- Table View
- List View
The Shadow of a Doubt: Confronting Challenges to Faith
by Talbot DavisWe all have doubts. Throughout this five-week study, Davis invites you to acknowledge and confront your doubts about your Christian faith. Each chapter focuses on a different biblical story that illustrates a key insight into doubt and its effects on our faith. By bringing our doubts out of the shadows and into the light, we have an opportunity to experience an authentic faith seeking understanding. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter are designed to help leaders of small groups. Also available when purchasing the book is access to a free video trailer and an audio recording of the author's sermons as another way to experience the weekly message.
I Hear Voices, and That's a Good Thing!
by James W. MooreEveryone is guided by the voices of people in our lives--grandparents, parents, teachers, pastors, friends. Their words are woven into our life's fabric and influence how we live and the choices we make.As Christians, we are blessed also to hear the amazing voices of those who lived centuries ago--the voices found in Scripture. Author James W. Moore says, "When faced with choices and decisions, when trying to sort out priorities, when my heart is sad or glad, when challenges and problems thrust themselves into my life, when I need a word of assurance, or when faced with a new opportunity, I hear the voice of Jesus, I hear the voice of Mary, I hear the voices of Abraham and Micah and Esther and the apostle Paul and many other biblical voices whispering (or shouting!) to me powerful words that shape and direct my life."I Hear Voices...and That's a Good Thing! celebrates the voices of the Bible who continue, every day, to strengthen and encourage us when we not only hear but listen to them.
Invitation to John: A Short-Term DISCIPLE Bible Study
by Robert D. KysarThe invitation from Christ is: "Come and see, Follow me". Experience the magnificent passages in John including the I am statements (I am the truth, the life and the way, I am the living water and more). Revisit stories only told in John's gospel including Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene and the raising of Lazarus. During the weekly video segments, travel into the scripture as you hear the Word, experience the grand artwork connected with each story and interview the scholar. Each week wraps up with a small group discussion on video to spark your own conversation.Participants for this Invitation to John do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of John a week, they will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to follow Christ as true disciples. This eleven-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60–90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts. Robert D. Kysar, Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching and New Testament, Candler School of Theology, is a noted scholar on the Gospel of John. He has authored numerous articles and books, including a revised edition of John: The Maverick Gospel; Preaching John; and most recently Voyages With John: Charting the Fourth Gospel.Session titles and scripture: Come and See (John 1–2) How Is It Possible? (John 3–4) Taste for Yourself (John 5–6) To Believe or Not to Believe (John 7–8) Are We Blind? (John 9–10) I Couldn't Believe My Eyes! (John 11–12) Would You Believe It? (John 13–14) What Time Is It? (John 15–16) Look Out! (John 17–18) Believing Without Seeing (John 19–20) Do You See Him? (John 21)
Wesley: A Heart Transformed Can Change the World Study Guide (Standard Sermons Of John Wesley Ser.)
by Kenneth C. KinghornIn this four-session study guide to the film "Wesley: A Heart Transformed Can Change the World" written by expert Dr. Kenneth C. Kinghorn, see how John Wesley changed the world and became the spiritual leader for millions. With a screenplay adapted directly from the journals of John Wesley, the film faithfully portrays the formative years of Wesley’s ministry, from the Epworth rectory fire in his childhood, to his disastrous mission and romance in colonial Georgia, and to his pivotal “heart-warming” experience in London. Perfect for small groups or individual study, each session includes prayers, study questions, and background information about Wesley's life and times.
Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Characterization In The Books Of Esther (Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries #No. 186.)
by Linda M. DayThe Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries provide compact, critical commentaries on the books of the Old Testament for the use of theological students and pastors. The commentaries are also useful for upper-level college or university students and for those responsible for teaching in congregational settings. In addition to providing basic information and insights into the Old Testament writings, these commentaries exemplify the tasks and procedures of careful interpretation, to assist students of the Old Testament in coming to an informed and critical engagement with the biblical texts themselves.In this commentary, Day addresses both perennial and contemporary concerns pertinent to the book of Esther. Attention is given to literary, linguistic, and thematic features of the biblical text. Day considers the book of Esther with an eye to concerns of gender and ethnicity, as well as the theological concerns raised by divine absence in the story.
