Eight Checkpoints and Curriculum Resources for Bible Fellowship groups
Dear Adult BFG Leaders, Thank you for serving! We couldn t possibly tell you enough how valuable your work is to growing the kingdom as we make disciples together. The resources listed in this booklet are provided as a guide for creating transformational discipleship community within our Bible Fellowship Groups. These curricula and resources are structured around 8 Key Checkpoints. These are eight essential values we believe every believer needs as they are growing as a disciple. These eight checkpoints are... The Bible- To know and understand God s Word in a deep and meaningful way Spiritual Disciplines- To grow as a disciple through the practice of holy habits Christ-Centered Relationships- To live out Christ s calling in all of our relationships Biblical Stewardship- To manage our God given resources in a way that honors him and allows us the freedom to live as He desires Serving- To discover and use our spiritual gifts by serving others humbly Sharing Christ To share Christ everywhere including where we live, work, play, and to the ends of the earth Biblical Doctrine and Theology- To know what we believe and why Leadership and Disciple-Making- To lead others in growing as disciples and growing the Kingdom The resources in this list are a starting point. If there is something you want to teach that is not on this list, please let us know. We will review and add curriculums to the list constantly to give you the best tools available for your Bible Fellowship Group. Our goal is that each Bible Fellowship Group would touch each of the 8 checkpoints at least once in a two-year time frame. How you do that is up to you. We want you to teach what is going to best meet the needs of your class. Some area may need to be taught more often than others. Although we ask that you not teach from the same area twice in a row. If you need any assistance in choosing a curriculum, please do not hesitate to either call myself or browse the curricula available in both the 3rd floor resource room as well as the church offices. Additionally, our church has access to over 2,000 streaming Bible studies via subscription with the capability of acquiring others. We are here to support you with whatever you need in leading your Bible Fellowship Group. Cole Wilkins Minister of Discipleship cole@firstbaptistcumming.org Gwenn Fox Discipleship & Worship Ministries Assistant gwenn@firstbaptistcumming.org Greg Nelson College & Adult Ministries Intern
Checkpoint 1- Knowing and Understanding the Bible If you are interested in studying any particular book of the Bible, please let us know and we can help you find the studies for that book at the depth level that is best for your group. Bible 101 Series Solid Foundational Knowledge for Understanding the Bible. Several 6 Week Studies Including: Cover to Cover- Getting the Bible s Big Picture Personal Devotion- Taking God s Word to Heart Study Methods- Experiencing the Power of God s Word Foundations- How We Got Our Bible Times and Places- Picturing the Events of the Bible Parables and Prophecy- Unlocking the Bible s Mysteries Interpretation- Discovering the Bible for Yourself Great Themes- Understanding the Bible s Core Doctrines Bringing the Bible to Life Series An exciting new study that brings premier Christian Biblical scholarship together with premier curriculum publishers. 6 to 12 week studies long on each book of the Bible Group s Bible Sense Series Excellent for small groups but doable for BFGs as well. 6 to 8 week studies on Biblical books. A DVD comes with each study. New Community Bible Study Series John Ortberg. Each 6 week study covers a Biblical book with a general theme. Old Testament Challenge John Ortberg & Kevin Harney DVD based & ideal for small groups, but very usable for BFGs as well. Consists of a 4- part challenge covering the entire OT in 32 weeks or an 8 week study on a portion of the OT. Leader kit, leader guide, participant guides, etc. The Bible Jesus Read Philip Yancey 8 week DVD based curriculum with leader kit, leader and participant guides, etc. Helps people understand both the OT and Jesus much better.
Read the Bible for Life George Guthrie Outstanding study. DVD, Book & Workbook. Other Helps and Resources available. 9 weeks. Living by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible Howard Hendricks DVD, Book & Workbook. Now in a user-friendly 7 week or 20 week format. Life Bible Studies by NAVPRESS Multiple Printed and Online Curriculum Options including Yahweh (48 weeks through the Old Testament) Christos (48 weeks through the Life of Christ) Ekklesia (48 weeks through the New Testament Church) Awestruck (6 weeks in the Psalms) Explore the Bible A Lifeway Curriculum designed for Sunday morning use that spans the entire Bible verse by verse over an 8 year period. Various Other Bible Book Studies Might Include: Warren Wiersbe BE Series John MacArthur Studies NAVPRESS LifeChange Series Life Application Series Max Lucado Life Lessons Series Walk Thru The Bible IVP LifeGuide Bible Studies
Checkpoint 2- Spiritual Formation- Growing as a Disciple and Practicing Spiritual Disciplines The Call to Follow Christ Claude King Workbook. 6 Sessions. Six Disciplines for New and Growing Believers. Pursuing Spiritual Transformation Bible Study Series John Ortberg, Laurie Penderson, Judson Poling Books. Several 7 Session Studies Including Fully Devoted: Living Each Day in Jesus Name Grace: An Invitation to a Way of Life Growth: Training vs. Trying Groups: The Life Giving Power of Community Gifts: The Joy of Serving God Giving: Unlocking the Heart of Good Stewardship Radical Bible Study Life Bible Study or LifeWay Material by David Platt Book and Study Guide. 8 Bible Studies with commentary, teaching plans, discussion questions. The Divine Conspiracy Dallas Willard DVD + Participants Guide. Book available. 6 Sessions. Small Group/BFG resource. God is Closer Than You Think / The Life You ve Always Wanted John Ortberg Each of these 2 come with DVD Kit + Leader & Participants Guides. 6 Sessions each. Celebration of Discipline Richard Foster Book & Study Guide. 12-13 Weeks. The disciplines people must cultivate in order to achieve spiritual depth. A Spiritual Formation Workbook James Bryan Smith Workbook. 8 Sessions. Small Group/BFG resource for nurturing Christian growth.
