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We Saved You a Seat - Bible Study Book: Finding and Keeping Lasting Friendships
"How are you?"
"Fine."
In today's busy world, we're wired to appear "fine," warding off authenticity and shielding ourselves from judgment. We hide behind the hum of busyness to escape intimate friendships with the women God has placed in our lives.
But we do want a seat at the table. We yearn for authentic relationships and the opportunity to be the opposite of "fine" with people who cheer for us. But comparison, envy, and entitlement often stop us from pulling out a chair at the table. Friendship can be hard, making new friends even harder, and maintaining genuine friendship the hardest of all.
In this 7-session Bible study, Lisa-Jo Baker and friends from (in)courage explore our relationship with Jesus as the ultimate model for authentic friendship. Nothing shapes us like the impact of a friend--it's how Jesus radically and intimately connects with us. So instead of chasing perfection, overcome your fear of being known and find the courage to connect.
Features:
Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups
Personal study segments with homework to complete between 7 weeks of group sessions
Benefits:
Explore your relationship with Jesus as a model for friendship.
Debunk the myth of effortless friendship.
Overcome the fear of knowing and being known.
Stop running from friendship and find the courage to connect.
"Fine."
In today's busy world, we're wired to appear "fine," warding off authenticity and shielding ourselves from judgment. We hide behind the hum of busyness to escape intimate friendships with the women God has placed in our lives.
But we do want a seat at the table. We yearn for authentic relationships and the opportunity to be the opposite of "fine" with people who cheer for us. But comparison, envy, and entitlement often stop us from pulling out a chair at the table. Friendship can be hard, making new friends even harder, and maintaining genuine friendship the hardest of all.
In this 7-session Bible study, Lisa-Jo Baker and friends from (in)courage explore our relationship with Jesus as the ultimate model for authentic friendship. Nothing shapes us like the impact of a friend--it's how Jesus radically and intimately connects with us. So instead of chasing perfection, overcome your fear of being known and find the courage to connect.
Features:
Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups
Personal study segments with homework to complete between 7 weeks of group sessions
Benefits:
Explore your relationship with Jesus as a model for friendship.
Debunk the myth of effortless friendship.
Overcome the fear of knowing and being known.
Stop running from friendship and find the courage to connect.
157 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2017
27 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 15, 2018
Overall good Bible study to do with friends. Workbook type Bible study with DVD and discussion questions for a group. I definitely liked the first few weeks of study better than the last few.
August 25, 2018
This study was really enjoyable. The videos were short (10 min) and the book had great information that I never considered before with relation to friendship. It started off strong but the last 2 chapters were a bit of a drag. The best part of the study was that homework was only 3 days a week. It was a totally realistic amount compared to other studies that have daily homework.
October 9, 2017
The full book "Never Unfriended" is much more worth your time and more detailed in her examination of what it means to be a friend. However, the bible study version is a solid 6-week choice for a group with thoughtful questions and commentary. The videos are anedotal and repetitive to the book rather than solid content so preview and use only as you wish.
May 31, 2019
I struggled with some of Lisa's theology but overall it opened our group up to some really good conversations about friendship and Scripture. I would recommend but with the preface that she often misinterprets Scripture to get to her point.
May 4, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed going through this Bible study on making and maintaining long lasting Christian friendships. The commentary was vulnerable and enlightening. It is so good to learn about fostering the friendships that really matter!
May 18, 2024
When I watched the first session, I thought this wasn't for me. I don't have a group of ladies to gather around a table with, or even long-term relationships. Many ladies have quit me, or I quit them. But as I did the activities and watched the session videos, I realized I needed this. I needed to hear how to go first to make friends. I needed to hear that their efforts didn't always work. I may not have what these ladies have, but I am like them.
I just finished a BSF study on the gospel of John. In it I saw that hunger and thirst are normal things that people often fill with empty solutions rather than God. He promises to satisfy our souls if we eat and drink of Him (John 6:35). We just need to be willing to receive it (PG. 47). Friendship is the same. We need to receive it.
