PRACTICESPERSPECTIVESENGAGEMENTGROUP RESOURCES
How to use this guide:
Studying Scripture and Christian teaching in community is a needed element in our personal transformation and how groups become closer relationally and stronger spiritually.
Truth is, it takes more than the selection of a study. Healthy groups are creating an environment to learn content, to glean from one another, to be curious and wonder, and to search and pray. We pray that each of our groups has a vibrant spiritual culture where the Holy Spirit is invited to be at work.
Further, changing up the “medium” of study is an important factor in leading effective studies. Meaning, one series could be a book study, another could be video based, another could be curriculum based, another could be the inductive Bible study guides. You will want to change the medium, and consider rotating teachers, if those gifts exist in your group.
Our vision for group life is “people who gather in community practicing the way of Jesus.” Our resource list reflects three core values of group life that we believe cultivates practicing the way of Jesus. These include: Spiritual Formation, Missional Living, and Strengthening Relationships.
Most of these studies require minimum financial purchase; our video-based ones from RightNow Media only require a free account that you can set-up here.
Spiritual Formation
Practicing The Way - John Mark Comer
"We are constantly being formed by the world around us. To be formed by Jesus will require us to become his apprentice. To live by what the first Christian disciples called a Rule of Life—a set of practices and relational rhythms that slow us down and open up space in our daily lives for God to do what only God can do—transforms the deepest parts of us to become like him. This introduction to spiritual formation is full of John Mark Comer’s trademark mix of theological substance and cultural insight as well as practical wisdom on developing your own Rule of Life. These ancient practices have much to offer us. By learning to rearrange our days, we can follow the Way of Jesus. We can be with him. Become like him. And do as he did."
Bible Backgrounds - The Book of Acts - Dave Stotts
Right Now Media - 6 sessions - average length 15 minutes
"Dave Stotts, host of Drive Thru History, explores the scripture, history, geography, archaeology, and impact of the Book of Acts in the New Testament. The home base for the series is Dave’s Garage, a state-of-the-art, extended reality lair where almost anything is possible. In addition to teaching with a collection of monitors, maps, animations and artifacts, Dave treks outside his garage for special adventures in Israel and the entire Mediterranean region. Designed for all ages, Bible Backroads is fun, fast-paced, and educational, encouraging families to dig deeper into the Biblical accounts together."
The Discerning Life - Steve Macchia
"Spiritual discernment is a key theme in the Scriptures. From the Garden when Adam and Eve turned away from the simplest terms of a relationship with God, to the Garden when John the Apostle wrote the book of Revelation to a distracted people anticipating eternity, discerning God has been the heart of the matter. In modern times, however, we have forgotten the basic premise of practicing a preference for God, out of which we then are invited to live for God. Instead, we have implanted strategic planning, head-to-head battling, and will-of-God knowing in its place. In The Discerning Life, Stephen A. Macchia seeks to upend the one-eyed and limited Christian understandings of spiritual discernment and invite readers and leaders to reconsider how they prioritize the care of their souls, the grace of their communities, and the mission of their lives, churches, and organizations. When we have a fuller understanding of how spiritual discernment matters to the whole of our lives, we will in turn encourage others to follow likewise and then lean fully into the mission, mandate, and message of the whole counsel of God.
Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest - Ruth Haley Barton
"Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest grounds us in God's intentions in giving us the gift of sabbath, providing practical steps for embedding sabbath rhythms in churches and organizations. Each chapter concludes with "What Your Soul Wants to Say to God," an opportunity to reflect and engage God around your own journey with the material. Sabbath is more than a practice―it is a way of life ordered around God’s invitation to regular rhythms of work, rest, and replenishment that will sustain us for the long haul of life in leadership."
Soul Detox - Craig Groeschel
Right Now Media - 5 sessions - average length 12 minutes
"Recognize and remove hidden dangers in your life. In this five-session small group bible study, pastor and best-selling author Craig Groeschel sheds light on relationships, thoughts, and behaviors that quietly compromise our well-being. Using concise teaching and honest humor, Groeschel provides a source of inspiration and encouragements for a faith-filled lifestyle that will keep you free of spiritual toxins."
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry - John Mark Comer
Right Now Media - 6 sessions - average length 12 minutes
"Join pastor and author John Mark Comer in this five-part series as he addresses one of the greatest threats to our spiritual lives: hurry. Instead of allowing our calendars and screens to control our lives, Jesus offers us a new rhythm of life, overflowing with grace, peace, and beauty."
Strengthening Relationships
Love Like That - Les Parrott
Right Now Media - 6 sessions - average length 12 minutes
"In this 6-part Bible study series, Dr. Les Parrott examines Jesus’s life and character traits to give practical definition to what it means to love like Jesus. The Holy Spirit invites us to trade detachment, exclusivity, judgment, fear, and self-concern for mindfulness, approachability, grace, boldness, and self-giving. He empowers us to love like Jesus, and frees us to experience genuine joy."
Find Your People - Jennie Allen
Right Now Media - 7 sessions - average length 18 minutes
In the Find Your People video Bible study, bestselling author Jennie Allen looks at the original community in Genesis, the Trinity, and the creation of people to see what God had planned for us all along. Jennie offers practical solutions for creating true community in a world that's both more connected and more isolating than ever before."
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality - Pete Scazzero
10 Weeks Video Sessions available here.
"Leading through crisis demands a discipleship revolution. Embark on a Discipleship Pathway that deeply changes lives."
On Marriage
Cherish - Gary Thomas
Right Now Media - 6 sessions - average length 20 minutes "In this six-session video Bible study, bestselling author Gary Thomas draws on personal stories and teachings from the Bible to show how cherishing can have a powerful effect on marriage. Learning to truly cherish each other turns marriage from an obligation into a delight. It lifts marriage above a commitment to a precious priority. Cherish is the melody that makes a marriage sing."
The Marriage Course
7 sessions - average length 20-25 minutes
"The Marriage Course is a series of seven sessions, designed to help couples invest in their relationship and build a strong marriage. Nicky and Sila Lee, authors of The Marriage Book, developed The Marriage Course for couples looking for practical support to strengthen their relationship. The course is designed to help couples build strong foundations, learn to communicate more effectively and resolve differences well."
On Parenting
Intentional Parenting - Doug Fields
Right Now Media - 5 sessions - average length 8 minutes
"To be an exceptional parent, you need to be an intentional parent. But, don’t worry! You’re not alone, Doug and Cathy are here to help. They’re veteran parents who can help you move from Quick-Fix Parenting to Intentional Parenting... It’s never too late to become an intentional parent. Remember, you are the greatest influence on the life of your child (no matter their age)! And it can all begin with these resources. Let’s walk this important journey—together."
Seen - Dr. Chinwe Williams and Will Hutcherson
From the Parent Cue Organization - 12 sessions - average length 15 minutes. Series includes digital workbook for small group discussion. See Pastor Tim Ghali for access.
Parenting in a Tech World - Titania Jordan and Matt McKee.
From the Parent Cue Organization - See Pastor Tim Ghali for access.
Tech Wise Family For Parents - Andy Crouch
Right Now Media - 12 sessions - average length 15 minutes
"Making intentional choices about technology in our families is about more than internet filters and screen time limits for our children. It’s about developing wisdom, character, and courage in the way we use digital media rather than accepting technology’s promises of ease, instant gratification and the world at our fingertips. And it’s definitely not just about the kids."
Missional Living
Lost Cause - Dave Ferguson
Right Now Media - 7 sessions - average length 11 minutes
"For Christians, sharing the gospel can be awkward, unnatural, and even frightening. After trying and failing, or failing to try at all, we may wonder if evangelism is worth the effort. In Lost Cause, created in partnership with Exponential, Dave Ferguson helps Christians push past common barriers to evangelism so we can focus on the heart of the matter: sharing the message of good news with people who desperately need it. Join Dave in this five-session series and revive your heart for evangelism."
How to Save the World: Disciple Making Made Easy - Alice Matagora
"Drawing on cutting-edge research from The Navigators and Barna Group, Alice Matagora invites you to enter Jesus’ plan to save the world wherever you are. She understands your anxieties (because she’s experienced them) and helps you to break down barriers, pointing you to the joy of engaged discipleship: knowing Christ, making him known, and helping others do the same...No matter who you are, what you do, or where you are in your disciplemaking journey, How to Save the World will help you find joy and confidence as you discover practical ways to share your faith as you join God in saving the world right where you live."
Becoming a Missional Family - P.C. Mathew
Right Now Media - 7 sessions - average length 11 minutes
"In this 7-part series based on his book, Dr. P. C. Mathew reveals five distinct characteristics of a missional family to help every Christian family discover God’s grander purpose for them by being partners of God’s mission. Missional families reflect the deep relationship that exists in the Trinity and they are engaged together to accomplish the task of God."
Fruitfulness on the Frontlines - Mark Greene
Right Now Media - 8 sessions - average length 11 minutes
"This liberating resource offers a fresh, simple framework for discovering a rich variety of ways in which God may work in and through us right where we are. Combining biblical teaching from Mark Greene, inspiring real-life stories, and a downloadable discussion guide, the 8 sessions will help you and your group see how you can make a difference on your frontlines and support one another along the way."
How to Fight Racism - Jemar Tisby
Right Now Media - 11 sessions - average length 18 minutes
"By providing a series of hands-on suggestions for practice bolstered by real-world examples of change, Jemar Tisby offers viewers an array of actionable items to help them become proactive initiators of racial justice. Far more than a simple list of items to do, it also provides a simple framework to help viewers consistently interrogate their own actions and maintain a posture of anti-racist action. This video study is for anyone who believes it is time for the church to stop compromising with racism and courageously confront it."
Good and Beautiful and Kind - Rich Villodas
"We long for a good life, a beautiful life, a kind life. But clearly that’s not the world we live in. We carry the stress of our fractured world in our bodies and relationships. Families that once gathered around tables have converted those tables into walls. Hostility, rage, and offense is the language of our culture. How did we lose goodness, kindness, and beauty? And more important, how do we get them back into our lives? These are the two questions crying out in our streets, homes, churches, and from deep within our souls. Pastor and author Rich Villodas is convinced that only Jesus offers a way of being human that is both strong and tender enough to tear down the walls of hostility we experience daily."
What is Q Media? And Why We’re Recommending It:
Think of it as a mini-Netflix channel for our cultural conversations informed
largely by a Christian viewpoint. Q Ideas gathers communicators and leaders around the challenging topics in our society.
We believe groups can be a place for us to learn new ideas, respectfully share our perspectives and be challenged by the convictions of others.
This is a brand-new resource that we are looking for a few groups to experiment for us. You can stream the content on a smart-tv, handheld device. Q Talks are TED Talk style and are either 9 or 18 minutes long and each talk has a set of discussion questions on its talk page.
Would love to set you up with your account, please contact Pastor Tim Ghali directly to get access (and he wants your feedback for the future of this resource).
Racial Justice and Anti-Racism Resources
Color-Courageous Discipleship - Michelle T. Sanchez
“So you’re for Jesus and against racism. But racism is such a fraught topic—can’t we just talk about Jesus? Michelle T. Sanchez has discovered through her own journey that it’s impossible to separate racial discipleship from our relationship with God. When we choose to courageously resist racism, we discover opportunities to encounter Christ in fresh and exciting ways.Color-Courageous Discipleship is our guidebook to a deeper connection with God through the adventure of racial discipleship...Whatever your race or background, Color-Courageous Discipleship invites you to experience more of Jesus as you pursue racial righteousness in his name."
Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation - Latasha Morrison
“In this perspective-shifting book, founder Latasha Morrison shows how you can participate in this incredible work and replicate it in your own community. With conviction and grace, she examines the historical complexities of racism. She expertly applies biblical principles, such as lamentation, confession, and forgiveness, to lay the framework for restoration….”
Why We’re Recommending It: About 500 people at Grace engaged in reading and discussing Be the Bridge and a major piece of feedback was to offer it again. Latasha hosts a Biblical, personal, and societally-appropriate starting point for group conversation and self-reflection.
The Color of Compromise - Jemar Tisby
Video Series (accompanying book and discussion guides are available) - 12 Sessions - average video 20 mins in length
“Tisby provides a unique survey of American Christianity's racial past, revealing the concrete and chilling ways people of faith have worked against racial justice. Understanding our racial history sets the stage for solutions, but until we understand the depth of the malady we won't fully embrace the aggressive treatment it requires.” Read more here.
Why We’re Recommending It: For those groups who want to tackle the complicated history of race in America and in the Church, Tisby covers a lot of helpful ground. Listening to another’s history is one of the steps we can take to understand, dialogue, and act.
Trouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism - Drew Hart
“In this provocative book, theologian and blogger Drew G. I. Hart places police brutality, mass incarceration, anti-black stereotypes, poverty, and everyday acts of racism within the larger framework of white supremacy. He argues that white Christians have repeatedly gotten it wrong about race because dominant culture and white privilege have so thoroughly shaped their assumptions. He also challenges black Christians about neglecting the most vulnerable in their own communities. Leading readers toward Jesus, Hart offers concrete practices for churches that seek solidarity with the oppressed and are committed to racial justice. What if all Christians listened to the stories of those on the racialized margins?”
Why We’re Recommending It: "Having attended seminary at the same time as Drew and interacted with him over the years, I know his heart, trust his integrity, and have learned so much regarding race, Christianity, and the American church today. Further, the book is timely, personal and well-researched. Even if I didn’t know Drew, I would have gained so much from it." - Pastor Tim Ghali
Free downloadable study guide available here.
Beyond Colorblind: Redeeming Our Ethnic Journey - Sarah Shin
“For a generation or so, society has tried to be colorblind. People say they don’t see race. But this approach has limitations. In our broken world, ethnicity and racial identity are often points of pain and injustice. We can’t ignore that God created us with our ethnic identities. We bring all of who we are, including our ethnicity and cultural background, to our identity and work as God's ambassadors. Ethnicity and evangelism specialist Sarah Shin reveals how our brokenness around ethnicity can be restored and redeemed, for our own wholeness and also for the good of others. When we experience internal transformation in our ethnic journeys, God propels us outward in a reconciling witness to the world.”
Why We’re Recommending It: Sarah’s writing on ethnicity is on-point and insightful, and will be paradigm-changing for many. We also loved the talk she gave at Q.
