Looking for a way to introduce your small groups to social justice?  Seek Social Justice: Transforming Lives in Need is a new resource from The Heritage Foundation (published by Lifeway) that you might want to take a look at.   A DVD-driven resource, this six session study features a combination of interviews, behind the scenes glimpses into ongoing justice ministries, and commentary by social justice advocates like Charles Colson, Albert Mohler, and Star Parker.

Watching the story of Lisa and Roderick, Ron and Cheryl along with Mike Fechner and Velma Mitchell of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders might be one of the most heartening segments I’ve ever seen.  All six of the DVD sessions take a real-life look at an ongoing example of social justice ministry.

Each of the sessions feature a DVD segment, a thorough discussion facilitated by a great set of discussion questions, and very good integration of scripture.  Wrestling with issues of family and relationships, basic human needs, work, and human trafficking…this is a very good introduction to the concept of social justice from a fairly broad perspective.

The last 20% of the study guide is a very thorough leader’s guide.  This is an essential element of the study as many small group leaders will struggle with their own understanding of the topic.

If you’re looking for resources that will take social justice from a phrase or concept to an opportunity for engagement, Seek Social Justice could be the primer you’re looking for.

Had an opportunity this weekend to take a look at GOD’S STORY your story, a new DVD-driven church-wide experience from Max Lucado. Published by Zondervan, the study is anchored by Lucado’s recent book by the same name.

The 6 session DVD features Max Lucado, the best-selling author and pastor. With the style so familiar to millions of readers, Lucado uses the sessions to unveil a compelling glimpse into how our story fits in God’s story. The DVD segments are just the right length (averaging 10 to 12 minutes) and feature Lucado in his most familiar role…as a story-teller. Each of his stories use an every day object lesson (a pilot forced to fly his plane blind or the bright orange vest that drunk drivers in Tennessee are required to wear) to illustrate a timeless biblical truth and set up the particular part of God’s story he is telling.

Along with a note-taking outline of the DVD segment, each of the study guide sessions feature a set of well-written discussion questions. Although there is no leader’s guide, the degree of difficulty is manageable for newer group leaders and with just a little preparation an in-house guide could be prepared to enhance the experience. In addition to a Recommended Reading chapter assignment from GOD’S STORY your story, there is also a simple Between Sessions assignment that provides some very meaningful application.

The DVD-ROM includes some basic church-wide campaign helps. The Getting Started Guide along with a promotional poster, bulletin insert, powerpoint slides, postcard template, and sermon outlines provide the essential ingredients that will make it easy to launch.

The subject matter coupled with Lucado’s name recognition as a New York Times best-selling author should make GOD’S STORY your story an appealing choice as a church-wide experience. The notion that God’s story and mine might somehow be intertwined along with some very universal themes (forgiveness, guidance, and value) should fit well on the Easy/Hard Continuum and make for an easy invite. This is a study that’s going to make a lot of sense for many churches.

Had an opportunity today to preview the newest Beth Moore study.  The highly anticipated James: Mercy Triumphs is out and will without a doubt be an immediate hit, used by women’s Bible studies and small groups everywhere.

DVD-driven, this 8 session study launches with a powerful teaching session that sets the stage and establishes James’ identity, his relationship to Jesus, and the pathway that led to the New Testament book we know as James.

If you’re familiar with Beth Moore’s ministry, you know that James: Mercy Triumphs is also a homework-driven study.  Although the teaching segments are powerful, daily homework assignments take the participant deep into the meaning of the simple but profound teaching found in James.

The sessions are designed to be a combination of large group and small group components.  James: Mercy Triumphs allows Bible studies or small groups to take advantage of the compelling teaching style of Beth Moore, allowing study leaders to focus their attention on the administrative and coordination aspects along with small group facilitation.

A well-designed Leader Guide is included in the Leader Kit (along with a copy of the Member Book and DVDs.  Member books as well as additional Leader Guides are available.  With two table discussion options to choose from for every session, there is plenty here for your leaders to work with as they prepare for and facilitate the session.

For participants who want to dive a little deeper, this study also includes a next level aspect with articles by Melissa Moore Fitzpatrick (Moore’s daughter).  Taking a look at subjects like the Acts 21 reference to the Nazirite Vow, unity and diversity, perfection, and Paul’s collection for the Jerusalem church, these reading provide some fascinating insights into the world of the early church.

Levels of Participation

In a new development, this study offers 5 optional levels of participation:

1. Watch Videos: Participating in the video sessions only
2. Complete Homework: Participating in the video sessions + doing the weekly homework assignments
3. Handwrite James: Participating in the video sessions + doing the weekly homework assignments + handwriting the Book of James
4. Read Articles: Participating in the video sessions + doing the weekly homework assignments + handwriting the Book of James + reading “The Next Level with Melissa”
5. Memorize James: Participating in the video sessions + doing the weekly homework assignments + handwriting the Book of James + reading “The Next Level with Melissa” + memorizing the Book of James.

James: Mercy Triumphs promises to be very popular and at the same time, a powerful experience for participants who are unfamiliar with this important New Testament book.  If you’re searching for an impactful study, this is one you need to take a look at.  I highly recommend it!

I review a new study almost every week.  You can read my reviews right here.  While you’re here, why not sign up to get my free updates?  You can subscribe to my blog right here.

If you’re like me you’re often asked for a Bible book study recommendation.  ”Our group just wants to study a book of the Bible.  What do you suggest?”  Over the years I’ve accumulated a few favorites.  You’ll find some of those reviews right here.

A few weeks ago I reviewed a new Margaret Feinberg study,  Pursuing God’s Love: Stories from the Book of Genesis and immediately added it to my recommended list.  Over the last few days I’ve had a chance to take a look at another study in the same series,  Pursuing God’s Beauty: Stories from the Gospel of John.

New from Zondervan, Pursuing God’s Beauty is a 6 session DVD-driven study featuring the teaching of Margaret Feinberg, named one of the “Thirty Emerging Voices” of Christian leaders under age 40 by Charisma magazine.  While not a verse by verse study, the 6 sessions provide a good overview of John’s Gospel while revealing a number of key insights.  A look at the table of contents provides a glimpse of the study’s direction:

• Encountering Jesus (John 1-3)
• When God Sees through You (John 4-8)
• Recognizing the Blind Spots (John 9-11)
• When Worship Costs More than Expected (John 12-17)
• Mistakes that Refine Instead of Define (John 18-19)
• The Hope and Healing of Resurrection (John 20-21)

I really like the way the sessions themselves are arranged.  The combination of included experiential activities, icebreaker questions, DVD teaching and discussion questions provides the variety that most groups need in order to fully engage.  As I mentioned in my previous review, the one aspect I wish was included is a leader’s guide.  Although this is not difficult material and new leaders shouldn’t see the material’s content as something too challenging to lead, it is always helpful if a leader’s resource is right at the fingertips.

Along with the sessions themselves, the participant guide also includes Afterhours Personal Studies; short daily studies that allow participants to dive deeper into the Gospel of John (as well as prepare for the upcoming session).

Pursuing God’s Beauty has a lot to offer.  Groups looking for a study of John’s Gospel will find a lot to talk about along with some very important application.  If you’re looking for a study that will expose your small groups to the beauty of God radiating in the person of Jesus Christ…this is a study you will want to add to your recommended list.

There’s a new DVD-driven study that you’re going to want to take a look at.  New from Zondervan,  WEIRD: Because Normal Isn’t Working is a great companion to Craig Groeschel’s popular book by the same name.

Inspired by Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:13-14 and the central idea that the “broad road leads to destruction” (normal) and the “narrow road” leads to life (weird), the study takes a look at a set of topics that will make sense to Christians and non-Christians alike (making WEIRD a very compelling option for a church-wide campaign).

• The God Kind of Weird (overview)
• It’s Time to Be Weird (Time)
• Weird That Money Can’t Buy (Money)
• Pleasing God is Weird (Values)
• Weird Makes You Truly Sexy (Sex)
• The Weirdest Blessing Possible (Summary)

The DVD sessions are a combination of key portions of Groeschel’s LifeChurch.TV weekend message series and special segments that introduce, enhance or summarize the topic.  One of the Church’s most dynamic and creative communicators, Craig Groeschel’s practice of looking right at the camera while preaching (making it easy for participants in one of 15 campuses and a  growing number of LifeChurch.TV Network churches around the world who use the teaching video).  The DVD is very compelling.

Each of the sessions in the participant guide includes:

• Fully outlined overviews of the video segments (great for taking notes during the video),
• Discussion questions that help unpack the meaning of the biblical passages that form the foundation for the teaching,
• Individual activities that reinforce application,
• Between session personal studies that help participants take the teaching deep into their lives.

The  relevance of the topic and the availability of the book by the same name makes WEIRD an intriguing church-wide campaign option.  Although not currently available in a prefab campaign format, it would be easy to use as an alignment (combination of weekend message series and small group study).  In fact, with the weekend messages archived and available at the LifeChurch.TV website, the only thing missing is the marketing pieces (bulletin inserts, bulletin shells, invitations, etc.).

As a stand-alone study, WEIRD is sure to produce a lot of great discussion and application.  At the same time, it deserves consideration as a church-wide campaign with the ability to reach neighbors and friends.  Either way, this is a study you’re going to want to add to your recommended list!

I had the opportunity to take a look at an interesting new church-wide campaign this weekend.  New from Outreach, GodQuest: Discovering the God Your Heart Is Searching For is a 6 week study that just might be something you need to check out.

The GodQuest church kit is a very robust resource.  In addition to the DVD-driven study for groups and individuals, you’ll also find a church leader resource DVD with sermon outlines and power-point templates, along with illustration and promotion media.  An available teen edition allows the same content to be explored in an age-appropriate way by junior and senior high school students.

Featuring Sean McDowell as host, GodQuest takes the participant on a journey through six important concepts with apologetic themes:

• What you believe determines where you go in life.
• What you believe about creation determines how you view yourself and life.
• What you believe about the Bible determines how you live your life.
• What you believe about God’s goodness defines your relationship with Him.
• What you believe about Jesus’ identity determines your path in life.
• The path you follow in your spiritual journey determines your destination.

The DVD segments are an engaging mix of McDowell as tour guide with special guest segments by Lee Stobel, Josh McDowell, Dr. Craig Hazen, Barbara Wise, Miles McPherson, Dave Dravecky, Dr. Mark Strauss, and Greg Koukl.  At an average length of 13 1/2 to 17 minutes, the video is pitched just right.  Long enough to include some great insights.  Short enough to keep group members engaged.

The guidebook (participant guide) is fairly substantial.  At just under 150 pages, it includes the session materials as well as six weeks of daily travel logs that take on the flavor of a journal with a twist of guided study.

Making it easy to promote the church-wide campaign, you’ll also find sample inreach and outreach tools (direct mail postcards, door hangers, mailers, posters and banners.

With their wealth of knowledge about campaigns, you’ll also appreciate the included campaign planning guide.  Whether this is your first church-wide campaign, or you’re a seasoned veteran, you’ll find information here that will help your campaign reach and include more people.

As you’re planning upcoming ministry seasons, GodQuest is a church-wide campaign that belongs on your radar.  The current special price of $49.95 (as of 10/17/11) begs you to take a look for yourself!

Based on the 2009 revised and expanded version of Fresh Encounter, written by Henry & Richard Blackaby, this DVD-driven study can be used effectively in off-campus small groups or on-campus Bible studies.  Best known for Experiencing God, the Blackabys have a reputation for delivering studies that are both memorable and life-changing.

There are 7 sessions on the DVD; an introductory segment and 6 sessions.  Each of the DVD sessions are presented in an interview format.  The session host, singer and author Kelly Minter, guides the Blackabys through a discussion, each 15 to 20 minutes long, that provides instruction on the topic.

Fresh Encounter is a “homework in advance” study.  After the introductory session, participants are guided through a series of daily homework assignments designed to lay the foundation and prepare them for the weekly group meeting.  There are many “show up and enjoy the teaching” studies.  This is not one of them.  Much like the earlier Experiencing God study, much of the power of this study is in the personal investment made in these daily homework assignments.

A combination of topical scripture study, scripture memory, and some history of spiritual awakenings, the daily homework assignments will require a disciplined approach.  Averaging 4 to 5 pages a day, participants can expect to invest 30 minutes to an hour 5 days a week.

Fresh Encounter will be just the ticket for certain groups.  With its focus on spiritual renewal, it will be most appropriate for those who long for personal revival and a return to their first love (Revelation 2:4).  Because of the extensive homework, getting everything out of it will make full commitment very important.

If you have small groups or Bible studies looking for challenge and a fresh encounter with God, this will be a great study to have on your recommended list.  Like me, you probably know people who still refer to Experiencing God as the study that awakened them to God’s work in their lives.  Fresh Encounter will no doubt acquire that same reputation as a life-changing experience.

Looking for a study that will take your groups deep into a better understanding of the gospel?  You’ll want to take a look at Gospel Revolution: Recovering the Power of Christianity by J.D. Greear, the dynamic senior pastor of The Summit Church, one of the 20 fastest growing churches in the United States.

Based on Greear’s newest book, Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary, the teaching centers on the idea that “the gospel is not just the way we begin in Christ; it is also the way we grow in Christ.”

Gospel Revolution is a DVD-driven 8 session study.  Each of the sessions is a combination of live teaching and studio segments that enhance the message.  At 18 to 23 minutes long, the session length works because the teaching is very compelling and will keep group members engaged.  In addition, the Member Book includes a Video Guide (note-taking section) and Video Feedback (an opportunity to process and discuss the video).

The Member Book provides a challenging set of scripture based discussion questions designed to help group members develop an authentic understanding of the whole gospel.  I think it’s important to note that this study really is a “dig into the Bible” kind of study.  There is even space for members to write down their answers for further study and reflection.  And I need to add that I love the Mix It Up section!  There is plenty of seriously good group practice in the Member Book! (That’s probably because my friend Spence Shelton, the Small Group Pastor at The Summit Church, played a big role in the Member Book!)

In addition to the Leader Note section in the back of the Member Book, there is also a Leader’s Guide on the CD-ROM that is included.  You’ll find everything you need to pull off a great discussion there, with additional notes and discussion stimulating ideas and suggestions.

The CD-ROM also includes a basic Campaign Guide for those churches interested in using Gospel Revolution as a church-wide campaign.  While not elaborate or comprehensive, the Campaign Guide provides the essential ingredients.  In addition to the Campaign Guide, you’ll also find a Sermon Ideas pdf, complete with suggested texts, ideas, references and quotes that will make sermon preparation easier.

Whether you use Gospel Revolution as a recommended study for groups looking for a challenge or a church-wide experience, I think you’re going to find a great resource here.  Although perhaps not ideal for every small group or every church…there are many, many groups and churches that will mark Gospel Revolution as the inflection point where their lives changed.

Looking for a study that will take your group deep into God’s word?  Always True: God’s Promises When Life Is Hard is one you ought to take a look at.  A DVD-driven study by James MacDonald, provides both a powerful group learning experience along with a challenging and encouraging personal daily assignments.  Published by Lifeway, this is a very engaging study.

One of America’s most popular Bible teachers, MacDonald is the founding/senior pastor of Chicago’s Harvest Bible Chapel. host of the radio show “Walk in the Word,” and author of several books and Bible studies, including “Gripped by the Greatness of God,” “Ancient Wisdom,” and most recently “When Life Is Hard.”

The DVD in this six session study is a combination of teaching recorded live in weekend worship services at Harvest Bible Chapel and studio inserts providing additional insight.  It’s important to note that each of the sessions are 40 to 45 minutes long.

The Member Book provides everything needed for participants.  A short set of discussion questions are included to prompt discussion of the DVD teaching.  Fill-in-the-blank pages encourage detailed note-taking during the teaching segments.  Five daily assignments follow each of the weekly teaching segments providing personal learning and encouragement.  It should be noted that each of the daily assignments are several pages long with multiple scripture references, questions to work through, and exercises to be completed.

While Always True can be used in individual small groups, it might be more suitable for a weekly Bible study.  Although some groups can benefit from an extended DVD presentation, at 40 to 45 minutes, Always True provides an experience that is very much like attending a service together and then taking a few minutes immediately afterwards to talk about what you’ve just learned.  This can provide the content for a two hour meeting complete with fellowship time, solid Bible teaching, and discussion.

If you’re looking for resources for groups or studies that are craving solid teaching, Always True is a study you should add to your recommended curriculum.

I had the chance this weekend to work my way through a very good DVD-driven study from Margaret Feinberg.  New from Zondervan, Pursuing God’s Love is a six session study that takes a look at several of the major themes of Genesis.

Feinberg, named one of the “Thirty Emerging Voices” of Christian leaders under age 40 by Charisma magazine, is also the author of The Organic God and Scouting the Divine.  In the manner we’re all growing accustomed to, Feinberg’s Pursuing God’s Love provides a fresh take on six of the most familiar biblical stories.  The accounts of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Esau and Joseph all provide an ancient backdrop for some very familiar, and very modern-day challenges.

In addition to the DVD, there is a robust Participant Guide.  At just over 140 pages, the guide provides both a comprehensive weekly group discussion guide and daily personal studies.

The weekly group discussion guide is designed to offer way more than a set of questions.  Each session begins with an experiential activity (as an alternative to the now-expected icebreaker question).  For example, session one (centered on the story of Adam and Eve) starts by assembling and serving a Garden of Eden style salad bar, complete with a selection of fruits and vegetables.

Along with a note-taking section for use while watching the DVD, there is a thought-provoking set of discussion questions that skillfully mix exercises, notable observations and conversation.

The  Personal Studies section provides five daily assignments for each of the six sessions.  Although this part of the study could be optional, its inclusion makes Pursuing God’s Love ideal for groups that are looking for a more challenging study.  A 15 to 30 minute personal study makes this a study that will appeal to groups accustomed to homework as preparation or response.

If there is any issue with this study it is the lack of a leader’s guide or leader’s notes section.  Still, the nature of the questions and combination of experiential and discussion make it reasonable to see this study being used widely by a wide variety of groups and studies.

That said, Pursuing God’s Love is a very good study.  If you have groups or studies that are looking for depth, for challenge, and for fresh new insights into some of the oldest and best-known stories…this is one you need to add to your list of recommended curriculum.  I highly recommend it!