5 Years of Resisting Gossip

Rejoice with me!

Resisting Gossip was released 5 years ago today. Back in September of 2013, I could never have imagined all of the places it would go and the ways it has been used by the Lord. Today, my heart is overflowing with thankfulness for the blessings of the last half decade.

To name just a few:

- Resisting Gossip is now translated into 5 other languages around the world: Spanish (including an e-book), French [in both Canada and France], Russian, Romanian, and Korean. I’m excited to think that I’m getting to teach people God’s Word that I would never meet nor ever be able to converse with all over the globe.

- Resisting Gossip has been a bestseller for CLC Publications every single quarter since its release. For me, those sales translate into real people I hope have been helped to win the war of the wagging tongue in their own lives.

- Resisting Gossip has been recognized by many readers and leaders as helpful in the fight for holiness and love. The gracious words of folks like Kevin DeYoung (and on video), Tim Challies (once, twice, and then thrice at World Magazine!), Joe Valenti, Deb Welch, Monergism.com, Andy Naselli, Alex Chediak, Steve Kemp at BILD, Greg Strand, Bob Kelleman, Daniel Holmquist, Todd Hardin at the Biblical Counseling Coalition, Marci Ferrell at the Thankful Homemaker, Benjamin Vrbicek at Fan and Flame, Will Turner, and Mark Lauterbach at TGC have encouraged me to no end. It’s got 67 reviews on Amazon, and all but 1 of them are very positive. I'm also very thankful for the heartening support that WTSBooks has always shown for the book, as well.

- The message of Resisting Gossip and Resisting Gossip Together continues to resonate with people through online videos [Vimeo, YouTube], live seminars, podcasts, articles, and personal interactions. I love getting to share at conferences like CCEF and Challenge, teach at retreats, camps, and schools like Miracle Mountain Ranch, and speak in local churches such as the upcoming event at Hope EFC in Fertile, Minnesota. I feel so grateful to get to be used in this way.

Into the future:

Unfortunately, the global gossip plague continues to rage on unabated. My little book is just a drop in the bucket of what is needed to effect large scale change. I knew that going in (see the “final word” “The End of Gossip” on pg. 151). But hopefully it’s a drop in the right bucket and continues to be used by the Lord to move the right people in the right direction. That’s my prayer.

The good folks at CLC Publications are making arrangements right now to offer a special 5 year anniversary sale price and maybe even release an audiobook version of Resisting Gossip this Fall. I’ll let you know when I know more about those things. What I do know right now is that I never could have predicted how this would have turned out, and I give all the praise to Jesus Christ. May He receive all the glory due Him forever.

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Resisting Gossip Teaching Series Now on Vimeo

Rejoice with me!

The videos we created a few years ago to go with Resisting Gossip Together have now been uploaded to my Vimeo channel and arranged into an album. [They are already available on YouTube.]

So if Vimeo is your preferred site for watching and sharing video, you can now watch and share the 10 teaching videos, an introduction/trailer, and the blooper reel. Enjoy!

And one of the great things about Vimeo is that in addition to being watchable and shareable, they are also downloadable from this site so you can take them places with no internet!

Thank you again to Spencer Folmar of Third Brother Films for creating them and, especially, to CLC Publications for making these available free to the public!

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Resisting Gossip Teaching Series Now on YouTube

Good news! The videos we created a few years ago to go with Resisting Gossip Together have now been uploaded to my YouTube channel and arranged into a playlist.

Anyone anywhere with YouTube can now watch and share the 10 teaching videos, an introduction/trailer, and the blooper reel. Enjoy!

Thank you to Spencer Folmar of Third Brother Films for creating them and, especially, to CLC Publications for making these available free to the public!

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Three Years of "Resisting Gossip"

Aww. Our little book turns three today!

It's hard to believe, but Resisting Gossip: Winning the War of the Wagging Tongue was released on September 3, 2013.

Yesterday, I went through all of the posts on this blog marked Resisting Gossip, and reviewed what a wonderful adventure it has been over the last twelve months.

This year has definitely been a quieter year than the previous one when we had the release of Resisting Gossip Together, the ten-part Resisting Gossip Video Teaching Series (free online!), and the Spanish translation Resistiendo El Chisme (remember that time it was on Colombian national television?!?!).

But even though it hasn't been as busy, I am still amazed at how far Resisting Gossip has traveled and thankful for how it continues to have an effect on people's lives.

