Transcription
LEADERCONTENTTOOLBOX1
TABLE MPACTIf you have questions or need assistance withany of these resources or other resources, pleasereach out to your Spiritual Formation Pastor.They are ready to assist you!
SCRIPTUREBOOKS AND RESOURCES3
CHRIST-CENTERED EXPOSITIONDAVID PLATT, DANIEL L. AKIN, TONY MERIDAContent-Type: Chapter based book series (30 books) withdiscussion questionsLink to purchase: https://www.christcenteredexposition.comLevel of Engagement Needed: Medium-HighPro Tip: This devotional-style commentary will take any reader through the books of the Bible chapterby chapter. Each chapter exalts Jesus as the true hero of the Bible while providing the reader withpractical applications to live by and apply to their life. Every chapter ends with intentional discussionquestions that move the practical applications found in the chapter forward. These questions serve as agood basis for a guide to Group discussion. Regardless of where someone is in their faith journey, thesebooks are great for enriching a relationship with Jesus.THE PROBLEM OF GODMARK CLARKContent-Type: Chapter bookLink to book: https://amzn.to/3gFKmY8Link to Study Guide: https://amzn.to/3wJfEnCLevel of Engagement Needed: Medium-HighPro Tip: The Problem of God is written by a skeptic who became a Christian and then a pastor whileexploring answers to the most challenging questions raised against Christianity. Mark grew up in anatheistic home, and after his father’s death, began a skeptical search for truth through exploring science,philosophy, and history, asking the big questions of life, and eventually finding answers in Christianity.Using the study guide, Group Leaders will be able to form deep discussions with their group.4
THE CASE FOR CHRISTLEE STROBELContent-Type: Chapter based bookLink to book: https://amzn.to/3iS6ykyLink to Study Guide: https://amzn.to/3q5T4TPLevel of Engagement Needed: Medium-HighPro Tip: Skeptics dismiss the Jesus of the Gospels by claiming there is no evidence in the case for Christ.Lee Strobel disagrees. The former legal journalist and one-time atheist knew how to ask tough questions.His own search for the truth about Jesus led him to faith in Christ. The Case for Christ is a great Groupstudy for those looking to deepen their confidence in God’s Word. Utilizing the study guide, GroupLeaders will be able to host deepening conversations with their group.GROWN UP FAITHKEVIN MYERSContent-Type: Chapter based book with personal/group study guideLink to book: r-Life/dp/1400208459Link to Study Guide & Additional Resources: 12Stone.com/GrownUpFaithLevel of Engagement Needed: Low-MediumPro Tip:— Our Founding Pastor, Kevin, wrote this book because he believes the reason we don'texperience a transformed life is that we fail to grow up spiritually. We focus on developing physically,intellectually, emotionally, and financially, yet our faith remains immature and anemic. In this book,you find a deep yet simple road map to a grown-up faith through understanding the whole context of the Bible, developing spiritual intimacy with God, and gratefully embracing holy obedience.Using the leader guide, the Group Leader will lead rich conversations that will deepen their communityand each Group members faith.5
ADDITIONAL RIGHT NOW MEDIA RESOURCES:The Book of Colossians by Louie Gigliohttps://bit.ly/35zKqmZPsalm 23 by Matt Chandlerhttps://bit.ly/3zLEFRdThe Gospel of Mark by Francis Chanhttps://bit.ly/3vCSOg9First Peter by Mark Idlemanhttps://bit.ly/3gLOPrZThe Book of Judges by J.D. Greearhttps://bit.ly/3gD0PgXDust to Glory by R.C. Sproulhttps://bit.ly/3gBrYk86
PRAYERBOOKS AND RESOURCES7
A PRAYING LIFE: CONNECTING WITH GOD INA DISTRACTING WORLDPAUL MILLERContent-Type: Chapter based bookLink to purchase: https://amzn.to/3cPf6EYLink to Discussion Guide: https://amzn.to/3gKEFb7Level of Engagement Needed: MediumPro Tip: When Jesus describes the intimacy He seeks with us, He talks about joining us for dinner(Revelation 3:20). A Praying Life feels like having dinner with good friends. It is the way we experienceand connect to God. In A Praying Life, author Paul Miller lays out a pattern for living in a relationshipwith God and includes helpful habits and approaches to prayer that enable us to return to a childlikefaith. Using the Discussion Guide, Group Leaders can directly walk their group through meaningfulconversations that will deepen their prayer life collectively and privately.THE POWER OF KNOWING GODTONY EVANSContent-Type: Right Now Media or Chapter Book StudyLink to Book: https://amzn.to/3gCYVNlLink to Study Guide: https://amzn.to/3gLae4GRight Now Media: https://bit.ly/3wEdENBLevel of Engagement Needed: MediumPro Tip: Dr. Evans shares with you his strategies for developing an authentic, life-transformingconnection with God. This comprehensive resource provides insightful stories with practical applicationsto help you seek a deeper relationship with God. Groups can use either option of Right Now Media orthe book/study guide to walk through this journey to deepen their connection to God through prayer.8
