Description
In a moment when empathy is often misunderstood — and sometimes dismissed as weakness — “On the Road to Empathy” invites churches to return to Scripture and rediscover empathy as a deeply Christian practice.
This four-session Fresh Outlook Bible Studies resource uses the powerful metaphor of the road to explore how empathy is formed, challenged and transformed through encounter. Drawing on stories from Luke’s Gospel and the Book of Acts, participants are invited to walk alongside biblical characters, examine their own socialization and blind spots, and practice holding one another’s stories with care and curiosity.
Designed for adult education, small groups and churchwide studies, this resource blends biblical study, reflection, discussion and embodied practices to help communities move from awareness to action.
What’s included
Four fully developed sessions, each built around a road metaphor:
- Intersections on the road to empathy – exploring life stories, socialization and the danger of single narratives
- Blind spots on the road to empathy – examining bias, privilege and transformation through the Damascus Road
- Hijacked on the road to empathy – learning how stories are distorted and how to hold them with care
- U-turns on the road to empathy – practicing presence, proximity to pain and empathetic action
Each session includes:
- Leader preparation notes
- Clear learning goals and talking points
- Scripture study grounded in Luke and Acts
- Thoughtful discussion questions
- Optional videos, creative exercises and embodied practices
- Opening and closing prayers
Sample
Want a sample? You can view one here.
Why this study matters
“On the Road to Empathy” speaks directly to the polarized, weary context many congregations are navigating. It helps participants:
- Understand empathy as a faithful response rooted in Scripture
- Recognize how culture, power and privilege shape perception
- Practice listening without hijacking others’ stories
- Move from empathy toward action and solidarity
- Build trust and depth within Christian community
Rather than offering easy answers, this study creates space for honest conversation, vulnerability and transformation.
Who this study is for
- Adult education classes
- Small groups and book studies
- Confirmation or young adult groups (with adaptation)
- Church leaders seeking tools for faithful dialogue
- Congregations engaging questions of justice, difference and belonging
Format details
- Length: Four sessions
- Format: Downloadable PDF
- Use: In-person or hybrid settings
- Publisher: The Presbyterian Outlook
- Copyright: © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook
A Fresh Outlook Bible study
Fresh Outlook Bible Studies are designed to help churches engage Scripture thoughtfully and courageously, bringing biblical texts into conversation with contemporary life, faithful questioning and lived experience.
Bundle and save
The Fresh Outlook series also includes the young adult bible study lessons: “God in the Mirror,” “Sex and the Bible,” “The Devil You Say,” “Breathe” “What’s Your Superpower?,” “Badass Women of the Bible,” “Revelation: Professing Christ Today” and “Friendship.”
If you purchase three lessons, you get a discount of $15 off your total order. Use the discount code “Fresh3” at checkout.
If you purchase six lessons, you get a discount of $30 off your total order. Use the discount code “Fresh6” at checkout.
See all Fresh Outlook lessons.
Testimonials
“Young people yearn for real conversations, strong bible study and relevant faith practices. Fresh Outlook Bible Studies does just that, essential for our faith formation in the church.”
— Michelle Thomas-Bush, associate pastor for youth and their families at Myers Park Presbyterian Church
“Every once in a while, something comes along that I can use immediately and completely. Fresh Outlook …falls into this category; they are superbly written, highly engaging, easy to use, and deep.
Yes, these units would make spring planning a breeze for your youth and young adult faith formation time. They are excellent. But don’t silo them just to your traditional Sunday School hour! These would be a wonderful choice to use in midweek enrichment classes … Imagine the power of a weekend-long family retreat using one of these units. … I’d also love to see church councils spend time with these lessons. Working together through some of the issues that matter most to our youth and young adults, learning new resources for these types of conversations, and acquiring knowledge to help make ministry decisions would all be invaluable. Get these. You won’t regret it.”
— Elizabeth Christie, Practical Resources for Churches resource center
“When you are in ministry with college students, you can spend hours looking for a good curriculum you can use for Bible study. Is the topic interesting? How much time will you have to spend editing it to work in your own context — and do you have that time? Do you have the materials you will need? Can you hand it to a student leader?
Look no further because the Fresh Outlook Bible Studies curriculum is here! Published by the Presbyterian Outlook, they are resources that can be trusted to combine an awareness of the spiritual lives of young adults with theological and biblical integrity. I highly recommend these easy-to-use resources.”
— Gini Norris-Lane, executive director of UKirk Campus Ministries in the Presbyterian Mission Agency
About the author
The Rev. Dr. Robyn Byrd Michalove is the associate pastor for mission at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, Texas, where she has served since 2004. Robyn is a graduate of Trinity University in San Antonio with a bachelor’s in speech communication and Spanish. She earned her M.Div. from Wake Forest University School of Divinity and her D.Min from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth.
