Small Group Resources

This section includes traditional study booklets, DVD-based studies and innovative worship resources for use in small groups.
Please email shop@refreshbooks.co.uk if you have recommendations.

NOTE: We have single copies of many of these studies but the sheer volume of material available means that re:fresh cannot stock everything.   If you wish to order multiple copies of a book for your study group, please leave time for us to obtain copies.  It can also be helpful to have an alternative in mind in case a particular study is out of print.

For a printable InfoFile summarising these resources click HERE

Life Journeys with Jeff Lucas DVD-based small group study resources from CWR Each pack includes a DVD with four or more short talks by Jeff Lucas and a study book with daily Bible readings, icebreakers, group study notes and questions.   Further copies of the study books can be purchased separately. Life - The Journey for New Christians A six-week DVD resource for individual or group use.  It comprises a DVD with six introductory sessions with Jeff and others (including Adrian Plass and Ishmael) and a 48-page booklet with discussion starters for each session and daily reading notes for use between each session.  The latter are intended for personal study and include Bible readings and notes for each day. The Impossible Dream Filmed in India and based on Micah 6:8, this pack comprises six ten-minute talks by Jeff Lucas addressing the issue of poverty, injustice, oppression and exploitation.  The studies explore ways in which we can combine compassionate action on behalf of the disadvantaged with our mission to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   Lost & Found - Become a prodigal-friendly church Jeff Lucas examines reasons why people walk away from the Church and how we can create caring communities that make people want to stay and that encourage the prodigals to return. A walk on the Wild Side Four studies, based on the book of Jonah,  examining how we can partner with God in mission.  Jeff Lucas talks about God's passion for his people and encourages us to trust, even when we don't understand what God is doing. Elijah - Prophet at a Loss Filmed in London, the four studies present Elijah as a man of mixed emotions - sometimes bold and strong, at others depressed and discouraged.  Jeff Lucas takes events from our history as well as  Elijah's to help us make our stand for God. Friends Rediscovered How to form authentic kingdom-centred friendships that will last and become richer with the years.  The four studies look at:- #  The Power of Love #  Hopes and Disappointments #  Falling Out #  Friendship that Builds Singing in the Rain Six studies which aim to help us navigate life's rough waters with confidence and poise by examining Jesus' actions in the week leading up to his crucifixion.  This series is ideal for Lent studies. Stop Looking for the Will of God Jeff Lucas demonstrates how we can discover God's will for our lives by seeking God for himself instead of getting hung up on what he wants us to do.

Small Group Toolbox from CWR  • Hearing from God  • Discovering your    Spiritual gifts Four studies per book Each study comprises:- • A preview • Personal exploration • Studying together •  Applying the Scriptures

The Talking About Series Short films to get you talking Each DVD contains approximately twenty short films that can be shown individually or as part of a longer series. They aim to provide easy-to-use sermon introductions or discussion starters for small groups and churches and include a study guide and details of further internet resources. Leading Christian speakers offer insight on various topics addressed within the series, including Philip Yancey, Nick Pollard, Andrew White, Anna Robbins, Jennifer Rees Larcombe and Krish Kandiah.     £10.99   Talking about Jesus 18 short films featuring Philip Yancey, Krish Kandiah, Anna Robbins, Andrew Whjite, Nick Pollard, and many more covering questions such as:- What does Jesus life teach us today? Why did Jesus have to die? Can we be sure that Jesus rose from the dead? 6 sessions each with 3 films on these topics: Jesus' incarnation, miracles, teaching, attitudes, death, resurrection     Talking about Prayer - 20 short films (5 each topic) featuring Pete Greig, R T Kendall, Jennifer Rees Larcombe, Nick Pollard, Beth and Matt Redman and many more Why should we pray? What happens when we pray? Jesus taught us how to pray? How do I ....? Study guide included and additional internet resources available   Talking about Forgiveness  21 short films(6-9 each topic) featuring Timothy Dudley Smith, Faith Forster, Rob Parsons, Tim Keller, Jill Saward and many more What is forgiveness? Why should I forgive? How do I forgive?

LifeGuide Bible Studies from IVP New to the UK, this series includes a large range of thematic studies and character studies as well as studies in Old and New Testament books. Following the familiar format of the LifeBuilder series, each guide has eight to 12 studies, each based on a relevant Bible passage.  Each session has introductory notes and suggestions for an initial discussion ands personal reflection followed by about 12 questions for discussion.  Plus separate leaders' notes.  £4.99 each. Growing Older & Wiser by Dale & Sandy Larsen 9 studies for those who are growing older.  Topics include:- Wise Up! - James 1 Listening to the Young - Job 32 When the kids are grownups too - Exodus 18 Dealing with fears - Psalm 71 Hospitality - God's Call to Compassion by Patty Pell 9 studies including:- Hosting the traveller (Genesis 18 and Exodues 2) A heart of hospitality - Psalm 146 Dwelling in service - Matthew 25 Destroying barriers - Acts 10 Money & Work by Carolyn Nystrom 10 studies including:- What is my time worth? - Ecclesiastes 3 and 12 Use or lose - Matthew 25:14-30 Why work? - 2 Thessalonians 3 How much is enough? - Ecclesiastes 5 How much is too much? - 1 Timothy 6 Missions - God's Heart for the World by Paul Borthwick 9 studies including:- God the seeker - Genesis 3 God's attack on Racism - Jonah Concentric-Circle outreach - Acts 1 The Motivational example - Philippians 2 Sabbath - the Gift of Rest by Lynne M Baab Eight studies including:- An invitation to rest in abundance - Genesis 1-2 Finding refreshment in God's Creation - Exodus 20 Discovering Sabbath delight - Isaiah 58 A Goift for us - Mark 2 Exodus - Learning to Trust God by James Reapsome 24 studies in the book of Exodus with an emphasis on trusting God.  In the story of the Israelites' struggles we can learn how to handle hardship and hope. Jesus the Reason by James W. Sire Eight studies looking at different incidents in the life of Jesus to give users reason to believe.  Topics include:- Jesus the lover of sinners - Luke 7 Jesus the servant and saviour - Mark 10 Jesus the Sacrifice - Mark 14-15 The Resurrection of Jesus - Luke 24

Four new LifeBuilder studies from Scripture Union:- •  Prayers of the Old Testament •  Following Jesus •  Coming of the Saviour •  Paul - His Life & Teaching

Lifebuilder Bible Studies

Lifebuilder is the definitive and probably the most popular series of Bible Study Guides for individual or small group use.   Published by Scripture Union, there are more than 100 books in all.  Each comprises 10-12 separate studies with an introduction and about a dozen questions.  There is a separate section of “Leader’s Notes” at the end of each book giving guidance on how to lead a group and help on individual questions.  Authors include Jim Packer, John White, John Stott, Eugene Peterson and Leighton Ford.  A recent addition is The Story of God and Man (left) which traces God's big plan from Genesis to Revelation in 12 sessions.

There are four main series as follows:-
#  Topical studies 36 books covering themes such as Christian Beliefs, Faith, Angels, Forgiveness, the Fruit of the Spirit, Parables, Prayer, Singleness, Suffering and Spiritual Warfare.
#  Character Studies. This includes books on individual characters – David, Joseph and Peter – and books with one study for each character, covering Old Testament Characters, New Testament Characters, Old Testament Kings and Women of the Bible.
#  Old Testament Books covering 18 books including Genesis (26 studies in three parts), Nehemiah, Esther and Psalms.
#  New Testament Books covering all of the New Testament books

New Testament for Everyone Bible Study Guides
(Tom Wright)

These guides can be used on their own or alongside Tom Wright’s New Testament for Everyone commentaries.  Each session has an introduction, opening question, about a dozen questions and prayer suggestions.  Ideally, a leader would use the associated commentary while members each have copies of the Study Guide.

IVP Bible Study Guides Inter Varsity Press offers more than fifty Study Guides in seven series.  Most of these series' comprise about eight 64-page booklets with six to eight studies on a common theme.   John Stott Bible Studies – A series of ten books covering The Beatitudes, Jesus Christ and ten New Testament Books with linked themes such as Acts – Seeing the Spirit at Work; Romans – Encountering the gospel’s power and Ephesians – Building a community in Christ.  8-20 studies per book.    Christian Basics – 13 books by well-known authors including Paul Little, Bill Hybels and John Stott.  Each comprises six studies on subjects such as  Certainty,  Christ, Hope, Perseverence, Prayer, Priorities and Witnessing.  64 pages  Fruit of the Spirit – Eight books each devoted to a separate characteristic.  Six studies per book, 80 pages £2.50 each

 Pathway  Bible Guides – Straightforward Bible Studies for small groups

Pathway Bible Guides aim to provide simple, straightforward Bible study material that is suitable for both new Christians  and those with a limited grasp of English who may find other materials too difficult. There is a helpful, comprehensive leader’s guide in each book and the books are based on individual books of the Bible.   Published by Matthias Media.

DVD  So who is this Jesus? presented by Russell Boulter

This is an excellent DVD for use with teenagers or seeker groups.   It comprises three 17-minute sessions which run consecutively but can be played individually.  Set in Israel, it begins with an Old Testament background, from Abraham to the baptism of Jesus; the second episode looks at the birth of Jesus and key elements in his life leading up to the claim “I am the way, the truth and the life” while the third episode looks especially at the Garden of Gethsemane, the trial of Jesus, his death and resurrection.

There are also additional features including a 19-minute testimony by Brian Russ, jailed for attempted murder, 21 questions about the Christian faith, and historical information on Christian Social reformers.

The language, format and choice of Russell Boulter (The Bill) as the Narrator make this an easy DVD to watch.  It moves quickly and yet provides a solid foundation for the message, including the significance of animal sacrifices, the meaning of new birth and the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus.  It is filmed against appropriate backgrounds including a Nazareth carpenter’s shop, a marketplace, the shores of the Sea of Galilee etc. with short vignettes to add interest.

 
In this DVD John Ortberg leads the group through six sessions focused on helping participants to experience greater intimacy with God. He looks at experiencing God’s presence in the midst of a busy life, hearing God speak, and God’s desire for closeness with His people.

This DVD is for those desiring a closer relationship with God, and is suitable for youth or adult groups. Much of the teaching is filmed on location, with John talking to a small group of  people of mixed ages. It comes with a comprehensive Leader’s guide, and participant guides are also available for purchase at £5.99 each. As well as the sessions, the DVD includes information on using the DVD and ideas for leading a small group.

A typical session includes an introduction by John, introductory questions to discuss, teaching (approx 12 minutes), questions for group discussion and personal reflection, and a ‘final word’ by John.

Other  teaching DVDs by John Ortberg, based on his popular books, include  ‘If you want to walk on water you’ve got to get out of the boat’, and ‘The life you’ve always wanted’.

John Ortberg is a teaching pastor in California.  He is the bestselling author of If you want to walk on water you've got to get out of the boat.  He has also written for  Christianity Today and Leadership Journal.

DVD What's so Amazing about Grace? by Philip Yancey  (Small Group Edition DVD  and  Participants' Guide

This DVD contains ten sessions which include interviews that integrate true-life experiences with Yancey’s powerful teaching on grace. These sessions will encourage your group to discuss and explore the many facets of grace and integrating grace into everyday life. Each session in the Participants Guide contains a mix of opening questions to consider, notes from the DVD, Bible Study questions, and discussion questions.

  

DVD - If you want to walk on water you've got to get out of the boat by John Ortberg

Popular Christian author John Ortberg has produced a DVD based on his best-selling book of the same title. This has six sessions that include video clips and group discussions designed to help participants discover more about hearing and responding positively to God’s call, managing failure and trusting God .The Participant’s Guide includes topics for both individual and group discussion and exploration.