 4 or 5 days of homework/week, and each of these lessons will take 10-20 minutes, on average. Details for each can be found on the product page for that study.
How can I preview the studies?
If you're new to Noeo, we completely understand that you want to check out our studies before purchase. For each Noeo study, a week-long sample lesson is available as a free PDF download. Click here to see all of the available samples (you will also find these in the "details" section for each study). Each sample will include an explanation of how the study works, an introduction to that particular study and its themes, one week of homework lessons, and the “Talk about it” discussion guide for that week.
What's the difference between the digital download and the printed workbooks?
There is no difference in content, just in how you choose to purchase it. With the digital version, you’ll receive a PDF file, which can be used for self-printing as many copies as you need for your group. Depending on how fancy you’d like to be, these can be hole-punched and put in notebooks, or spiral bound by a printer. If you’d rather not have to go to any trouble, you can purchase printed workbooks ready to go instead. They will come spiral bound, with a clear plastic cover. (Please note, the digital version is not intended to be for online use, but for self-printing.)
How do I know which version to choose?
If you have access to inexpensive printing, the digital download is a good idea, especially if you will be making a lot of copies. If you are purchasing only a few, or will need to use a printing service such as Office Depot, cost-wise the printed workbooks will probably be cheaper. I know from personal experience that with some groups, and in some seasons, keeping costs down is the highest goal, and at other times you just want to get what you need with the least effort possible! I wanted to give you both options—do whatever works best for your group! (Side note--I am only shipping workbooks within the U.S., but if you live elsewhere, the digital downloads are a great option, and you can avoid overseas shipping charges!)
How does the digital download work?
If you choose the digital version, you will receive a link to a PDF file via email, which you can then use to print as many copies as your group needs. Depending on how fancy you’d like to be, these can be hole-punched and put in notebooks, or spiral bound by a printer. Although there is no limit on the number of copies you can make for your group’s use, I would appreciate you not sharing the PDF with others!
What if I don’t receive, or accidently lose, my digital download?
Computers melt down, kids push buttons they aren’t supposed to, and sometimes technology just isn’t our friend. If you have a legitimate issue and need to have a download re-sent, please email me at noeobiblestudies@gmail.com, and I’ll make it right.
I don’t have a group, can I do these studies by myself?
Of course! While Noeo Bible studies are intentionally designed around group conversation, the homework is still relevant and helpful for personal study. And if you like journaling, you could choose a few of the “Talk about it” questions to use as prompts for thinking more deeply about what you studied.
Are Noeo Bible studies just for women?
No, there is nothing girly or specifically female-focused about them, and I consciously aimed to make the questions relatable to anyone. They could work in a co-ed group, but I suggest looking at some of the sample lessons (you can find these here and also in the "details" section for each product) and considering if this feels like a good fit for your people.
Will you be adding any new/additional studies?
Yes! I expect to add one or two new studies each year. I've just finished the study on Psalms, and will begin work on a new study in the Fall.
Are there teaching videos to go along with the studies?
Sorry, no videos. But if you are using these in a large or multi-group setting, you could pull your creative people together and make some of your own!
What is your denominational background?
Not growing up in a church-going home, I was that kid who went to church with anyone who would invite me! As a child, I experienced mainly Methodist and Episcopal churches, and in college as a new believer, though I still invited myself along with others I primarily attended a Nazarene church. Once married, my husband Mike and I went to different churches as our family made a couple of moves to other states—Christian and Missionary Alliance, non-denominational Bible church, and Southern Baptist (where Mike served as associate pastor). We also worked with Youth for Christ for over 20 years. So, I feel like I have an appreciation for the faith basics we agree on, and have tried to intentionally not write from a particular denominational perspective.