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Groove: Inside Out Leader Guide (Groove)
by Tony AkersIn our media-saturated world, images and messages about appearance, love, and romance bombard teenagers daily. These often unrealistic and unhealthy representations of the normal teen life can be confusing to teenagers as they attempt to follow Christ.Inside Out challenges the values of the world and affirms that our real value begins in understanding that we have a God who loves us. Over the course of the study, teenagers will learn to see themselves and how they live as a reflection of the spiritual life happening deep inside their hearts and minds.This study isn’t designed to give answers about holiness, forgiveness, humility, and giving thanks as much as it is designed to challenge youth to resolve to develop those character traits from the deepest part of their beings and outward into the world. The Groove: Inside Out Student Journal will challenge youth to consider their own core character and learn to make choices that are consistent with their faith.The Groove Bible study series invites teens to learn the essentials of their faith, own their story, and engage the world in serving Jesus. Each topical study consists of four weekly sessions that are easy to lead and relate to life issues teens face. With up to 48 weeks available, Groove is great for Sunday and mid-week gatherings for both large and small groups as well as retreats. The leader guide contains everything needed to lead teens through a Groove study, including teaching outlines, leader notes, Bible background, reflections, and parent communication.
Revolutionary Kingdom Leader Guide: Following the Rebel Jesus (Revolutionary Kingdom)
by Mike SlaughterWhat exactly is a disciple, and how will we know if we have made one? There are three core values that a disciple embodies: undiluted devotion to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, a Kingdom of God worldview, and a missional lifestyle.In Revolutionary Kingdom: Following the Rebel Jesus, author and Pastor Mike Slaughter explores why we must exchange comfortable cultural worldviews and values for the radical requirements of living out the Kingdom of God on Planet Earth. When God’s people get serious about this call, it’s revolutionary. Jesus himself was the most radical revolutionary who ever lived and provided us a vision of a kingdom worth dying for.Welcome to the revolution!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.
Mountaintop Moments Leader Guide: Meeting God in the High Places (Mountaintop Moments)
by Ed RobbMountaintop moments—those moments when we experience the power, love, and grace of God in a way difficult to capture with words. They give us a sense of God's presence in our lives and often changes our perspective of who God is and who we are.In this book, Dr. Ed Robb connects personal mountaintop experiences in our spiritual life with the mountains in the Old and New Testament and the events related to this sacred places.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.
Medical Judgment: Patient-centered Collaborative Care
by Richard L. Mabry M.D.Someone is after Dr. Sarah Gordon. They’ve stalked her and set a fire at her home. Trying to recover from the traumatic deaths of her husband and infant daughter is tough enough, but she has no idea what will come next. Her late husband’s best friend and a recovering alcoholic detective are trying to solve the mystery before it’s too late, but both appear to be vying for her affection as well. Sarah finds herself in constant fear as the process plays out. As the threats on her life continue to escalate, so do the questions: Who is doing this? Why are they after her? And with her only help being unreliable suitors in competition with each other, whom can she really trust?
Ask Leader Guide: Faith Questions in a Skeptical Age (Ask)
by Scott J. Jones Arthur D. JonesWe live in a skeptical age. People—especially young people—expressdoubts about Christian faith. In this thoughtful eight week studyBishop Scott J. Jones, author of The Wesleyan Way, partnerswith his son Rev. Arthur Jones, to address hard questions that all of usface when considering faith, religion, and the church.This Leader Guide includes everything a group leader needs to planand facilitate the eight sessions, helping participants to explore whatthey have read, to view a video, and to discuss the reading and videowith the group. The guide walks leaders through the study format andprovides options for tailoring sessions to the time-frame and style ofeach group.
Believe In Me: Sermons On The Apostles Creed (Protestant Pulpit Exchange Ser.)
by James A. HarnishEleven sermons on the beliefs affirmed in the Apostles' Creed. The sermons are designed to help people apply their beliefs to their daily lives and to provide pastors with fresh insights, rich illustrations, and new approaches for preparing meaningful, moving sermons on classic themes. Key ideas are framed and highlighted to help pastors imagine and construct parts of their own sermons.