I learned some skills for creating friends:
-love your neighbor as the Samaritan did--unexpectedly, generously, giving them your time
-love them the way they need to be loved
-love sees the best in a friend
-your true self is a gift to give your friend
-resist the enemy's crippling thoughts of comparison, jealousy (pg. 59)
-envy or jealousy are carnal reactions; ask the Spirit to help you be spiritual instead
-bear others burdens, but not their abuse or dysfunction or responsibility
Again, I was inspired by Jonathan's story. He could have been jealous of David like his father, King Saul was, but Jonathan chose friendship. He could have begrudged losing his chance at being king, but he chose to align himself with what God was doing and be David's friend and support.
The best activity for me was writing hurts on sticky notes and then praying about them until God helps me let go and forgive. I liked Aliza's story about the man from Uganda that lived next door to the man who killed his family. She asked him how he could live there and he told her that he practiced forgiveness. To him, practice forgiving meant choosing to forgive others daily until one day it sticks.
Still, I think this study is confusing. It assumes the reader has relationship skills, when they might not. I still don't feel like I have what I need to be vulnerable. I don't know what they mean? When I share what I think or where I really am, people say it's too much. Other times, people say I'm not vulnerable enough.
I think we need to be satisfied in God and stable or healthy emotionally before we can connect to another and give and receive friendship. I also think the ladies are wise to say God should choose our friends. Only He knows who I need and who needs me and what we're ready for. I hope to find friends that know God and who's company will transform me instead of hurt me.
I just finished a BSF study on the gospel of John. In it I saw that hunger and thirst are normal things that people often fill with empty solutions rather than God. He promises to satisfy our souls if we eat and drink of Him (John 6:35). We just need to be willing to receive it (PG. 47). Friendship is the same. We need to receive it.
I learned some skills for creating friends:
-love your neighbor as the Samaritan did--unexpectedly, generously, giving them your time
-love them the way they need to be loved
-love sees the best in a friend
-your true self is a gift to give your friend
-resist the enemy's crippling thoughts of comparison, jealousy (pg. 59)
-envy or jealousy are carnal reactions; ask the Spirit to help you be spiritual instead
-bear others burdens, but not their abuse or dysfunction or responsibility
Again, I was inspired by Jonathan's story. He could have been jealous of David like his father, King Saul was, but Jonathan chose friendship. He could have begrudged losing his chance at being king, but he chose to align himself with what God was doing and be David's friend and support.
The best activity for me was writing hurts on sticky notes and then praying about them until God helps me let go and forgive. I liked Aliza's story about the man from Uganda that lived next door to the man who killed his family. She asked him how he could live there and he told her that he practiced forgiveness. To him, practice forgiving meant choosing to forgive others daily until one day it sticks.
Still, I think this study is confusing. It assumes the reader has relationship skills, when they might not. I still don't feel like I have what I need to be vulnerable. I don't know what they mean? When I share what I think or where I really am, people say it's too much. Other times, people say I'm not vulnerable enough.
I think we need to be satisfied in God and stable or healthy emotionally before we can connect to another and give and receive friendship. I also think the ladies are wise to say God should choose our friends. Only He knows who I need and who needs me and what we're ready for. I hope to find friends that know God and who's company will transform me instead of hurt me.
April 6, 2018
Have you ever wondered what would it take to be included? How can you make friends in new surroundings? How can you take the courage to reach out to other women? I have and so I participated in Lifeway’s online bible study We Saved You a Seat by Lisa-Jo Baker. This bible study is for both women and teens.
For me it has been a struggle to find friends since I moved to Georgia. While I have some great friends that I see from time to time Lynn, April, and Dawn. I don’t really have people that I see on a regular basis. This study appealed to me for possibly making a change that might bring more people into my life, and give me a chance to bless others.
Here are the supplies needed for this study. You will need the study guide for We Saved You a Seat, the DVDs or digital downloads, and last but not least a group of friends to share it with. Of course don’t forget your bible. Choose the meeting format that works best for you. Don’t forget to plan something fun!