THE ARMOR OF GODPRISCILLA SHIRERContent-Type: Chapter Book StudyLink to Book: https://amzn.to/3cRRP4WLevel of Engagement Needed: MediumPro Tip: All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you — unseen, unheard, yet felt throughoutevery aspect of your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreak havoc on everything that matters toyou: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams,your destiny. But his battle plan depends on catching you unaware and unarmed. If you’re tired of beingpushed around and caught with your guard down, this study is for you. Following the session guides andthe assigned weekly homework will help you and your group have a lively discussion about putting on thewhole armor of God.WHISPERMARK BATTERSONContent-Type: Right Now Media StudyRight Now Media: https://bit.ly/3zFWPnoLevel of Engagement Needed: MediumPro Tip: In this 4-session series, Mark Batterson teaches what it means for Christians to discern thevoice of God in their lives. He will introduce the seven love languages of God—each of them unique andentirely divine. By learning to tune in and decipher each language, Mark equips believers to hear God’sguidance and grow closer to Him. Use the leader guide and the participant handouts to guide yourGroup conversations as you learn to discern the voice of God.9
FORGOTTEN GODFRANCIS CHANContent-Type: Right Now Media and Book StudyBook Link: https://amzn.to/3gIX5KVRight Now Media: https://bit.ly/3qaeZsJLevel of Engagement Needed: MediumPro Tip: Francis Chan reminds us of the trustworthy source of the church’s power—the Holy Spirit.Chan contends that we’ve ignored the Spirit for far too long and that without Him, we operate inour own strength, only accomplishing human-sized results. This seven-session video resource offers acompelling invitation to understand, embrace, and follow the Holy Spirit’s direction in our lives. It isdesigned to initiate and facilitate discussion, interaction, and practical application of the message ofForgotten God. As a Group Leader, use the Right Now Media resources to guide your Group discussionsduring your weekly gathering. The book reading should be done during the week before your timetogether as a Group.ADDITIONAL BOOK RESOURCES:Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy KellerHope in the Dark by Craig GroeschelWhisper by Mark BattersonWinning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel10
WORSHIPBOOKS AND RESOURCES11
WORSHIP LIKE JESUSCONSTANCE CHERRYContent-Type: Book with discussion questionsLength of Study: 8 Sessions (or more)Link to purchase: https://amzn.to/3cRLC9vLevel of Engagement: Medium-HighPro Tip: Worship in local churches has changed dramatically over the past fifty years, not only inNorth America but in many places on every continent. Have these widespread and varying shifts leftus with vague or even false impressions of what the weekly worship event is all about? Do followers ofJesus Christ grasp the importance of their role in worship? Do they know how to become fully engagedparticipants? Do they realize Jesus himself is our best guide and model for worship?Worship Like Jesus guides Christ-followers through the essential features of Christian worship,transforming the reader’s understanding and experience of worship. This leads people—even entirecongregations—to experience worship in exciting and profound ways as never before. This type ofworship also leads people into deeper and more committed discipleship. Imagine a community of fullyengaged, deeply committed disciples!Each chapter follows the same helpful structure: IntroductionDescription of the chapter topic and its importanceDiscovery of Jesus’s own practiceDeliberation or reflection on how Jesus’s model makes a differenceDetermination—readers consider how their worship will be shaped as a result of thischapter; includes questions for reflection PrayerAt the end of each chapter, an exercise is suggested to help people take a practical step toward greaterparticipation and engagement. A Leader Guide is included as an Appendix. This equips pastors, worshipleaders, and others to facilitate group study of the book.12