Is There More?: Heaven, Hell, and the Eternal Life that Begins Now
by Leslie D. Weatherhead A. Kingsley WeatherheadThink you know everything there is to know about the life that lies beyond this one? Think again. Questions about life beyond death are always with us. In this classic volume, Leslie Weatherhead answers personal and important questions about heaven, hell, and the future God has in store for us."Eternal life is . . . a quality and not just a quantity; . . . a quality of communion with God that clearly begins now. You know, people talk about the afterlife and they say, ‘He’s gone to be with God.’ But he has always been with God, and the highest heaven doesn’t mean that God exists in any fuller measure. It can only mean that our power of communion deepens. But one of the marvelous things about the Christian gospel is that the offer of eternal life is here and now." –from chapter 1Check out other resources by Dr. Weatherhead, including The Will of God, in the Related Products Section below.
The Bible Year Devotional: A Journey Through Scripture in 365 Days
by Magrey deVegaThe Bible. 365 days. You. Yes, you! Not the type to sit down and read the entire Bible? Yes, the goal is to read the whole Bible in a year, but think about it in terms of smaller, daily goals. Think about a commitment to read a short selection from the Bible plus a concise devotional every day. You can do that – especially since The Bible Year has it all mapped out for you day by day. Plus, you’ll also get summaries of key themes and ideas to help you better digest and understand your readings. So you’re not just reading verse after verse, you’re enriching your spiritual life, developing a deeper faith and forming a closer connection to God and to each other. The Bible Year is also a wonderful way for small groups or even individuals to grow closer to God, while providing a common thread that will promote new and deeper friendships among members. Additional resources sold separately include a Leader Guide with discussion questions for small groups and a Pastor's Guide for a church-wide emphasis. Daily Bible goals start here! Praise for The Bible Year When it comes to read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year programs, The Bible Year is a game changer. Packed with devotionals, discussion guides, and resources for pastors, this beautifully written book makes journeying through Scripture less daunting and more rewarding. It’s the perfect companion for those who wish to read through the Bible for the first time or those seek to go deeper in their study of Scripture together with others. – Ryan P. Bonfiglio, Director of the Candler Foundry and Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Candler Theological Seminary With a pastor’s devotion to God and the people he serves, deVega has structured a truly helpful guide for reading the Bible in the span of a year. The thoughtful format is well designed to encourage steady progress in reading, and provoke thoughtful reflection. Brief section summaries allow the reader to stay on top of the larger story line, and thoughtful questions and blank spaces support a meditative encounter. This book is a welcome gift for anyone who wants to grow in faithfulness and devotion. – Melody D. Knowles, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Old Testament, Virginia Theological Seminary
The Blessings of Motherprayer: Sacred Whispers of Mothering
by Barbara MahanyInspired by her book Motherprayer: Lessons in Loving, Barbara Mahany presents The Blessings of Motherprayer a lovely gift book featuring wisps of inspirational writings to carry you through the day, the hour, and whatever comes your way. The book is a patchwork quilt of inspiration and prayer, with a smidge of recipes. These meditative notes on mothering magnify the wonders and wisdoms of loving with a wide-open heart. They reveal that no matter which way you look at the motherhood role and parenthood, it is essential that every stitch along this broadcloth of hope, faith, and unwavering trust be knotted with and held firm by prayer. The devotional is rich in reminders to slow time, and savor the blessing of each and every hour of each and every season of mothering, be it the rare quietude of time alone, or amid the cacophony of the daily bustle. Discover powerful quotes, heart-scripted prayer, and stories that invite you to pay attention, cradle your loved ones in prayer, and see the sacred lessons in loving. Be inspired to view life through a magnifying lens in search of God, to probe the nooks and crannies of our everyday, and find opportunities to infuse and focus on the holy in our extraordinary ordinary day-to-day.
The Message of Jesus: Words That Changed the World
by Adam HamiltonA fresh encounter with the words of Jesus.More than 3 billion people claim to follow Jesus. But aside from a few verses, how many actually know what he taught? In fact, much of what people think Jesus taught, he never said. In this six-week study, pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton explores six of the most important themes in Jesus's teachings, why they matter, and how they speak to us today. The book will explore Jesus’s preaching on the Kingdom of God, the Sermon on the Mount, the parables, the “I am” sayings in John, and more. Jesus's message is not only life-changing, but world-changing. Join Adam Hamilton in studying The Message of Jesus: Words That Changed the World. Other components for the study include a leader guide, teaching videos, and sermons and worship.