En français!

A year ago, the French version, Résister à la médisance was released in both France and Canada.

I got to actually be present for the Canadian release. Dave Almack of CLC Ministries and I traveled up to the beautiful city of Montreal where I got to meet Antoine Roberge and the rest of the CLC Canada team and share the message of my book through a translator.

In a word, this experience was "Merveilleux!"

In Wales, Too

The next international stop was an article in the Welsh magazine originally titled, "Y Cylchgrawn Efengylaidd," or in English, "The Evangelical Magazine." They published an adapted form of chapter 6, "Instead of Gossip: Listening."  Thank you to CLC Publications for giving them permission to share this with their readers.

CCEF National Conference

In between those two international events, I had the privilege of presenting a breakout seminar at the CCEF National Conference entitled, "Behind the Back: When Gossip Distorts Side-by-Side Ministry."

Speaking at CCEF was a "bucket list" level event for me and brought Resisting Gossip full circle as it started its life as a doctoral project encouraged by Ed Welch. I spoke to a room full of highly-engaged listeners who asked great questions to interact with what I had to share. I would do it again in a heartbeat.



Hope Church

In January, I had the opportunity to present the Resisting Gossip Seminar and preach at Hope Church in Spenser, Iowa which is pastored by my friend Russell Muilenburg. Russell wove the seminar into a sermon series he was doing on "Taming the Tongue" for which he interviewed me.

Still Being Read

I'm encouraged that Resisting Gossip continues to be a bestseller for CLC Publications, and I still get emails and mail from readers who are being helped to fight the good fight against this pernicious temptation.

I'm so glad that we went with CLC as our publisher, especially because of their international missions outreach. In April, I was invited to be the speaker for their special 75th Anniversary Celebration at their annual conference in Philadelphia. What a joy to be with those precious people who pour out their lives to get solid evangelical literature into the hands of the nations!

More Still To Come

The good folks at CLC tell me that the Russian translation has been completed, and they hope to release it this Fall and that the Korean translation is in the final stages of translation and may even be out this month. How exciting to think about the impact of our little book on people around the world.

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"Resisting Gossip Together" Turns 1 Year Old

One candle on the cake!

Happy birthday to Resisting Gossip Together the companion book for groups and individuals studying Resisting Gossip: Winning the War of the Wagging Tongue.

It's been one year since RGT was released in conjunction with the video teaching series. It's a bestseller for CLC Publications, and they've already had to order a second printing.

It's been so encouraging to hear stories of groups using these materials and growing in grace and also to get positive reviews like this one from Pastor Brad Bigney of Grace Fellowship Church in Florence Kentucky who said, "A+++ I would use them again."

To learn more about Resisting Gossip Together, read this interview I did with the Biblical Counseling Coalition.

I also have a page on this blog dedicated to extra resources that fit with RGT. Read the introduction here to get a sense of what RGT is all about. And here is a list of all of the wonderful people who helped make it possible.

I am grateful to the Lord for allowing me to create these resources and lead CLC to make them available to the Church!

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Two Years of "Resisting Gossip"

It's hard to be believe, but Resisting Gossip has just turned two years old.

Yesterday, I went through all of the posts on this blog marked Resisting Gossip, and reviewed what a fun ride it's been over the last twelve months.

Some highlights from this second year:

Resisting Gossip Together

In October, CLC Publications released Resisting Gossip Together: Participant's Guide and Bible Study as a companion book. This Summer, RGT already went into its second printing. I'm thankful for the chance to provide this study guide for folks who want to go deeper into God's Word on gossip. I was able to include material that didn't make it into the original book.

For more information, see this page on my blog which include even more resources and my interview with the Biblical Counseling Coalition.


A great place to purchase Resisting Gossip Together is Westminster Bookstore who also has a starter pack of 5 books and study guides at 35% off the list price.

The Resisting Gossip Video Teaching Series

At the same time, CLC Publications also released a complementary set of videos featuring me teaching on the ten chapters of Resisting Gossip. They were produced, filmed, and directed by Spencer Folmar of Third Brother Films and have great music from The Gray Havens.

What I love most about these videos is that they are available for FREE to the world--downloadable and sharable. The first video has already been viewed more than a thousand times. (A DVD set is available for those who need it.)

Restiendo el Chisme on Colombian National Television

I never saw this one coming!

On March 31st, the Spanish version was featured in an 18 minute segment on the morning show of Channel One, the national television station in Colombia. (Click on the picture here to got to the YouTube video.)

I don't know much Spanish, but from what I can tell, they did a great job of covering the contents and even the corny humor from the book.

I love the international reach of CLC Ministries.

The Korean and Russian translations are in production, and I can't wait to learn how the Lord might use those in parts of the world I will never see.

Disciplemaking, Not Just Resisting Gossip

The best part of being the author of this book is that it's not about me, it's about ministry. It's not just about resisting gossip; it's about making disciples of Jesus Christ.

So, my favorite part is hearing stories from people who have been helped by the material.

Stories from folks like Allison Bies, the Federated Church's Adult VBS, this ladies' Bible study group, this family, Uche in Sudan, and this anonymous pastor.

It's a great privilege and joy to be used in ministry.

What's Next?

1. Résister à la médisance!

The French translation has just been released by CLC France in Europe and will soon be released in Quebec by CLC Canada.

I'm particularly excited about this new release because I get to be a part of it in Montreal! On September 25th, Dave Almack and will be traveling up Montreal for the launch of Résister à la médisance. I'll be sharing more about this event as it gets closer.

CLC France has posted the cover, table of contents, the foreword, introduction and a bit of the first chapter in French.

2. "Side by Side."

Next month, Heather and I will be traveling to Virginia Beach to participate in the 2015 CCEF National Conference. I've been asked to teach a breakout session on "Behind the Back: When Side by Side Ministry is Distorted by Gossip."

I love the ministry of CCEF so I consider it a great honor and a high privilege to get to serve in this way. I can't hardly wait!

In preparation for the conference, CCEF ran a new version of my article on how to keep gossip out of prayer requests.



My heart is full of thanks to God for all of these blessings (and also the countless ones I have no idea He's sending me). May He get the glory now and forever.

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Resisting Gossip Adult VBS Class at the Federated Church

Earlier this Summer, my friend Ed Huntley, a pastor at The Federated Church sent me this note about Resisting Gossip:

***

Hey Matt,

Ed Huntley here, to tell you that the book that Connie and I bought when we saw you in April is going to be used, along with your videos and the group workbook (both of which I just ordered), when I lead our Adult Vacation Bible School here in August.

Connie has devoured the book, and I'm going to be reading it this coming week on vacation, and I suspect that it's going to bear some good fruit in our lives and in the lives of the people we're serving.

Just wanted to encourage you with this news, and I'll be giving you a report after the AVBS, assuming the folks don't run me out of town for ruining their fun!

Bless you, brother!

Ed.

***

And just yesterday, he sent along his full report with permission to share it with you. How encouraging! What a joy it is to see God using this material in ministry to His church.

***

Hey Matt, here's my report. In a word, it was GREAT! As I wrote the other day, the people were VERY interested in your material and greatly challenged by it. They also enjoyed the way that you delivered the message, with a different setting each lesson.

I've attached the note-taking sheets that I prepared for each lesson. You might want to take a couple of minutes to review what I did, because it will show you how a fellow pastor used your material. I showed your lesson, and they took notes, and then we discussed what we heard, to make sure everybody "got it" and to apply the lesson.

The positive critiques are many: your teaching is solid, your delivery is so creative, your focus on the sin is strong and your application of the gospel is equally strong. You make people squirm but you also give them hope; you're an excellent pastor/teacher!

One small "negative" critique: the audio on lesson 10 was very different from every other lesson, too much bass, difficult to understand at certain points. Perhaps it was a problem on only my DVD?

Here's the ultimate compliment: One of our students is teaching a ladies' Sunday School class, and she asked if she could show the material to her class. I passed it on to her on the last day, and they will be studying it starting this coming Sunday! So your teaching is going to continue to ruin people's fun, for the glory of God!

Blessings,

Ed

***

Note for those new to these resources: The videos Ed is talking about are free, downloadable, and shareable on this website. The group workbooks he's mentioning are Resisting Gossip Together (linked to extra material here) and correspond lesson by lesson with each video and each chapter in Resisting Gossip.

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A Second Printing for "Resisting Gossip Together!"

Rejoice with me!

CLC Publications has had to order a second printing of Resisting Gossip Together, the participant's guide and Bible study.

To learn more about Resisting Gossip Together, read this interview I did with the Biblical Counseling Coalition.

I also have a page on this blog dedicated to extra resources that fit with RGT and each lesson in the book also has a corresponding video that teaches the essential message of each chapter.

It's wonderful to hear stories of people who are using RGT to deepen their understanding of the biblical teaching on gossip and also bring together a study group to work through the material with one another.

Pastor Brad Bigney of Grace Fellowship Church in Florence Kentucky recently said, "A+++ I would use them again." So encouraging!

A great place to purchase Resisting Gossip Together is Westminster Bookstore who also has a starter pack of 5 books and study guides at 35% off the list price.

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"Fire and Stone" - New Album by the Gray Havens

We are rejoicing with our friends, Dave and Licia Radford, who are also our favorite band, The Gray Havens, on the release of their new album "Fire and Stone" on iTunes.

"Fire and Stone" consists of 10 new songs written by the Radfords. It's consistent with the style and themes of their first album "Where Eyes Don't Go" but also develops new evocative sounds, more energy, and even deeper lyrics.

Introduction Video




1. Inheritance

Nautical allusions and allegory with a strong declarative chorus:

We will treasure and we will hold on.
To the light, the light before us.
We'll be confident, we'll be bold
If we know that the Light is for us.

2. Songs in the Night

A searching song about the heart-breaking love of our Savior.



3. The Stone

This was released last Easter season. The "stone" in the song has at least two meanings.

I love how Dave takes that first and last stone and carries it 100 yards for the touchdown!



Get all the lyrics in this video:



4. Sirens

Hold on, my heart!
You've tasted joy that's more than this!

A anthem about defeating temptation by the power of a greater promise. The animated video creatively captures both the feel and the message of the music.



5. Jack and Jill, pt. 2

This is my second favorite song on the album. I first got to hear it at our church when the Radfords first visited us. It's a whimsical feel good song with a glorious message about what Tolkien called "eucatastrophe."

We were feeling new. As if everything sad came untrue. 

The Radfords were kind enough to give us permission to use snippets of "Jack and Jill, pt.2" in each episode of the Resisting Gossip Video Teaching Series. In the blooper video below, we got to play most of the song.



6. Music, They Call Me

Dave loves to write stories and images into his songs. Here he got to personify music itself and tell its story. They go places musically in this one that they weren't able to ever before.

7. Stole My Fame (To: Grace)

This is easily my kids' favorite song on the album. We love to turn up the car radio when it comes on and sing along. It's catchy and fun but at the same time gets across the boast-defeating power of grace. I think that this is the song that makes the most of Licia's voice and shows her range.

I love their recently released video for "Stole My Fame." It's all done in one take and features some musicians from other well-known bands.



8. Under the Mountain

I can't say that I understand all the lyrics in this one, but I know it's about the wonders of heaven and when they soar in the song, I long for "the home of righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13).

Alleluia, welcome home!
Yes, I was home.

9. If the Walls Move

A completely different metaphor for the Christian life.

10. Far Kingdom

My favorite song--full of longing and the anticipation of ever-increasing joy.

There’s a river we will know
Ever clear and ever full
From the fount that overflows
In the light of the King
And when we drink it we will find
That this joy, ever full, will ever rise
And it’ll rise on, in the kingdom
In the kingdom





Have you bought your copy yet? What are you waiting for?!

Congratulations, Dave and Licia, on this milestone. Thank for you "Fire and Stone!"

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The Gossip Mask of Shame

My kids found this in one of the books they're reading for school.

The caption says, "A German 'mask of shame' worn by women found guilty of gossiping."

Ouch. 

A few questions and thoughts about this mask:

1. Where is the corresponding mask for men found gossiping?

2. What kind of gossip qualified a lady for this costume? Slanderous? Idle? Malicious? Careless?

3. I'm sure this was effective at curtailing the outward behavior, for a time, for certain folks. But it probably pushed the gossip into even more sneaky modes because it doesn't really get at the core problem.

4. The worst part of this approach, I think, is that it's not redemptive. There is no place to go with the shame. Thankfully, followers of Christ have a safe place to run.

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Fantastic Prices on "Resisting Gossip Together" Packs at WTSBooks.com

I am humbled by the strong affirmation of our new Resisting Gossip resources by the folks at Westminster Bookstore.