The video sessions begin with Lisa and one her friends introducing the topic for discussion. The next segment is the group of ladies sitting together and discussing the topic. Lisa-Jo Baker is the leader of the discussion. They tackle various subjects on friendship such as: forgiveness, loving your friend, and reaching out to others. There is no fill in the blank, but there are discussion questions for the leader to use in the meeting with the group.
The homework sections are very short. The format for the week is three days of homework, and a challenge for the fourth day. This format should be familiar to those who have participated in other Lifeway bible studies. Once you have reached the challenge of the week groups can decide how they would like to proceed.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this study. It was different than many of the other studies that I have participated in the past. Lisa-Jo Baker has a different teaching style but it worked for what the focus of the study is. It really made me think about relationships and how to get more plugged in with other women. I was not a huge fan of the group discussions. I think a teacher who teaches individually works better for me. I still feel this was a great study. I highly recommend it. The thought I will leave you with is how are you going to step out in faith today?
For me it has been a struggle to find friends since I moved to Georgia. While I have some great friends that I see from time to time Lynn, April, and Dawn. I don’t really have people that I see on a regular basis. This study appealed to me for possibly making a change that might bring more people into my life, and give me a chance to bless others.
Here are the supplies needed for this study. You will need the study guide for We Saved You a Seat, the DVDs or digital downloads, and last but not least a group of friends to share it with. Of course don’t forget your bible. Choose the meeting format that works best for you. Don’t forget to plan something fun!
The video sessions begin with Lisa and one her friends introducing the topic for discussion. The next segment is the group of ladies sitting together and discussing the topic. Lisa-Jo Baker is the leader of the discussion. They tackle various subjects on friendship such as: forgiveness, loving your friend, and reaching out to others. There is no fill in the blank, but there are discussion questions for the leader to use in the meeting with the group.
The homework sections are very short. The format for the week is three days of homework, and a challenge for the fourth day. This format should be familiar to those who have participated in other Lifeway bible studies. Once you have reached the challenge of the week groups can decide how they would like to proceed.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this study. It was different than many of the other studies that I have participated in the past. Lisa-Jo Baker has a different teaching style but it worked for what the focus of the study is. It really made me think about relationships and how to get more plugged in with other women. I was not a huge fan of the group discussions. I think a teacher who teaches individually works better for me. I still feel this was a great study. I highly recommend it. The thought I will leave you with is how are you going to step out in faith today?
July 19, 2023
The only reason I even finished this study was because I did it with a group…. That said, it took me over a month AFTER our final meeting to actually finish the few bits I hadn’t read along the way.. 😅
I found it incredibly difficult to do all of my reading each week. I found it boring and irritating. This book lacks the “meat and potatoes” that I desire from a study. It’s Biblically surface level, in my opinion, and it was more of a peek into Lisa-Jo’s friendships than it was about Jesus or the Bible in general. The point of each of the videos is mostly unfocused. They have little hints about the Bible, based on what she’s seen in her own friendships with the group of four other women (Lisa-Jo included) sitting at the table and discussing personal stories…
It’s important to note that I have never had trouble making or keeping friends. I did this study hoping to dive DEEP with the ladies present in my group, to maybe study some friendships from the Bible, and to find little nuggets to enhance my current and future friendships…
I am not walking away with anything insightful that makes this study worthwhile (for ME).
This study may be better suited for someone shy and/or introverted, who struggles in general to make friends, or wants help on how to go beyond “surface level” with their friends…
I’m really disappointed.
I found it incredibly difficult to do all of my reading each week. I found it boring and irritating. This book lacks the “meat and potatoes” that I desire from a study. It’s Biblically surface level, in my opinion, and it was more of a peek into Lisa-Jo’s friendships than it was about Jesus or the Bible in general. The point of each of the videos is mostly unfocused. They have little hints about the Bible, based on what she’s seen in her own friendships with the group of four other women (Lisa-Jo included) sitting at the table and discussing personal stories…
It’s important to note that I have never had trouble making or keeping friends. I did this study hoping to dive DEEP with the ladies present in my group, to maybe study some friendships from the Bible, and to find little nuggets to enhance my current and future friendships…
I am not walking away with anything insightful that makes this study worthwhile (for ME).
