Flourishing in Grad School

Flourishing in Grad School is a compilation of 14 Bible studies intended to be used with first year first semester graduate students. The series of conversations helps new graduate students think about the new season of life they’ve begun through the lens of faith and consider what God’s invitation(s) may be as they settle in, face challenges, etc. Essential to the experience is a safe and welcoming community.

The first iteration of these studies (minus the study on Community) was created by former staff member Scott Filkin. Some updates have been made plus a bit of re-ordering based on input from GFM staff. Scott’s notes for leaders include commentary on each text as well as a few thoughts about the topic as it relates to graduate students and/or the academy.

A Few Suggestions for Using This Resource

• The first page of each study contains the text and should be printed to hand out to each person. In addition, the last page of each study is a table for people to fill in and discuss to finish out the conversation. Print one of these for each person and hand it out at the end of the study. Or if you want to save paper, print it on the back side of the Scripture text.
• Encourage participants to bring a folder or binder to keep all the pages as the study goes along.
• If you do not have 14 weeks, we suggest omitting session #10.

The Studies

• Introduction for InterVarsity Staff
• Overall Introduction
• Week 1: Consider the Soil
• Week 2: Hold on for the Ride
• Week 3: Choose to be Here
• Week 4: Clarity Takes Time
• Week 5: Trust and Obey (Rest)
• Week 6: Trust and Obey (Risk)
• Week 7: Pick Your Battles
• Week 8: Made for Community
• Week 9: Made for Work
• Week 10: See the Invisible
• Week 11: Stay the Course
• Week 12: Called to a Compelling Task
• Week 13: Empowered to Serve
• Week 14: Imagine the Possibilities