Today, they announced their special sale prices in their e-newsletter, including a 5/5 pack of Resisting Gossip and Resisting Gossip Together at 47% off the retail price and $36 less than what it would cost on Amazon to buy them!

I was so encouraged by the letter by a WTS staff member included in the special offer. He said:

Amen. May it be so, to God's glory.

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Mail Call

Look what came in the mail this weekend!

Me and Resistiendo el Chisme

Me and Resisting Gossip Together

All four Resisting Gossip resources, including the new DVD of the video teaching series!

Nothing like physical copies to make it all seem real. I'm a blessed man.

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"Gossip and Prayer Requests" Guest Posts

Yesterday, Ed Stetzer and the Biblical Counseling Coalition both ran versions of my "Gossip and Prayer Requests" article on their blogs, which makes 3 guest post versions of the article, including the LifeNotes one from last week.

So encouraging to see this get out to more people!

Ed Stetzer's "The Exchange" Blog

The Biblical Counseling Coalition "Grace and Truth" Blog

Life Notes LifeLetter Cafe

---

Resisting Gossip Together was released on Tuesday, October 7th.

View The Resisting Gossip Video Teaching Series online or order the DVD.

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Sweet Tweets

So encouraging to start getting some good feedback on Resisting Gossip Together and the new videos.

Thank you, friends, for helping get out the word these new resources exist!

I'm finding these videos by Matt Mitchell (@ResistingGossip) helpful. On the nature of gossip and avoiding it: http://t.co/H84ZXYS74s
— Matt Perman (@mattperman) October 10, 2014

New free video curriculum from @ResistingGossip http://t.co/0oQX31u503
— David Murray (@davidpmurray) October 9, 2014

Looking for a great resource to promote unity in your church? http://t.co/z5g9USirTt @ResistingGossip @alversonboyd @BruceABorders
— David JB Miller (@DavidJBMiller) October 5, 2014

Check out the new Resisting Gossip resources from Matt Mitchell (MDiv '98)! http://t.co/q183AhQLaR
— TEDS Alumni (@TEDSAlumni) October 3, 2014

I want to commend to you my good friend Matt's new video teaching series on resisting gossip. You can find the book and small group...
— Sean Matthew O'Brien (@seanmattobrien) October 6, 2014

Share Check out "Resisting Gossip Teaching Series: Trailer" on Vimeo http://t.co/uHJhfPsWv2 #Vimeo #resistinggossip #mattmitchell
— Ed Catherman (@enc2000) October 10, 2014

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A Interview about "Resisting Gossip Together"

The Biblical Counseling Coalition has posted a brief interview with me about Resisting Gossip Together and also included the complete course of teaching videos.

Questions include:

1. How does Resisting Gossip Together relate to your previous book, Resisting Gossip?

2. “What is unique about Resisting Gossip Together? How is it designed?”

3. Tell us more about the videos that go along with Resisting Gossip Together.

4. What are your hopes for these resources?

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Resisting Gossip Together In Only 6 Weeks

Only 6 Weeks

A group leader recently wrote me with this question, "I will be teaching a six week class at my church using the Resisting Gossip Materials starting in November. Could you let me know what 6 chapters you would pick to focus on, since I won’t have 10 weeks to work with?"

I thought that my response might be helpful for others using the materials under the same constraints:

Here are some possibilities depending on what your goals for the class are:

Option 1

When I do the Resisting Gossip Live Seminar, I don't normally get into the stuff in the later chapters (responding to gossip, regretting gossip, church chapter). So, you could just do the first 6 chapters. That's a simple plan and focuses everything on just the teaching on resisting the temptation to gossip. At the seminar, I normally have Q&A time where I share thoughts on the material in #7-10, as well.

Lesson #1.    What, Exactly, Is Gossip?
Lesson #2.    Why Do We Gossip?
Lesson #3.     A Gallery of Gossips
Lesson #4.    Believing the Best
Lesson #5.     Instead of Gossip: Speaking
Lesson #6.    Instead of Gossip: Listening

Option 2

You can combine a few of the chapters and skip the church chapter. Then you're not dividing up the material as much but still covering everything. Have the group read two chapters but only have one discussion.