This study may be better suited for someone shy and/or introverted, who struggles in general to make friends, or wants help on how to go beyond “surface level” with their friends…
I’m really disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2021
There are many good points and advice in this book regarding friendships and taking the first step. Sometimes we struggle with being new to an area, church, or group and we don't know how to make new friends. I think this is especially true in this day with social media apps and websites that make us believe we have "friends," but do they count when you've never met? We need to engage, in person, and connect with others in positive and fulfilling ways, not just type words of encouragement to someone while sitting at home, alone. God designed us to interact with others, not to be a solitary.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 27:9
Colossians 3:13
Ecclesiastes 4:10
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 27:9
Colossians 3:13
Ecclesiastes 4:10
September 22, 2021
This was my second try through this study. I actually finished it all the way through this time. I don't identify very well with the subject matter. Yes, of course I have friends, but I don't struggle with the issues that this study deals with. I think this is applicable to many women, and there are some nuggets that I found helpful or interesting. It's just I don't experience friendship issues in quite this way. I do like that this had 3 lessons per chapter, when most studies of this nature have 5 lessons per chapter. It was easier to manage the material in this way.
December 31, 2017
This is more of a workbook and to really get the most out of it involves really putting work and thought into each chapter. I recommend this to anyone who has friends and wants to be the best kind of friend she can be.
March 12, 2018
Based on her book, Never Unfriended, this Bible study was certainly a pleasure to travel through. I just love Baker's honest approach, and her transparency is refreshing today! I would do this study again and again, as well as the book!
April 22, 2021
It has food for thought, but it doesn't dig deep enough into Scripture for me. I also questioned some of way the book seems to manipulate scripture in the beginning to try to match what is being discussed. I think this book is good for teenage girls, but it lacked depth.
June 1, 2023
Really good Bible study about friendships. Personally, it was a tough study only because I have no in person friends. 100% of my friendships are online. I will do this study again once I have an in-person friendship.
July 20, 2017
Very good points on maintaining friendships and went to let go. Challenging study.
September 16, 2017
What a wonderful bible study, I learned and gleaned so much.
November 7, 2017
This was a great Bible Study and the application tips are practical and doable for real life. I’m not a huge fan of the friendship challenges, but the information is very useful.
February 9, 2018
Not my favorite bible study that I've done.
July 22, 2018
Wonderful Bible study to do alone or with friends.
I felt closer to my friends and closer to Jesus while doing this study.
I felt closer to my friends and closer to Jesus while doing this study.
December 13, 2018
S1V1L1
December 19, 2018
What an incredibly insightful book on friendship! I did the teen version with my high school girls small group and they absolutely loved it!
June 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this bible study. I felt it fit right into my busy schedule. The videos that went along with it were exceptional. I really enjoy Lisa Jo Baker’s style of writing.
May 19, 2024
Excellent group Bible study or individual study. I learned so much.
June 19, 2025
it wasn't an amazing bible study-id say the Bible connections were a stretch. but it overall did help with a deeper friendship thought process and connection.
November 16, 2025
Great Bible study. Friendships are so important. It's a relationship. It must be worked on. I'll reference this for years to come.
August 29, 2018
Awesome biblical study on friendship which I don't think you see as much of with Bible studies. The homework was just the right balance of work without going over the top and the questions engaging.
September 17, 2018
The author should have stopped with her book "Never Unfriended".
This study didn't benefit me in anyway. When I watched the videos, I felt like pulling my hair. Too much giggles and it looked they were catching up for free under Lifeway banner.
It translated like the author was just interested in making quick bucks.
Don't waste your money.
This study didn't benefit me in anyway. When I watched the videos, I felt like pulling my hair. Too much giggles and it looked they were catching up for free under Lifeway banner.
It translated like the author was just interested in making quick bucks.
Don't waste your money.
July 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this study, it came at the perfect time and taught me so much.
October 18, 2018
Good bible study about friendship and opening yourself up to people
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews