Small Groups-Curriculum Suggestions.pdf

Are there required resources for shepherd leaders to use?

Bethlehem does not have a specific approval process for our shepherd leaders to use in their small group studies. There is a great deal of freedom in that decision.

What should I do if I have a question about a shepherd group resource?

Shepherd leaders meet monthly with the elders of their campus, which is a time when questions about curriculum or studies could be raised. New leaders with questions, contact your campus Adult Ministries pastor.

Is there any help identifying some good study materials?

Below are listed a number of materials that we might recommend to leaders seeking direction. The Bethlehem Bookstore offers a special discount to shepherd leaders ordering 5+ copies of a resource for group study. Contact Matt Lund at 612.455.3440 for more information.

John Piper group study materials (includes DVD and study booklet)

• God is the Gospel
• Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ
• When I Don't Desire God

Books that have study guides available

• Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
• Knowing God by JI Packer
• The Cross of Christ by John Stott (kind of a pricey book though)
• Heaven by Randy Alcorn
• Westminster Shorter Catechism for Study Classes (includes chapter study questions for reviewing one of the classic reformed catechisms)

Books that might make for a good discussion but without study guides

• Calvin's Institutes of Christian Religion -- an absolute classic. Overflowing with topics to delve into
• Jonathan Edwards Resolutions (booklet form) -- might provide an easy(?), less threatening introduction to Edwards
• Any Puritan paperback
• The Gospel According to the Old Testament series from P&R -- includes questions for further reflection with each chapter. Solid but accessible studies on various OT stories which help point to the coming Messiah. Interesting!
• Valley of Vision (Puritan prayers) -- good for small groups focusing on prayer
• Seeking Him by Nancy DeMoss -- workbook study format
• Lord, I Want to Know You by Kay Arthur -- devotional study
• What Is a Healthy Church Member? by Thabiti Anyabwile
• Disciplines of Grace by Jerry Bridges
• The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever & Tell the Truth by Metzger for groups studying and implementing evangelism.

Some recommended publishers and resources:Pursuit of Godliness Series, PDI Communications

• PeaceMaker materials
• Christian Counseling and Education Foundation resources
• Learn Corp Resources (Ames, IA)
• Touch Outreach Ministries (Houston, TX)
• Serendipity

(per David Livingston May 2005, Matt Lund March 2009)