1. Lesson #1.    What, Exactly, Is Gossip?
2. Lesson #2.    Why Do We Gossip?
    Lesson #3.     A Gallery of Gossips
3. Lesson #4.    Believing the Best
4. Lesson #5.     Instead of Gossip: Speaking
    Lesson #6.    Instead of Gossip: Listening
5. Lesson #7.    Responding in Faith
    Lesson #8.     Responding in Love
6. Lesson #9.    Regretting Gossip

Option 3

One more approach is to combine it a different way and skip the judging and regretting chapters. Participants can read those on their own and bring the ideas into the discussion if there's time.

1. Lesson #1.    What, Exactly, Is Gossip?
2. Lesson #2.    Why Do We Gossip?
3. Lesson #3.     A Gallery of Gossips
4. Lesson #5.     Instead of Gossip: Speaking
    Lesson #6.    Instead of Gossip: Listening
5. Lesson #7.    Responding in Faith
    Lesson #8.     Responding in Love
6. Lesson #10.   Gossip and Our Church

The option is always available for people to watch the videos for multiple lessons but only discuss some of them.

Your Turn

What plan might you use? Leave a comment with how you would do it.

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Thank You!

Acknowledgments for Resisting Gossip Together.

I am a grateful man because I am a blessed man.

Thank you, Heather Joy, for your steadfast love through the ups and downs and twists and turns of this “book thing.” I am a blessed husband. I love you.

Thank you, Robin, Andrew, Peter, and Isaac for being such cheerleaders for Daddy’s book. I am a blessed father.

Thank you, Chuck and Anita Mitchell, for your listening ears, earnest counsel, and overwhelming support. I am a blessed son.

Thank you, Lanse Free Church Family, for praying me through this process and for letting me set aside time to write this guide and to produce the videos. We, as a church, are resisting gossip together! I am a blessed pastor.

Thanks, Gary Foster, for ably representing me once again as my intrepid agent. And thank you, David Almack and your growing team at CLC Publications. It’s a humbling joy to see these resources come into existence and help people around the world. Thanks for giving the videos away online! I am a blessed author.

Thank you, Laurel Eriksen, for the webdesign of matt-mitchell.blogspot.com, especially adding the new page with resources for Resisting Gossip Together. And thank you, Elizabeth Nelson, Dennis Wadsworth, and Dan Ledford for some on-the-spot editing at just the right moment. I am blessed to have you as my friends.

Thank you, David Platt, for the idea of adding “together” to the name of the study guide. When I first read Radical Together, I loved the concept of building community around this teaching. That’s what it’s all about!

Thank you, Spencer Folmar of Third Brother Films, for producing the Resisting Gossip Video Series with such high quality. I wouldn’t have believed that it could be so much fun!

I’m really grateful for those folks who opened up their homes, businesses, or other sites for us to shoot the videos “on location.” Thank you, Cody & Holly Crumrine, Jerome Nevling, Tom & Leesa Folmar, Maxine Orwick of the West Branch Dairy Diner (a.k.a. “The Pumpkin House”), Jeff Spanogle and the Clearfield Alliance Christian School, Bob Selfridge of TMM Data, Joe Greenland and the board of the Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery, and Lanse Evangelical Free Church.

Thank you, Susan Stallings, for being my biggest collaborator on this project. Thanks for sharing all of your notes with me from your women’s Bible studies and giving me permission to freely use your ideas for digging deeper–especially those helpful charts. You’ve taught this material on resisting gossip more than anyone but me! I love your commitment to inductive Bible study and not just fluffy storytelling. Thanks also for your lighting-fast and eagle-eyed editing of the first drafts. This little book may not have ever been finished without you, and it certainly wouldn’t have been as good. I am a blessed nephew.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for these people who have blessed me in so many ways. You are the greatest giver and the best gift of all. May you and your Father get all the glory.

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"Resisting Gossip Together" Releases Today!

Rejoice with me!

My new book Resisting Gossip Together: Participant's Guide and Bible Study is now officially available. I'm grateful to CLC Publications for partnering with me to provide this resource to individuals and groups that want to go deeper in learning how to win the war of the wagging tongue.

Read the introduction here to get a sense of what RGT is all about (see also this interview). You can also find additional information and articles to stimulate further thought at together.resistinggossip.com.

The DVD with the complete Resisting Gossip Video Teaching Series is now

officially available, as well. The entire film series is free for streaming, downloading, and sharing online, too.

A lot to celebrate today. Praise the Lord!

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Even More Ideas for Group Leaders Using "Resisting Gossip Together"

An appendix to the Leaders' Guide in Resisting Gossip Together
by Susan Stallings* and Matt Mitchell

Lesson One 

How about starting the first lesson with a party-game of “Telephone?”

There are several versions online:

15 Phrases for the Telephone Game
E-How to Play the Telephone Game
WIKI-HOW How To Play the Telephone Game

You could make some “Buckeyes” or another choice morsel and enjoy them as you talk.

---

A Recipe for Buckeyes

by Heather Mitchell

Ingredients

18 oz jar of crunchy peanut butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 T. vanilla
1/2c. softened butter
12 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 bar of paraffin

Directions

1. Mix and roll peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and butter into balls.

2. Put a toothpick in each ball and chill in the freezer.

3. Melt chocolate and paraffin together in double boiler and partially dip balls, leaving top plain to resemble a Buckeye.

---

The Digging Deeper section for Lesson 1 fits nicely between questions 2 and 3 of the Questions for Group Discussion.

You can apply inductive study techniques (observation, interpretation, application) to the Digging Deeper Romans passage by having your students ask the “Who, what, why, when, and how” questions.

You might also ask, “Who benefits from gossip?”  (Gossip magazines, media, people who need to know)

Some additional Scriptures to consider:

- James 3:2  - Does everyone fall prey to gossip?

- Proverbs 6:16-19 – How many things on this list relate to gossip?

- Word study:  Discuss the difference between the two possible root words for gossip in Proverbs 18:8 and 26:22, halam and laham.  How might both root words convey an accurate description of the consequences of gossip?

Be sure to end on a positive note with God’s promises to help us deal with this sin.


Lesson Two

You might ask the group to share their favorite book, movie, family story (as long as it is not gossip!), or favorite author. What stories do they like?

The Digging Deeper Bible Study fits nicely between questions 3 and 4 of the Questions for Group Discussion.

You could apply inductive study techniques to the Romans passage in Question 5.  Ask the Who, What, Where, When, and How questions.  There is a good contrast in this passage.  Have your group make two lists – one describing what they were like as a slave to sin and another what they are like as a slave to God. Discuss their observations.

For visual learners, you can make a visual aid representing the truths found in the passages in the Digging Deeper Bible Study, especially Question 4.  Draw a large heart and record words that represent these truths.


Lesson Three

Be sure to use the chart in the Digging Deeper Bible Study. Read and discuss together each of the Scriptures on the chart for the five gossips. Tackle each type individually.

For visual learners, if you have a white board, create the chart and fill it in as your discussion progresses.

The Digging Deeper Bible Study fits nicely between questions 1 and 2 of the Questions for Group Discussion.

Word Studies. In addition to rakil and nirgan, you could lead your group in a study of other Hebrew and Greek words translated “gossip” or related to the concept.

Lashon Seter, Proverbs 25:23

Dibbah, Genesis 37:1, Ezekiel 36:3, Proverbs 10:18

Psithurismos, Romans 1:29, 2 Corinthians 12:20 (This word even sounds like a snake!)

Pluaros, 1 Timothy 5:13, 3 John 10

Dilogos and Diabolos, 1 Timothy 3:8, 3:11, Titus 2:3


Lesson Four

Refer to last week’s chart to discuss the ways each type of gossip is being judgmental.

Discuss these additional Scriptures for being discerning:

- I Kings 3:9, Ezekiel 44:23; Proverbs 15:14; Hebrews 5:14

Do a further word study on katalaleo.

For visual learners you can create a visual aid showing the contrast between a gossip and a Christ-like person as your discussion progresses.

The Digging Deeper Bible Study in Lesson 4 is an extension of Question 4 in the Questions for Group Discussion.


Lesson Five

The warm-up question about accountability might fit better at the end for some groups.

For visual learners, if you have a white board, create the chart on page 46 and fill it in as your discussion progresses.

The Digging Deeper Bible Study fits nicely between questions 2 and 3 of the Questions for Group Discussion.

Ask your group to list ways they can be encouraging to others, things they actually might do or say.

Additional Scriptures – If time, your group can read and discuss the power of the tongue in James 3:1-17.


Lesson Six

The Digging Deeper Bible Study in Lesson 6 is an extension of Question 2 in the Questions for Group Discussion.

Ask the Who, What, Where, When and How questions for the Ephesians 5 passage.