Converge Bible Studies: Encountering Grace (Converge Bible Studies)
by Joseph YooGrace is both liberating and contagious. Once you truly experience it, you become a different person, and the further you journey in your faith, the more you realize the role God’s grace has played in your life—even before you came to faith in Christ. In Encountering Grace, you’ll examine passages about God’s unmerited favor. You’ll learn more about receiving God’s grace as well as offering that grace to others. Converge Bible Studies is a series of topical Bible studies based on the Common English Bible. Each title in the series consists of four studies on a common topic or theme. Converge can be used by small groups, classes, or individuals. Primary Scripture passages are included for ease of study, as are questions designed to encourage both personal reflection and group conversation. The topics and Scriptures in Converge come together to transform readers’ relationships with others, themselves, and God.
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible
by C. M. Kempton HewittStudy the entire Book of Revelation starting with John's theology that teaches that Jesus, the exalted Christ, is the center of faith. Some of the major ideas explored are: personal religious experience; the living voice of God in the church today; advocating for what is right; distinguishing between good and evil; God's grace seeks to redeem; and covenant with God.Leader Guide includes: A verse-by-verse, in-depth look at the Scriptures. Background material, including word studies and history of the biblical setting. Answers to questions asked in the Participant Book. Application of the Scripture to daily life situations. Discussion suggestions. A variety of study options. Practical tips for leaders to use.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions.
Journey 101: Steps to the Life God Intends (Journey 101)
by Carol Cartmill Michelle Kirby Jeff Kirby Jenny YoungmanJourney 101 Serving God is one component of Journey 101: Knowing, Loving, Serving God. Each of the three separate, interactive six-week courses utilizes a group teaching format with a leader and a video presenter combined with small group table breakouts. This Leader Guide contains six session guides on Serving God, plus leader helps for conducting a successful study.
God Will Make a Way: Spiritual Life and Leadership in a Contested Season
by Kenneth H. Carter Jr.In God Will Make a Way, Bishop Ken Carter shares reflections from his journey from the 2016 General Conference, through his leadership in The Way Forward, his role as Presiding Bishop, into the special 2019 Conference, and the postponed 2020 General Conference in the midst of a pandemic. The book is both a spiritual journey and an inside view of one of the most tumultuous periods of national and denominational history.Carter casts his personal spiritual reflections against a backdrop of life-shaping events: the first Way Forward meetings, the tragedy at Mother Emmanuel, interactions with Kenneth Feinberg, Jurgen Moltmann, and others, the Pulse and Parkland shootings, and more. Throughout, the high points are experiences and conversations between people, often from dramatically different stances, who find common ground, new understanding, and hope while the dark times are from conflict-inspired anger, national violence, and shaken hope.
Being United Methodist: What It Means, Why It Matters
by J. Ellsworth KalasIn Being Methodist, popular and well-loved J. Ellsworth Kalas uses his approachable style to address a topic that sometimes seems complicated even to those who have practiced it for years.In this book, Kalas explores questions such as Who are these people called Methodists? Where have they come from, and where are they going? And how is it that so few of them really know what it means to be a Methodist? What makes them tick, and in a spasmodically changing world, what keeps them ticking?
Transformed Living in Tough Times Devotions
by John Ed MathisonFollowing the themes in his recent Bible study book Transformed Living in Tough Times, John Ed Mathison offers individuals 60 devotions that inspire a new level of faith and living in the midst of life’s greatest challenges.Rooted in Scripture and reinforced by Mathison’s decades of pastoral ministry, the devotions declare that Christians are people of faith rather than fear. They inspire courage among those mired in financial, family, health, and other crises.With characteristic gentle but profound wisdom, Mathison stresses the importance of returning to priorities, focusing on fundamentals, exercising God’s creativity, and developing a Christlike attitude.