Experiencing God / Fresh Encounter Henry Blackaby & Claude King DVD Kit, Leader & Participants Guides. Book available. 13 Weeks. A classic study on nurturing a personal relationship with God. Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus Kyle Idleman DVD Kit with Participants Guides. Book available. 7 weeks. Follow Me David Platt Video-Driven study with DVD Kit, Participants Guides., Book 6 Sessions. Abide: Practicing Kingdom Rhythms In a Consumer Culture Jared C. Wilson Illuminates key sections from the Sermon on the Mount. Designed for young adults, but acceptable for other ages as well. 6 sessions. The Growing Disciples Series: Abiding in Christ / Praying in Faith Claude King and Others Participants Guides. 6 Sessions. This series is an expansion upon The Call to Follow Christ. Sacred Rhythms: Spiritual Practices That Nourish Your Soul and Transform Your Life Ruth Haley Barton DVD + Participants Guide. 6 sessions. Transformation: Letting God Change You (InterActions Series) Bill Hybels and Others Participants Guide. 6 Sessions. Other Studies on individual Spiritual Disciplines Such as Prayer, Personal Bible Study, Worship, etc. are also acceptable and encouraged to satisfy this checkpoint. For Inspiration in this area, some books are helpful such as: The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, and Celebration of Discipline. Equally acceptable might be a study on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Checkpoint 3- Christ-Centered Relationships Note: The way you teach this topic or checkpoint will naturally vary with the age or season of life your class. Depending on your class, it might be acceptable to teach on: Singleness and Dating, Marriage Enrichment, Parenting Preschoolers or Elementary Kids, Parenting Teens, Parenting College Students, Parenting Your Adult Child, Godly Friendship, Caring for Parents, Loving One Another, etc. Boundaries Henry Cloud and John Townsend Boundaries, by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, addresses specific issues that confront today's Christians. Issues such as: -Living a life out of control -Having people take advantage of us -Having trouble saying no -Being disappointed with God because of unanswered prayers and Many more vital issues 13 Sessions. Book, Leaders Guide, Video, Workbooks. Boundaries With Kids Henry Cloud and John Townsend When to say Yes, when to say No; to help your children gain control of their lives. Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend, addresses the critical issues involved in learning when to say "Yes and when to say No" to help your children gain control of their lives. For anyone in a parenting or teaching role, helping children learn responsibility is a key issue. From temper tantrums and attitude problems, to drugs and sex, learning limits and becoming responsible is a major part of growing up. 13 Sessions. Book, Leaders Guide, Video, Workbooks. Other Boundaries Studies also available such as in marriage, in dating, for raising teenagers, etc... The Five Love Languages Gary Chapman What if you could say or do just the right thing guaranteed to make that special someone feel loved? The secret is learning the right love language! Millions of couples have learned the simple way to express their feelings and bring joy back into marriage: The Five Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman's New York Times bestseller! 7 Weeks, Leader Guide, Workbook, Video. Other Five Love Languages studies also available such as the 5 Love Languages of Teenagers, Children, Singles, Apologies, etc.
I Love You More Les and Leslie Parrot Explore how a marriage survives and thrives when a couple learns to use problems to boost their love life and literally love each other more. 6 Sessions. Video, Leader guide, workbooks. Other Marriage Enrichment Studies such as: The Secret to the Marriage You Want Your Time-Starved Marriage Love and Respect Sacred Marriage Grace Based Parenting Tim Kimmel Kimmel recommends creating a grace-based home environment that allows children to meet their full potential, to parent children in the same way God parents us. He presents a child's true needs--according to Scripture--and provides parents a realistic way to meet them. The result--spiritually strong children who grow up with a sense of calm and a heart full of purpose and confidence. 10 weeks. Leader Kit, Video, Participant Study Guides. Interactions Series: Marriage: Building Real Intimacy / Parenting / The Real Deal: Authentic Relationships Bill Hybels This guide helps parents tackle the thorny issues they face today and also develop confidence and competence in their role as a parent. 6 Sessions Study Guide with Leader Outlines and Discussion Questions Pure Parenting: Teaching Your Teen Why True Love Waits Lynn Prior & Deanna Harrison Member Book + Leader Guide. A practical guide to equip parents to raise children who embrace the pledge behind True Love Waits to live a life of purity. 4 weeks. Authentic Relationships- Being Real in an Artificial World Serendipity House Leader and Participant Guide. Equips participants to build family, adult, and work relationships and recapture loyalty in a disloyal world! 13 Sessions.