Thrive Women's Bible Study Participant Workbook: Living Faithfully in Difficult Times
by Jennifer CowartWalking in Faith…even when times are tough.In Thrive, author and teacher Jen Cowart helps women develop the habits and attitudes necessary to thrive, whatever their circumstances. Leading readers through the Book of James, a letter written about enduring hardships, she lifts up six characteristics of mature Christians. From endurance and humility to controlling our words, Jen helps participants find the divine and the practical in living faithfully.Jen’s teaching has inspired thousands of women across the country. Her authenticity inspires others to open their hearts and minds. One reviewer wrote, “Her ‘realness’ and her vulnerability just work together to open your heart to dig deeper and deeper.”Through this study, women will find inspiration and tools around six traits:Endurance – Embracing obstacles as a means to maturity.Wisdom – Using a heavenly perspective on earthly issues.Action – Living a life where actions match faith.Control – Taming the tongue.Humility – Developing the attitude of Christ.Prayer – Exercising the power tool of the faith.Additional components for this six-week Bible study, each available separately, are a Leader Guide and six video sessions, 8 to 13 minutes long (with closed captioning).
Our Purpose Is Love Leader Guide: The Wesleyan way to be the church
by David N. FieldWhat does it mean to love God and neighbor today, when things so often feel divided and in conflict?In Our Purpose Is Love, author David Field challenges us to recognize and reclaim love as the center of our identity and purpose as the church. Field presents a Wesleyan vision of the church as the embodiment of God’s love in the world and explores the implications of this vision for our life together. In this vision, the church is where we become creatures of love, learning to love God and neighbor ever more completely and authentically through the means of God’s grace. As a result, we bear witness to the world by reflecting God’s love more and more perfectly in the way we treat others and order our common life. With a special focus on the importance of unity for the church’s witness, Field invites us to consider the ways in which embodying God’s love can and should influencehow we live as individuals and as communities of faith, calling us to reclaim and recommit to love as the center of who we are.This Leader Guide includes leader helps and complete session plans for facilitating an eight-week small group study using Our Purpose Is Love: The Wesleyan Way to Be the Church, by David N. Field.
Journey in the Wilderness: New Life for Mainline Churches
by Gil RendleThe last forty years have seen transitions in mainline churches that feel, for many, like a journey into the wilderness. Yet God is calling us in this moment, not to grieve over the changes we have experienced but to hear the call to a new mission, and a new faithfulness. In Journey in the Wilderness, Gil Rendle draws on decades as a pastor and church consultant to point a way into a hopeful future. The key to embracing the wilderness is to learn new skills in leading change, to reach beyond a position of privilege and power to become churches that serve God’s hurting people.
The Beginning of Difference: Discovering Identity in God's Diverse World
by Theodore HiebertDifference can enrich us or tear us apart. Difference can make our lives stronger, fuller, and richer or it can destroy them. Therefore, how we engage difference matters. Conflicts between different peoples around the world, the movement of refugees from nation to nation, tensions over immigration, and growing diversity within our society bring difference to our doorstep daily. We can engage people who are different constructively and compassionately, or we can allow the fear of difference to distance us from others and to demonize them. At a time when racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious differences have created heightened tensions, we need more than ever to find our bearings. We need to re-examine what we think about difference.Author Theodore "Ted" Hiebert re-examines the Bible’s stories explaining difference and its beginnings in the book of Genesis, exposing the inclination to interpret these stories as a negative view of difference. These stories recognize difference as God’s intention for the world, providing us with constructive resources of living with difference today. Hiebert starts with the story of "The Tower of Babel" and moves beyond it to examine how Genesis’s writers saw their unique identity and role in the world not as separate from all others but as members of the human family of which they were a part. He presents how biblical characters lived with difference and how the first Christians embraced difference. Finally, he invites the reader into new conversations about our biblical traditions that reveal a respect for difference, a generosity toward others, a desire to include rather than exclude, and a continuing interest in negotiating difference in ways that build relationships rather than destroy them.
