:: SCIM Book Discussions ::

SCIM's Online Book Discussions

SCIM's book discussions are an online experience through Blackboard, so that anyone who wishes to participate can do so regardless of geographical location.

Please email us if you wish to be a part of one of our book discussions, but do not have a SCIM membership.

Upcoming Book Discussions:

:: No new discussions currently scheduled

Previous Book Discussions:

:: Seven Practices of Effective Ministry

:: Six Weeks, March 2010

:: Think Orange: Image the Impact When Church and Family Collide

:: Six Weeks, April 2010

SCIM Online Book Discussion FAQ

What is an online book group discussion?

An online book group discussion draws a group of people together for accountability in reading a selected book and the added benefits of expressing yourself and seeing others’ perspectives on the content of the book. You also have the opportunity to dialog back and forth to better understand the principles of the book. Sometimes, we will even have an author available to us for comment.

How do I participate in the discussion?

First, you will need to register with the Sullivan Center for Innovative Ministry. Information on getting registered can be found here.

Once you have successfully registered with the Sullivan Center you can email us about the book discussion you are interested in, and we will get you enrolled!

The book discussion will appear on your Moodle home page immediately upon enrollment. In the weeks before the book discussion is to start, the group facilitator will post details about the reading schedule and the format for the discussion.

You say the discussions are open to anyone. Does that mean I can be a part of a book group if I am not a SCIM member?

Yes! You can participate in any online book discussion for a $15 registration fee, or you can check out our SCIM membership page, to find out how you can become a member of SCIM for a one-time fee of $29.95!

How long does the discussion last?

Most groups strive to cover two chapters per week, unless the chapters are particularly short or particularly long. This means that the discussion for a short book might last three weeks, and for a longer one, may last up to eight weeks or so. The facilitator is responsible to make adaptations based on the group’s energy and engagement.

What’s a SCIM book discussion look like?

We set up a Blackboard site to discuss books. Each book discussion is organized with a “general review” section where participants express their overall perspective of the book, and a chapter by chapter threaded discussion. Each thread will start out with a question posed by the facilitator. This will be the “jumping off” point for the discussion. Participants may engage with any of the following:

:: Answer the posted question

:: Comment on a particularly meaningful thought from the reading selection

:: Ask a question based on the content of the selection

:: Respond to someone else’s comments (the facilitator will help to make sure the

threaded discussion stays “orderly” in both appearance and content)

:: Quote a portion of the text and ask for comments from other participants

:: Relate the selected reading to other sources of knowledge (Scripture, reason,

experience, or perhaps other readings)

:: “Sound off” with a statement or agreement or disagreement with the author.

Can I receive Continuing Education Credits for participation?

You may receive one CEU by completing the following specific requirements and requesting a certificate at the beginning of the discussion group (so that the facilitator may keep track of your completion of all of the following requirements):

:: Answering the question posted by the facilitator in each of the discussion threads

with a thoughtful and complete answer

:: Engaging in a minimum of two significant discussions for each thread

:: Stating that you carefully and completely read the designated book and all the

forum posts

Do I have to earn CEU credits?

NO! We welcome people to participate as fully as they can in the discussion as regularly as possible, but you do not have to complete the specific requirements specified for CEU credit. We encourage you to follow the guidelines of the Covenant of Participation.

How are facilitators selected?

Facilitators demonstrate an interest in sharing a particular book with a group of engaged readers within the SCIM guidelines. If you are interested in facilitating a book group or recommending a title that has specific application to ministry, contact Dr. Lori Niles.

Contact Us :: SCIM@mnu.edu :: 913.971.3356 :: fax 913.971.3406