Checkpoint 4- Biblical Stewardship Freed Up Financial Living Dick Towner and John Tofilon Freed-Up Financial Living refreshes and expands on the time-tested, life-changing Good $ense Budget Course that has been used in more than 5,000 churches. It is now available with updated participant materials, new videos, and all of the teaching on DVD conducted by seasoned financial ministry leaders Dick Towner, John Tofilon, and Shannon Plate. 6 Sessions. Video, Leaders Guides, Study Guides Giving-Unlocking the Heart of Good Stewardship Pursuing Spiritual Transformation Bible Study Series Giving demonstrates how good stewardship is more than a responsibility it's an adventure. As you study the connection between your wallet and your heart, learn how money management is a powerful tool for shaping your character. Discover how giving is as much a part of spiritual growth as prayer and Bible study. And learn about the rewards of cultivating wise financial habits and a generous heart. Above all, find out how a lifestyle of giving reflects the heart of God, who freely gives his best to you. 7 Weeks. Study Guide with leader outlines, discussion questions. Managing Our Finances God s Way Saddleback Resources DVD Kit, Member Books, Leader Guides, Additional Helps. 7 weeks. Effective Stewardship: Doing What Matters Most Acton Institute Stewardship is everything we do after we say we believe. DVD study that challenges you to be a faithful steward of God s resources in every area of your life. 5 Sessions. DVD + Participants Guides. This curriculum encapsulates more than stewarding money. Simple Life Action Plan Thom Rainer Designed to help individuals create a mission statement based on the principles of clarity, movement, alignment, and focus. Four areas of life are considered: time, relationships, money, and God. DVD, leader guide, member book. The Treasure Principle Workshop Randy Alcorn A proven and inspiring resource on kingdom-minded giving. DVD Kit, leaders guide, student workbook. 6 sessions.
Though Challenging to Lead in the Context of a Single-Hour BFG session, other popular Financial Studies are acceptable as well including: Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace Curricula Crown Financial Resources Good$ense Other Potential Resources Might Include: A Biblical Guide to Managing God s Money (Randy Alcorn) The Generosity Ladder (Searcy & Henson) Various Studies from Larry Burkett
Checkpoint 5- Serving: Understanding Spiritual Gifts David Lawson 40 minute Bible Study Series, from Precepts, no homework, leaders notes, small group discussion Developing Your Shape to Serve Others Brett Eastman Doing Life Together Series, has video (13-19 minutes), discussion questions The way you re wired is no accident! God designed your unique mix of gifts, natural abilities, personality, values and life experiences to play an essential part in His kingdom. Spiritual Gifts Karen Dockrey Fisherman Study guide Series 8 sessions, study guide with leader s notes Celebrate and affirm what your gifts are, why they are given, and how you can put them to use. Gifts: The Joy of Serving God Pursuing Spiritual Transformation Series, John Ortberg 7 session study, personal study and group interaction, leader s guide in back of book, works best when homework is done. Helps cultivate a servant s heart and your spiritual gifts in a way that builds up your church, family, friends, and your world. Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow Peter C Wagner 12 sessions, no video, participant s guide Learn about your spiritual gifts, how to tell the difference between a real and counterfeit gift and 5 steps for spiritual gifts to build God s kingdom. S.H.A.P.E - Finding & Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life Erik Rees 6-8 week study. Purpose Driven Resource, study guide with discussion questions, contact Saddleback for online assessment tool Finding and fulfilling your unique purpose for life through Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experiences Growing in Your Gifts Season 3 in the Growing Out: From Disciples to Disciplers Curriculum from GROUP Uncover each participant s gifting and how they can use it for God in their church, community, and world. Learner Guides + Leader Helps. 13 weeks. P.L.A.C.E. - Finding Your Place in Life and Ministry 5 to 6 week study with assessment tool. Students discover Personality, Spiritual Gifts, Abilities, Passion, and Experiences.