STORY SHAPED WORSHIPROBBIE F. CASTLEMANContent-Type: Book with Discussion QuestionsLength of Study: 10 SessionsLink to Purchase: https://amzn.to/3gMJDEiLevel of Engagement: HighPro Tip: What is the right way to worship? “Right” worship does not require a return to the identicalforms found in the early church or later in Rome or after that in Westminster. It calls for a faithfulresponse today to the God of our salvation in light of those biblically ordered and historically informedpatterns. In this study, Robbie Castleman uncovers the fundamental shape of worship. What she findsoutlined in Scripture, enacted in Israel, refocused in the New Testament community, guarded by theapostolic fathers, and recovered in the Reformation is a grand narrative of redemption offering orderand meaning to all worshiping communities down to the present day. This is a theology-rich textbookthat is great for any group ready to dive deep into the meaning and practice of worship. Each weekincludes discussion questions for how to apply it further to our lives as worshippers.13
SACRED PATHWAYS: NINE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH GODGARY THOMASContent-Type: Book & Study GuideLength of Study: 5 SessionsLink to Book: https://amzn.to/3q6ulhYLink to Study Guide: https://amzn.to/3xwXkOBLevel of Engagement: MediumPro Tip: Sacred Pathways reveals nine distinct spiritual temperaments--and their strengths, weaknesses,and tendencies--to help you improve your spiritual life and deepen your walk with God. It’s time to stripaway the frustration of a one-size-fits-all spirituality and discover a path of worship that frees you tobe you. Experienced spiritual directors, pastors, and church leaders recognize that all of us engage withGod differently, and it’s about time we do too. Feel free to use the book by itself to guide your grouptime together or purchase the study guide alongside it.In this updated and expanded edition of Sacred Pathways, Gary Thomas details nine spiritualtemperaments. He encourages you to investigate the ways you most naturally express yourself in yourrelationship with God. He encourages you to dig into the traits, strengths, and pitfalls in yourdevotional approach so you can eliminate the barriers that keep you locked into rigid methods ofworship and praise.14
CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINERICHARD FOSTERContent-Type: Book & Journal WorkbookLength of Study: 13 SessionsLink to Book: https://amzn.to/3wIibOMLink to Workbook: https://amzn.to/3wAxSYmLevel of Engagement: HighPro Tip: Celebration of Discipline explores the “classic Disciplines,” or central spiritual practices, ofthe Christian faith. Along the way, Foster shows that it is only by and through these practices that thetrue path to spiritual growth can be found. Dividing the Disciplines into three movements of the Spirit,Foster shows how each of these areas contributes to a balanced spiritual life. The inward Disciplines ofmeditation, prayer, fasting, and study offer avenues of personal examination and change. The outwardDisciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission and service help prepare us to make the world a betterplace. The corporate Disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration bring us nearer to oneanother and God. This is a theology-rich textbook that is great for any group ready to dive deep into themeaning and practice of spiritual disciplines. The workbook adds an additional component of individualreflection and provides group discussion guides as well.15
SOUL SHIFTSTEVE DENEFFContent-Type: Book & DVDLength of Study: 9 SessionsLink to Purchase: https://bit.ly/3q9kl7VLevel of Engagement: MediumPro Tip: We want to be different, but we don’t want to change. Our spiritual formation and growthattempts are consistently sabotaged by our surface efforts that never quite get to the root of theproblem. We think we know what we’re supposed to do, but we’re not quite sure who we’re supposed tobe on the other side of transformation. In SoulShift, Steve DeNeff and David Drury offer an approachto spiritual transformation that focuses less on measuring how much time we spend on spiritual inputs-such as Bible study and prayer--and more on measuring who we are becoming in Christ. Christians atany stage of life will experience a fresh beginning in following Jesus. You will learn about seven criticaltransformational shifts in the minds, hearts, and behaviors of every true follower of Christ. And youwill receive practical help for bringing about these shifts in your own life. The group pack (available atthe link above) includes six copies of the book, as well as a group study DVD that will guide your groupthrough the Soul Shift journey.16