Guidelines Adult Ministries: Help Adults Love God and Neighbor
by CokesburyThe adult ministry life span is the greatest and most diverse of any age level because it can encompass seven (or more) decades. An adult ministry that includes all adults encourages people to grow and mature in faith so they may be vital disciples for a lifetime.Your congregation will have decided what kind of structure is needed to plan for adult faith formation and discipleship. Your position title may be Coordinator of Adult Ministries, Team Leader for Adult Discipleship, Coordinator of Singles Ministries, or some other title indicating that you are a leader in adult ministries. Your role is to keep the big picture of adult faith formation and discipleship in view and to help develop a comprehensive strategy that is appropriate for your congregation’s context. Regardless of your title, church size, or structure this Guideline is designed to help equip you in leading adult ministries in your congregation.This is one of the twenty-six Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2017-2020 that cover church leadership areas including Church Council and Small Membership Church; the administrative areas of Finance and Trustees; and ministry areas focused on nurture, outreach, and witness including Worship, Evangelism, Stewardship, Christian Education, age-level ministries, Communications, and more.
Faith Working through Love: A Resource for United Methodist Teaching
by Council of Bishops of the Umc“For in Christ Jesus . . . the only thing that counts is faith working through love.” —Galatians 5:6, NRSVFaith Working Through Love invites us to revisit and reclaim essential Christian beliefs and practices as United Methodists. In an easy to follow question and answer format, the study recaps basic teachings and practices of Christian faith and underscores the core convictions of United Methodists. ~~~Why Read This Book?People are struggling to cope with everyday life and our societies are divided and broken. Some wonder if lifting up the core doctrines of Christian faith divide us and cause further disagreements. But to the contrary, it is in times of uncertainty that we yearn to find our spiritual bearings by recalling our history and enduring teachings.This book helps us know who God is, what God is doing in the world, and how God includes us in making the world more loving and just. The Methodist tradition springs from forbears in the faith who prayed, learned, and served their neighbors together to increase their knowledge of God and actively shared God’s love in word and deed in all the places they lived, struggled, and loved. The teachings you’ll encounter in these pages are already making a difference in the lives of United Methodists around the world. We pray that through study and conversation with others, you too will encounter the Spirit of God who heals, strengthens, empowers, and transforms us. The questions and answers offered in this volume will challenge and embolden you as you grow in grace and love and to serve Christ. Faith Working Through Love bids you to take up the contents of this volume and read it, discuss it, and reflect upon it; and may God use it to bless you and to make you a blessing in the world.—David N. Field, Ecumenical Staff Officer for Faith and Order Faith Working Through Love has been crafted as a foundational United Methodist teaching resource by the Committee on Faith and Order of The United Methodist Church and received and commended to the church by the United Methodist Council of Bishops.
Anonymous - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: Discovering the Somebody You Are to God (Anonymous)
by Cindi WoodAt one time or another, every woman has felt overlooked, unimportant, and bruised by the world. But there’s good news. While the opinion of others may drag us down, the God who created us has an entirely different opinion of who we are. That’s because we are His creations, and everything He created is good! Women today are searching for ways to make a difference in their daily lives. Whether they are working women, stay-at-home moms, or women moving into their retirement years, they all want to be a somebody who makes a positive impact in the world around them. The Bible is filled with "anonymous" women who made a significant impact in God’s story. Anonymous helps women discover their uniqueness and significance to Christ by exploring some of the "anonymous" women of the Bible. Though we do not know their names, they all were known and loved by God. Each week of this six-session study begins with an overview of the anonymous woman’s story, including background material with relevance to the cultural lifestyles and surroundings of the day. The daily lessons explore her story and the ways that all women can relate to her. Contemporary "anonymous" stories and quotes from everyday women are sprinkled throughout, reinforcing the very personal relevance of this powerful study. Together women will explore and grow in their relationship with Christ as they find their significance in the heart of God. The Leader Guide contains six session plan outlines, complete with discussion points and questions, activities, prayers, and more—plus leader helps for facilitating a group. Other available components, each available separately, include a Participant Workbook with five days of lessons per week, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions (with closed captioning), and boxed Leader Kit containing one of each component.
The Call Youth Study Book: The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul (The Call)
by Adam HamiltonWith Adam Hamilton, we have traced the life of Jesus from his birth The Journey, through his ministry The Way, to his death and resurrection 24 Hours That Changed the World. What happened next? Follow the journeys of Paul, beginning with his dramatic conversion, as he spread the Gospel through modern-day Greece and Turkey. Travel to the early church sites and explore Paul’s conversations with the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. In this six-week study, you are invited to experience faith through Christ’s greatest teacher and missionary. Everything needed to conduct a six-session study of Paul’s travels and teachings geared to youth, including current examples that have meaning to young people grades 6-12. Can be used with the adult-level DVD.
Entering the Passion of Jesus Leader Guide: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week (Entering the Passion of Jesus)
by Amy-Jill LevineJesus’ final days were full of risk. Every move he made was filled with anticipation, danger, and the potential for great loss or great reward.Jesus risked his reputation when he entered Jerusalem in a victory parade. He risked his life when he dared to teach in the Temple. His followers risked everything when they left behind their homes, or anointed him with costly perfume. We take risks as we read and re-read these stories, finding new meanings and new challenges.In Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week, author, professor, and biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine explores the biblical texts surrounding the Passion story. She shows us how the text raises ethical and spiritual questions for the reader, and how we all face risk in our Christian experience.Entering the Passion of Jesus provides a rich and challenging learning experience for small groups and individual readers alike.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
The Holy Spirit & Preaching
by James ForbesDescribes what it means to be anointed with the Spirit so that one can preach "to raise the dead." In The Holy Spirit and Preaching, James A. Forbes, Jr.--widely hailed as one of the nation's foremost preachers--offers four dynamic lectures originally delivered as the Lyman Beecher Lectures at Yale University, the most prestigious annual preaching event in the United States.In each of the lectures, Forbes focuses on the Holy Spirit as it relates to preaching. He traces the Holy Spirit's activity in Jesus' ministry and looks at the impact of being anointed by the Holy Spirit. Forbes demonstrates how the Holy Spirit works with the pastor in the preparation and delivery of a sermon. The Holy Spirit and Preaching concludes by focusing on the need for anointed preaching, and the way anointed preaching happens today.
Healing Waters - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: A Bible Study on Forgiveness, Grace and Second Chances
by Melody CarlsonIt’s impossible to pass through life without experiencing some kind of hurt or loss. We all need healing at different points in our lives—and often the path to healing is paved in some form of forgiveness and grace. In Healing Waters, the first study in the new Faith and Fiction Bible study series , popular Christian fiction author Melody Carlson draws upon her novels in the Inn at Shining Waters trilogy to invite women on an exciting journey toward healing. Using the stories, themes, and characters of the novels as a backdrop, this eight-week study explores the need for forgiveness and mercy in our lives and the role that second chances and new beginnings play in healing our spirits and our relationships. Through careful study of Psalm 103 and other selected Scriptures, women will · gain new understanding and appreciation for God as the Lord who heals · recognize that God makes the journey with them, inviting them to experience divine love and mercy every step of the way. · walk the roads of forgiveness and grace, learning how to embrace these gifts for themselves and their relationships. · learn how to restore broken relationships and live in life-giving community.celebrate the God who loves second chances and who is devoted to transforming and blessing us with surprises and new beginnings. The Leader Guide provides leader helps and step-by-step session plan outlines for leading eight group sessions.
101 Games That Keep Kids Coming: Get-To-Know-You Games for Ages 3 -12
by Jolene L. RoehlkepartainFun, Bible-based, get-to-know-you games and activities for children ages three to twelve. Teaching children how to make friends and creating a sense of community are two key factors in building a strong Christian education program. Many children resist coming to Sunday school and children’s ministry events because they do not know the other children; they live in different communities and attend different schools. Here are 101 opportunities to help children make friends at church – and keep them coming!View a sample of this book.
You Wouldn't Love Me If You Knew
by Jeannie St. TaylorThis story of forgiveness tells of a little boy who does something "bad" for which he thinks he cannot be forgiven. He does a number of "good" things, but every time someone thanks him and says that he is "good," he feels "bad." His mother assures him that she can forgive him and that Jesus will as well. We never know what the "bad" thing actually is as he whispers in his mother's ear, which will allow each child to identify with the situation. Ages 5-8.
The Gift of the Nutcracker (The Gift of the Nutcracker)
by Matt RawleThe Nutcracker is a delightful and whimsical Christmas classic that children and adults look forward to every year. First performed in 1892, the music, dance, and story of this classic hold a special place in our cultural Christmas celebrations.In The Gift of the Nutcracker, Matt Rawle, author of The Redemption of Scrooge, explores the story to help us understand God’s greatest gift of the Christ child, and the kingdom he came to establish.Additional components for a four-week study include a comprehensive Leader Guide, a DVD featuring Matt Rawle, a Worship Resources Flash Drive, and youth and children resources.
Incarnation Leader Guide: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas (Incarnation)
by Adam HamiltonHis parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh.In Incarnation, best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores the meaning of these titles and what they tell us about the child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Join him and reflect upon the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and world today!Chapter topics include: The Royal Titles: Lord and Messiah The Deliverer’s Title: Savior The Incarnate Title: Emmanuel The Light of the World Epilogue: The Word Made FleshThe Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the four-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
Bible Stories for Grown-Ups: Reading Scripture with New Eyes
by Josh ScottRead the Bible for the first time – again. In Bible Stories for Grown-Ups: Reading Scripture with New Eyes pastor Josh Scott looks at familiar Bible stories and reveals new details and interpretations for an adult audience. This six-week Bible study will consider stories many read as children including Noah's Ark, the binding of Isaac, Jonah and the big fish, Jesus and Zacchaeus, Jesus healing a blind man, and the parable of the talents. Scott reimagines these stories and opens new visions for readers to understand well known pieces of Scripture in our current cultural environment.The book can be read alone or used by small groups, and can be used anytime throughout the year. Additional components include video teaching sessions featuring Josh Scott, and a comprehensive leader guide, making this perfect as a six-week group study done throughout the year.
Undistorted God: Reclaiming Faith Despite the Cultural Noise
by Ray WaddleRay Waddle encourages us to find meaning inside, sometimes despite, the contentious times we live in. He helps readers see through spiritual insecurity and distraction to see God in new places: in the sky, in writing, in walking, in music, in memory, in Gospel reading, the bread and wine, worship, the very name Jesus—and get beneath social habits or routine theological assumptions in order to find a fresh core of epiphany.
The Caring Congregation Ministry Implementation Guide: Implementation Guide
by Karen Lampe Melissa Collier GepfordPastors and church leaders genuinely want to care for people in their congregations and communities. But pastors cannot care for an entire church, and most laypersons don't have the training to do it. The Caring Congregation Ministry is a model for person-to-person care that's been proven to work in small and large churches across the U.S. It is a laity-centered ministry, where laypersons receive rigorous training and then are commissioned to serve as Congregational Care Ministers, caring for others in their own congregation and their extended community.This remarkable approach to congregational care was first developed by author Karen Lampe and her team at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, in Kansas City. It has been tested, refined, and strengthened, and is now being adapted in all sorts of congregational settings. One early adapter was co-author Melissa Gepford, who launched a Caring Congregation Ministry in her own rural church. Together, they have created this immensely practical guide for any pastor or leader seeking to create a congregational care ministry.This Implementation Guide is the main book for getting started. It introduces the ministry model and explains the Five Essentials which form the ministry's foundation. It is extremely practical, full of checklists and other tools to help pastors and other leaders understand (and explain) this way of providing congregational care.The Implementation Guide also includes a section focused on the crucial component of this ministry–the Congregational Care Minister, or CCM. This section fully describes the characteristics of CCM's, how to recruit people to this ministry, how to discern if candidates are a good fit, and how to conduct the CCM training over a multi-week period. It details the critical information CCM's must know, and the behaviors and habits they must practice in order to be effective.Note that the companion book, The Caring Congregation Ministry: Care Minister's Manual, is required for the CCM training. It serves as a training workbook, which then becomes the CCM's personal reference manual.