Checkpoint 6- Sharing Christ: Becoming A Contagious Christian Mark Mittelberg 6 sessions. DVD, leader s guide, participant s guide. Equips believers by showing how to share the gospel in a natural powerful way while being the person God made you. Conquer Your Fear, Share Your Faith: An Evengelism Crash Course Kirk Cameron 4 week study, leaders s guide with DVD, participant guide. Helps people overcome their fears and talk about their faith with friends, neighbors, coworkers and even strangers. Evangelism for the Rest of Us: Sharing Christ Within Your Personality Style Mike Bechtle 12 chapters, 6-8 week study. Not an extrovert and evangelism makes your knees shake? Use your unique strengths to influence others in powerful ways for the Gospel. Evangelism Without Additives: What if Sharing Your Faith Meant Just Being Yourself? Jim Henderson 13 chapters, 8-12 week study with discussion guide. Use everyday experiences to nudge others closer to Christ. What if the things you re already doing counted as evangelism? God Space: Where Spiritual Conversations Happen Naturally Doug Pollock 11 chapters. Insights and spiritual tools to engage people in everyday conversations. Share Jesus Without Fear William Fay & Ralph Hodge 4 sessions, DVD format, leader helps, member book with 36 responses to objections Reaching Out: Sharing God s Love Naturally Interactions Series, Bill Hybels 6 session study. Discover the meaning, importance, motivation, and mindset of sharing. Just Walk Across the Room Bill Hybels DVD, leader s guide, participant s guide, cd rom 4 sessions. Overcome barriers and develop your skills to simply cross a room and say hello to someone. Workplace Grace: Becoming A Spiritual Influence at Work Walt Lattimore 6 sessions. DVD + leader s and participant s guides. Learn to create curiousity about faith in your workplace, recognize spiritual hunger, cultivate common ground, and open doors.
Checkpoint 7- Biblical Doctrine and Theology Christian Basics Bible Studies Various authors 6 to 8 week studies for BFG, small group or personal use. Cover a variety of topics and themes that are important in the Christian s life. Jesus 101 Series Bill Donahue 6 session in each study. Each study covers an aspect of Jesus life or character. Foundations Tom Holladay & Kay Warren 11 different DVD based 4 to 5 week mini studies on core Christian beliefs OR a 22 week study with leader kit, leader guide, participant guides, powerpoints, etc. The Faith Charles Colson & Gary Poole 6 session DVD and participant s study guide on core Christian Beliefs. Baptist Faith and Message Al Mohler and others No DVD, just Bible Study Workbook, 21 weeks on Baptist beliefs about core Biblical and theological topics Christian Beliefs: 20 Life Transforming Truths Wayne Grudem DVD + Study Guide & Discussion Questions. Also available in book form alone as a very concise and strong Biblical resource with scriptures and discussion questions adaptable for lessons. Foundations of the Faith: The Doctrines Baptists Believe Roy T Edgemon 6 sessions The Gospel Project This recent Lifeway curriculum aims to cover the grand narrative or big picture of scripture as one cohesive story: creation, fall, and redemption. It is Christ-centric, Gospel saturated, and encourages participants to live on mission. The study weds systematic theology with biblical theology. Since the curriculum is not dated, it can be started at any time and since the curriculum has different segments, it can be used for a 6 week or 12 week, 24 week, 48 week, or even 3 year macro study. 3 daily devotionals + 1 video teaching tip included with each week. Fully digital for those on the go, etc. Leader guide
Checkpoint 8- Leadership and Disciple Making Developing Leadership Through Mentoring and Coaching Howard Hendricks 4 Sessions with a DVD. Participants Workbook available. Unleashed Influence: Power of Servant Leadership Serendipity House In our culture of take-charge leaders, servant leadership sounds like an oxymoron on the same level as efficient government. Transform your thinking about what true leadership, as modeled by Jesus Christ, really looks like. 13 Sessions, Leader and Student Guide Jesus on Leadership C. Gene Wilkes Leads members of the body of Christ to apply biblical principles of servant leadership to all areas of their ministries. The DVDs can be used to supplement a 6-session study of the member book. 6 Sessions. Video, Leaders Guide, Study Guide. Christian Leadership John Stott & Carolyn Nystrom IVP LifeGuide Bible Study. 9 Sessions. Study Guide + Leader Helps. Discipleship Essentials Greg Ogden A tool for equipping disciples of Jesus to become disciple-makers. Similar to Multiply. 24 Sessions. Not a curriculum as much as a scriptural workbook that should be completed together. Real Life Discipleship Training Manual: Equipping Disciples Who Make Disciples Willis, Putmam, & Krause Comprehensive daily workbook with leaders guide, notes, and helps. 12 weeks. 5 daily lessons per week. Growing in Your Leadership / Growing in Your Mission: Seasons 5 and 6 in Growing Out: From Disciples to Disciplers (Group) Each of these 2 studies consists of 13 Sessions. Study Guide + Leader Helps. Leadership Essentials Greg Ogden 12 Sessions. Inductive Bible Study Guide + Leader Helps.