SABBATH: THE GIFT OF RESTLYNN M. BAABContent-Type: Book & Study BookLength of Study: 8 SessionsLink to Group Study Book: https://amzn.to/3cROEdTLink to Book: https://amzn.to/3daMUN1Level of Engagement: MediumPro Tip: What is the sabbath? A weekly day of rest and worship. A day to rejoice in abundance. A dayto practice thankfulness. A day to slow down, take a deep breath, step aside from work and worries, andlet the world go on without us, knowing that God cares for everyone and everything. This eight-sessionLifeGuide Bible Study will help you learn more about what sabbath is and how to practice it. Morepeople of all ages find the sabbath to be a gift from God that brings a renewed awareness of who God isand who we are as God’s beloved children. Come and discover God’s gift of rest. To go deeper together,consider reading “Sabbath Keeping: Finding Freedom in the Rhythms of Rest” in addition to the groupstudy book.17
COMMUNITYBOOKS AND RESOURCES18
EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY SPIRITUALITYPETER SCAZERROContent-Type: Book & Study Guide (DVD Optional)Length of Study: 8 SessionsLink to book: https://amzn.to/3j5aluXLink to Workbook: https://amzn.to/3xu03IwLink to Participant Bundle: https://amzn.to/3zzRFsNLink to DVD: https://amzn.to/3vGhyEdLevel of Engagement: MediumPro Tip: Though Peter was an experienced pastor of a growing church, his life and faith remainedemotionally unhealthy. Like so many in the church, he routinely: avoided healthy conflict in the name of keeping the peace ignored and suppressed emotions used work for God as an excuse to run from God lived without limitsIn this study, Peter helps you unpack core biblical principles to guide you into an experience oflasting, beneath-the-surface transformation in your relationship with Christ. The workbook includessession introductions, group discussion questions, application, and between sessions, personal study.This workbook is part of the Emotionally Healthy (EH) Spirituality Course that includes the bookEmotionally Healthy Spirituality. Your group can choose to use any combination of resources in thiscourse: the book, workbook, participant bundle (includes the book, workbook, and dailydevotional), or DVD.19
LIFE TOGETHERDIETRICH BONHOEFFERContent-Type: Book with discussion questionsLength of Study: 5 Sessions (or more)Link to purchase: https://amzn.to/3iOQBv9Level of Engagement: HighPro Tip: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the most influential Christian martyrs in history, bequeathedto humanity a legacy of theological creativity and spirituality that continues to intrigue people froma variety of backgrounds. Life Together gathers Bonhoeffer’s 1938 reflections on the character ofa Christian community, based on the everyday life that he and his seminarians experienced at theFinkenwalde Seminary and in the Brothers House there. The stimulus for the writing of Life Togetherwas the closing of the preacher’s seminary at Finkenwalde by the Nazis. While Bonhoeffer wrote withhis seminary community in mind, he intended Life Together to have a universal impact. He spoke of themission and responsibility of the church as a whole. This book includes study questions at the close ofthe book that can help guide your group discussion.HOME RUN LIFEKEVIN MYERS AND JOHN C. MAXWELLContent-Type: Book with available study guideLink to purchase/study guide: https://homerunlife.comLevel of Engagement: LowPro Tip: Using a baseball diamond as an analogy for following God's plan for life, Myers and Maxwellprovide a clear path for a biblical pattern of living. They help you keep your priorities in order and youreyes on the prize. Home Run is a guidebook for living life and learning how to succeed God's way. Usethe 8 week or the 12 week study guide to not only deepen your relationship with Jesus, but also deepenyour community around the path of a biblical pattern of living.20