For visual learners, recreate the chart on the board as the group discusses their answers.

Word Study – mimatai – we get our word for mimeograph from that Greek word. It means to make an exact copy of, i.e. to “Xerox” God by sacrificially loving others. In Ephesians 5:1 we are told to be imitators of God.

Additional Scriptures – If time, your group can read and discuss:

- Col. 1:9 – prayer for understanding of God’s will

- Ephesians 4:14-16 – how to avoid listening to the schemes of men


Lesson Seven

The Digging Deeper Bible Study for Lesson 7 fits nicely between questions 1 and 2 of the Questions for Group Discussion.

Along with Group Discussion Question #2, apply inductive study methods to Psalm 140. Who is David speaking with? What kind of relationship does he have with God? What does David ask of God? Why? How does David describe the men who are against him?  How does he describe God?

For the visual learner, list on the board what David asks of God: “Rescue me, Protect me, Keep me, [give me] mercy.”  In another column list the attributes of God that David acknowledges: “Sovereign, strong deliverer, shield, One who secures justice.” Discuss these attributes and why they would give us confidence to trust God with our reputations.

You could also recreate the chart from the Digging Deeper section for the visual learner.

Additional Scriptures – often we need to be patient to wait on the Lord for deliverance from our situation.  Study James 5:7-11, Psalm 130:5, Isaiah 64:4, Romans 8:28, 32.


Lesson Eight

Ask “What does it look like to love someone who is gossiping about you?”  Ask if anyone has had the opportunity to respond in love to a gossip.

For the visual learner put on the board the answers to the question, “When we pray for our enemies, what are some things we should pray for?” (pages 127-128)

Additional scriptures:

- Prov. 17:9, 2 Sam 16:5-13 – King David accepted criticism because he realized God allowed it in his life. God may want to teach us something!

The Digging Deeper Bible Study for Lesson 8 is an extension of Question 5 in the Questions for Group Discussion.

Apply inductive study techniques to the 1 Peter passage in the Digging Deeper Bible Study.  Ask students to list what we are to do if we want to love life and see good days. Then list what else we are to do according to vs. 14-16. Ask your group to think about how to apply these truths in their own lives.


Lesson Nine

The Digging Deeper Bible Study for Lesson 9 is an extension of Question 2 in the Questions for Group Discussion.

For the visual learner, recreate the chart for I John 1:5 – 2:2. Fill it in as group members give the answers.

Additional Scripture and word study – atonement – to cover over.  What did atonement mean in the Old Testament?  Leviticus 16:20-22, 30. Why did it have to be a blood sacrifice?  Leviticus 17:11. What is our response to be?  Hebrews 10:19-25.

Discussion Question 6 is optional. Some groups will want to skip it. Others will use it as a wrap-up of all that has been studied thus far. If your group does it, use a whiteboard and have group members list the characteristics of one who walks with God. Discuss which qualities in Psalm 15 pertain to gossip.


Lesson Ten

In your discussion of Lesson 10, you could shift the focus from your local church to your family or your close circle of Christian friends.

The Digging Deeper Bible Study fits nicely between questions 3 and 4 of the Questions for Group Discussion.

The leader can apply inductive study techniques to the Ephesians 4 passage in Digging Deeper. Ask the “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How” questions.

For the visual learner, list on the board the answers to Question 4,  Ephesians 4:4-6.

For the visual learner you can list on the board the strategies for unity:

1. Pray Hard

2. Agree to “Bear With” Not “Bite” Each Other.

3. Be Extra Careful with Reputations

4. Call Each Other Out

5. Remember the Gospel

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*I’m extremely grateful to Susan Stallings for writing the first draft of this list. She has taught through this material several times to various groups and spent many hours brainstorming and recording ideas for group leaders. I’ve whittled the list down a bit, translated some of it into my own words, and sprinkled in some ideas of my own. If you’re trying to figure out which of us wrote what–she came up with all the good ones.

What are your thoughts? Please leave a comment with your best ideas for maximizing a group learning experience in resisting gossip.

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[Matt's Messages] The Resisting Gossip Sermon Series

Flashback to 2011.

Read or listen to the original sermon series (manuscripts and audio) that formed the basis for Resisting Gossip.

Resisting Gossip Together releases this coming Tuesday.

You can also view thew new Resisting Gossip Video Teaching Series online or order the DVD.

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