Hope Sings: Risk More. Dream Bigger. Fear Less.
by Susanna Foth AughtmonFollowing God on our journey of faith can be a journey in the dark. Oftentimes, we don’t know where we are going or where we will end up. Sometimes we feel completely lost. We get caught up in fear or anxiety. But Faith has a best friend named Hope. Hope shows up when we get to know the effervescent character of the One who loves us most of all. In Aughtmon’s new book, Hope Sings, the reader is invited to follow God on a faith journey. God wants us to reach for dreams that are out of our grasp. To fight for impossible causes. To believe for the miraculous. To hold on to Him when all else seems lost. God wants us to put our hope in Him. In His character. In His mercy. His peace. His grace. His worthiness. His faithfulness. His ability to restore. His healing power. His authentic goodness. Our hope is in the One who calms seas and breathes life back into the dead. His voice is singing out, bringing light into the dark, inviting us to join Him in His everlasting song of hope.
Faith over Fear: Abraham's Imperfect Journey
by Matt RawleNo journey is more imperfect than Abraham’s.In Faith over Fear, Matt Rawle invites you to discover the depth and complexity of faith through Abraham's inspiring yet imperfect story. This profoundly reflective book explores the twists and turns of Abraham's relationship with God, reminding us that faith isn’t about flawless trust—it’s about showing up, even when faced with doubt and uncertainty. Through vivid storytelling and rich spiritual insights, Faith over Fear helps you wrestle with faith as a dynamic, deeply human experience and learn to honor fear and trust in your spiritual walk. Whether navigating uncharted territory in life or seeking a renewed understanding of God’s promises, this book offers an uplifting reminder that grace is always ahead of us, calling us to move forward. Transform your perspective and reclaim your courage by stepping into this invitation to walk through life with faith that’s as messy as it is meaningful.
Bible Sisters: A Year of Devotions with the Women of the Bible
by Gennifer Benjamin BrooksThese Bible passages, reflections, and prayers will lead women throughthe Bible, from Eve to the women at the empty tomb and in the earlychurch.Bible Sisters: A Year of Devotions with the Women of the Bibleis perfect for daily personal devotions or for small group discussionsthat explore women's perspectives in the Bible. This volume is also anexcellent companion resource to the CEB Women’s Bible.
Pray Like Jesus Leader Guide: Rediscovering the Lord's Prayer
by Don UnderwoodThe Lord’s Prayer is the most famous prayer in the world and is remarkably simple and brief. In only 70 words Jesus covers the breadth of the Christian message and experience. Most Christians already know it by heart and can easily recite it. In fact, that might be part of the problem—it is so well known and easily recited that most of us never even think about the words as we rattle them off silently or in a corporate worship setting.In Pray Like Jesus, pastor and author Don Underwood reexamines the content of the Lord’s Prayer and discovers within it insightful spiritual guidance for developing a rich devotional life. And the end of each chapter, he suggest ideas for making the prayer a part of daily spiritual disciplines.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
The Life We Claim: The Apostles' Creed for Preaching, Teaching, and Worship
by James C. HowellUsing the Apostles’ Creed as the “primary text” this book explores what we believe as Christians and how those beliefs are relevant today. The author’s goal is to help pastors educate and transform members of their congregations. He examines the Creed phrase by phrase in brief sections suitable for congregational study or for emailing to the congregation. For each phrase in the Creed, a "deeper reflection" provides material for preaching a 13-sermon series or for further congregatonal study. A detailed appendix includes recommendations of hymns and songs related to each phrase in the Creed; the suggestions are keyed to several hymnals and songbooks.
Half Truths Youth Leader Guide: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn't Say (Half Truths)
by Adam HamiltonThey are simple phrases. They sound Christian—like something youmight find in the Bible. We’ve all heard these words. Maybe we’ve saidthem. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point inimportant ways.Join Adam Hamilton in this 5-week Bible study to search for the wholetruth by comparing common Christian clichés with the wisdom found inScripture. The clichés include: Everything happens for a reason. God helps those who help themselves. God won’t give you more than you can handle. God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Love the sinner, hate the sin.Contains everything needed to conduct a 5-session study, including discussion questions, activities, and suggestions for organizing and facilitating a group. Can be used with the adult-level DVD.
The New Adapters: Shaping Ideas to Fit Your Congregation
by Adam Hamilton Mike Slaughter Jacob ArmstrongLearn how new andyoung pastors from across the country are translating eight time-testedprinciples of church leadership. Adam Hamilton and Mike Slaughterintroduce each principle and discuss its importance in their ministries.Author Jacob Armstrong then shows how the principle works in newcontexts today. The New Adapters is full of energy, wisdom, and stories of hope."If you have wonderedwhat adaptive leadership looks like in practice, here it is. JacobArmstrong offers a road map for reaching the mission field, writing withhonesty, clarity, humility, and a heart attuned to the gospel. Heinvites us into a conversation with Adam Hamilton and Mike Slaughterthat is both substantial and practical. Gather a team around you and letthis book guide you to become New Adapters!" —Bishop Bill McAlilly,Nashville Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church"The New Adaptersis a fantastic read — a clarion call for what is needed incongregations today. It will immediately start to shift the way youthink about ministry." —F. Douglas Powe Jr., Professor and AssociateDirector of the Center for the Missional Church, Wesley TheologicalSeminary, Washington, DC"A wonderful,hopeful, and practical volume for pastors, laity, and judicatory leaderswho want to facilitate and participate in adaptive change. Armstrongdraws wisdom from practitioners while refusing to offer a cookie cutterfor the church." —Elaine A. Heath, McCreless Professor of Evangelism,Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX"This practical bookshould be in every church leader’s library. Armstrong invites us toreclaim our love for the church, practice Holy Spirit dependence, andbecome New Adapters in living the mission of Jesus Christ. Jacob iscalling us toward a new kind of church, one that gives me hope for thefuture!" —Bishop Mark J. Webb, Upper New York Episcopal Area of TheUnited Methodist Church
The New Testament: Methods and Meanings (Core Biblical Studies #No. 204)
by Amy-Jill Levine Warren CarterIn this concise, accessible book, Warren Carter and A.J. Levine introduce three aspects of New Testament study: the world of the text (plots, characters, setting, and themes), the world behind the text (the concerns, circumstances, and experiences of the early Christian communities), and the world in front of the text (the meaning for contemporary readers). As students engage the New Testament, they face a central issue that has confronted all students before them, namely, that these texts have been and are read in diverse and often quite conflicting ways. These multiple readings involve different methods: historical-critical, traditional (history of interpretation), colonial, multicultural, and sociological, with feminist and liberationist implications for the first-century readers as well as the ongoing implications for today's reader. For example, Carter and Levine show how a text can be used by both colonizer and colonized, feminist and anti-feminist, or pro- and anti-Jewish. The authors also show how scholarly work can be both constructive and threatening to the contemporary Church and how polemical texts can be used, whether for religious study, theological reflection, or homiletical practice."... a brilliant contemporary representative of the biblical discipline of the Einleitung, Introduction. ... In the best tradition of historical-critical biblical scholarship, Carter and Levine advocate a respectful, critical and generous engagement with the texts, involving readers in finding meanings. ... There are many gems in the heart of this book, including excursuses in shaded boxes, and some misguided traditional interpretations are safely despatched. Dagmar Winter, Journal for the Study of The New Testament Booklist 2015
Living with the Mind of Christ - eBook [ePub]: A Lenten Study for Adults
by Rev James A. HarnishThis is the 11th year for a thematic Lenten study offering. This study will include 7 sessions, one for each Sunday in Lent, including Easter Sunday. Each session features a scripture reference, a personal reading and questions for personal reflection or group discussion; suggestions for ways to deepen the Lenten journey or a focus for the coming week may also be included. This particular study is based on Philippians 2:1-11 (“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…”). The goal is to discover what it might look like for us, in very practical ways, to live with the mind of Christ.
Journey 101: Steps to the Life God Intends (Journey 101)
by Carol Cartmill Michelle Kirby Jeff Kirby Jenny YoungmanJourney 101 Loving 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 Loving God, plus leader helps for conducting a successful study.
Following Jesus: Steps to a Passionate Faith
by Carolyn SlaughterFirst produced by Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, this 12-session study is perfect for groups just beginning their faith walk or for anyone looking for a deeper foundation. Follow Jesus leads adults to rediscover Jesus, grow in the spirit and learn to live in faith and in service to the church, community and world. Part 1 - Rediscovering Jesus Jesus the Messiah Unique Characteristics of Jesus Savior of the World Our Lord Part 2 - Growing in the Spirit The Holy Spirit Understanding Spiritual Fruit Understanding Spiritual Gifts Sharing the Spirit Part 3 - Living in Faith and Service Session Nine: Spiritual Disciplines: Keys to God’s Heart Session Ten: The Church Session Eleven: Understanding God’s Call Session Twelve: God’s Place for You Also available: Following Jesus Leader's Guide 9780687649488