BIG CHURCHANDY STANLEY (RIGHT NOW MEDIA)Content-Type: Video StudyLength of Study: 7 SessionsLink to access videos: https://bit.ly/3gACng3Link to Study Guide: https://bit.ly/2SJ8roQLevel of Engagement: LowPro Tip: Two thousand years ago, a gathering of people in a middle-eastern city began a movement thatwould circle the globe and leave its mark on individuals and cultures on every continent. This movementwould eventually become known as The Church. The church is a movement. And it’s still moving.Whether you consider yourself a church person or not, you are invited to join us in this 7-part series, BigChurch, as Andy Stanley brings life to the story of the local church movement. This is a great study forany group looking to learn more about what the church is and why it is so essential to us as believers.Feel free to watch the videos each week as a group or assign it as homework between sessions. You canfind all discussion questions in the study guide (link above).21
UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTSKAY ARTHURContent-Type: Group Study BookLength of Study: 6 SessionsLink to purchase: https://amzn.to/3iRxYqHLevel of Engagement Needed: MediumPro Tip: Understanding Spiritual Gifts takes you straight to God’s Word to discover answers from theGift-Giver Himself. As you dig into Bible passages about God’s design for each of us, you’ll find out thatspiritual gifts aren’t complicated--but they are life-changing. Here you will uncover what spiritual giftsare, where they come from, who has them, how they are received, and how they work within the church.As you study, you will have a new vision for how you can use your God-given gifts to bring hope to yourhome, your church, and a hurting world.These study guides, designed to be completed in just six 40-minute lessons with no homework required,help you discover for yourself what God says and how it applies to your life today. With the leader’snotes and Bible passages included in the book, each self-contained study is an excellent resource forpersonal growth and small-group discussion.To learn more about your Spiritual Gifts, be sure to take the 12Stone Spiritual Gifts assessment.You and your group can access this by texting GIFT to 37748. (12Stone log in required)22
MADE FOR FRIENDSHIPDREW HUNTERContent-Type: Book with Discussion QuestionsLength of Study: 7 (or more) SessionsLink to Purchase: https://amzn.to/2U84kmuLevel of Engagement: MediumPro Tip: In this fast-paced, mobile world, we’ve lost this rich view of friendship and instead settled forshallow acquaintances based on little more than similar tastes or shared interests.Helping us recapture a vision of true friendship, Drew Hunter explores God’s design for friendship andwhat it looks like in practice giving us practical advice to cultivate the kinds of true friendships that leadto true and life-giving joy. Each chapter includes discussion questions that can help guide your groupinto deeper engagement with the topic of friendship.NOT ALONE: A STUDY ON FRIENDSHIP(RIGHT NOW MEDIA) FOR WOMEN’S GROUPSContent-Type: Video Bible StudyLength of Study: Six SessionsLink to Access: https://bit.ly/3zLLEtpLevel of Engagement: MediumPro Tip: We are created for community. And because our Father is generous, he’s given us one of themost important and life-changing relationships for community: friendship. In this six-week study, NotAlone, join Jennie Allen, Lauren Chandler, and Amena Brown as they talk all about friendship. Find outwhy we need friendship, discover biblical examples of friendship, and identify the pitfalls, challenges, andjoys of friendship. They’ll dive into the tough topics of toxic relationships, boundaries, and how to rebuildbroken trust. But most of all, the teachers, real-life stories, and study guides will help you celebrate theencouragement, wisdom, and love that only comes when you’re not alone. Each session includes a 10-15minute video, as well as an online leader guide to direct your group conversation.23
IMPACTBOOKS AND RESOURCES24
SOMETHING NEED TO CHANGEDAVID PLATTContent-Type: Book with chapter-based discussion questionsLength of Study: Eight SessionsLink to purchase the book: https://amzn.to/3gGVpjLLink to purchase study guide w/ videos: https://bit.ly/3xAbq1tLevel of Engagement Needed: HighPro Tip: This is book is written in story form as David Platt journeys through the mountains of Nepalsharing the gospel. He is confronted by the desperate physical and spiritual needs of these people.“Something Needs to Change” is an authentic and often brutally honest wrestling with the role afollower of Christ plays in bringing real change to such suffering worldwide. David also journals throughthe New Testament book of Luke as he travels and applies much of what he learns to the circumstancesaround him. Discussion questions are presented at the end of every chapter. These questions wouldneed to serve as the guide for Group discussion. Readers will be confronted with the need to usepersonal resources (money, time, connections, etc. ) to step into the great need for gospel witnessand impoverished conditions. It is a great book full of challenges. Not for the new Christian or faintof heart, but could unlock something powerful for men and women who feel a call to make a renewedimpact through their lives.25
RACE & THE GOSPELBRYAN LORITTS AND MATT CHANDLER (RIGHT NOW MEDIA)Content-Type: Video Bible StudyLength of Study: 5 SessionsLink to Access: https://bit.ly/3gDAoHHLevel of Engagement: HighPro Tip: In this five-part series, pastors Bryan Loritts and Matt Chandler use Paul’s words in Ephesians toaddress race, racism, and injustice. Through teaching and honest dialogues, Bryan and Matt will unpackthe hard truths about America’s racial past and present and suggest a pathway forward of healing,justice, and hope for multiethnic harmony in the church. Each week’s gathering will be led by a videoconversation between pastors Bryan Loritts and Matt Chandler. Weekly study guides will help providethe direction necessary for leaders to lead a healthy and meaningful discussion in each Group meeting.WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR?RICK WARRENContent-Type: Video Bible StudyLength of Study: Six SessionsLink to Purchase Leader Kit: https://bit.ly/35zVtMZLevel of Engagement: MediumPro Tip: This six-week study will connect the big idea of PURPOSE to one’s mission and impact. As RickWarren moves through a theological look at God’s purpose for each of us, he moves into the conversationof every single Christian’s God-ordained purpose and mission in life. What On Earth Am I Here For? isa six 30-minute video-based small-group study of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. The studywill change your life as you discover “it’s not about you, it’s about God in you. The DVD is designed to beused with the What On Earth Am I Here For? study guide.26
JONAHPRISCILLA SHRIERContent-Type: Video Bible StudyLength of Study: Seven sessionsLink to Buy Study Books (will need to purchase videos as well):https://amzn.to/35DdwSmLevel of Engagement: MediumPro Tip: What if “impact” could happen in our lives based on how we respond to life’s interruptions? Inthis 7-session Bible study, we redefine interruption and see that interruption is God’s invitation to dosomething beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, theresult was a revival in an entire city. God wants to make an impact through you and your group, andthis study will help you see how He wants to use you through your everyday activity, ups and downs,interruptions, relationships, and more.SHARING JESUS WITHOUT FREAKING OUTALVIN REIDContent-Type: Book with extra video resourcesLength of Study: Eight chaptersLink to purchase Book: https://amzn.to/3cSOZwOLevel of Engagement: MediumPro Tip: This book is a helpful and practical guide to help each Christian better learn how God has wiredhim or her to share the gospel with others. God created you for his glory to advance his gospel with thegifts, talents, and opportunities he gave you. In these pages, you will read how to connect the gospel storywith your story and talk about that story in everyday conversations with people you know. No gimmicks.Nothing clever. No need to freak out. Just you, Jesus, and others—in conversations that matter.27
IRRESISTIBLE FAITHSCOTT SAULSContent-Type: Book and study guide (PDF)Length of Study: Nine chaptersLink to purchase Book: https://amzn.to/3xvlfhbLink to Free Study Guide PDF: https://bit.ly/3cTldrBLevel of Engagement: HighPro Tip: The primary goal of this chapter book (without pre-authored discussion questions) is to helpChristians understand the call on our lives to live in such a way that people are drawn to Christ. Want tomake an impact? This book gives us the blueprint of how a transformed life attracts people to the realityof Christ. Jesus said his followers would be a light to the world, loving and serving everybody---even theirenemies. But that’s not how most people view Christians. Sauls urges believers to follow Christ’s originaldesign, giving this cynical world a reason to pause and consider him.28
study for those looking to deepen their confidence in God’s Word. Utilizing the study guide, Group Leaders will be able to host deepening conversations with their group. . Right Now Media or Chapter Book Study Link to Book: https://amzn.to/3gCYVNl Link to Study . FORGOTTEN GOD FRANCIS CHAN Content-Type:
