Small Group Resources

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

50 Small Group Worship Ideas by Stuart Townend & Morgan Lewis  50 Small Group Worship Ideas dispels the myth that worship is restricted to singing and provides a multi-faceted approach to worship in small groups.  The 50 ‘ideas’ are, in fact, 50 different subjects – the Fatherhood of God, the faithfulness of God, Jesus the Light of the World, grace, forgiveness etc.    For each, the book provides an introduction to the subject, an ‘activity’ to help the group think about the subject, an element of thanksgiving prompted by the activity, key scriptures on the subject, a list of four or five songs, prayer, pithy sayings and an application. The authors helpfully suggest that the book should be used as a "springboard." It is not intended that users follow through each of these elements slavishly and it is suggested that they may even abandon a session if it is not working for their group.  The ‘activity’ is usually something fairly simple like drawing up a list; the key scriptures are reproduced in full; and the songs are all from Songs of Fellowship.  This book could prove a life-saver, especially for the busy small group leader who suddenly finds that he or she must lead a time of worship at short notice.  It could also be a useful resource for preachers and worship leaders.

 Lifebuilder Bible Studies

 Lifebuilder is probably the most popular series of Bible Study Guides for individual or small group use.   Published by Scripture Union, there are more than 80 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.  Prices typically £3.99 per book.

 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

IVP Bible Study Guides

Inter Varsity Press offers more than fifty Study Guides in seven series.  Most of these comprise about eight 64-page booklets with six to eight studies on a common theme.  Prices are £2.50 or £2.99 each.

Jesus 101 – These studies are designed to help users encounter the real Jesus – who he is, how he interacted with people in scripture and how he relates to us today.  Studies present him as Authentic Leader, Compassionate Healer, Extreme forgiver, Provocative Teacher, Relentless Lover, Sacred Friend, Supreme Conqueror and Truthful Revealer.   64 pages. £2.99 each.

There is a linked book - In the Company of Jesus by Bill Donahue with eight chapters covering the same subjects.  


Bible 101 – Designed for those who want to learn how to study God’s Word effectively, this series includes books on Bible Foundations, Great Themes, Parables and Prophecy and Study Methods.  64 pages, £2.50 each.


John Stott Bible Studies – A series of eight books covering The Beatitudes and seven 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.  Price £2.50 or £2.99 depending on 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 £2.50 each.


Fruit of the Spirit – Eight books each devoted to a separate fruit.  Six studies per book, 80 pages £2.50 each.



Spiritual Disciplines – Eight books, with six studies in each, covering subjects like Prayer and Listening; Study and Meditation and Worship and Celebration.   64 pages, £2.99 each.


Saltshaker Resources – This is a series of six books by Rebecca Manley Pippert with an emphasis on small ‘seeker’ groups of people who have little or no previous knowledge of the Bible or church background.  They include Looking at the Life of Jesus; People who met Jesus; Spirituality According to Jesus and The Way of Jesus.  All are 64 pages and cost £3.99.

 Good Book Guides – studies for groups and individuals - £3.00

This is a new series of studies of New Testament books produced by The GoodBook Company. The aim of each study is to “uncover the meaning of a passage, and see how it fits into the ‘big picture’ of the Bible”, with an emphasis on applying what has been discovered to everyday life.

There are sections to talk about, investigate, explore, apply and pray. A leader’s guide is included.   

 Pathway  Bible Guides – Straightforward Bible Studies for small groups - £3.00

Pathway Bible Guides aim to provide simple, straightforward Bible study material that is suitable for both new Christians  and those with lower literacy levels 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.

 Scripture Union Connect Bible studies  - £3.99

Scripture Union’s connect bible studies are intended for small group use and aim to get people digging into their Bibles whilst thinking about contemporary books, films, TV programmes and music. Subjects covered include Harry Potter, The Da Vinci Code, The Simpsons, James Bond, Lord of the Rings, Pullman’s His dark materials and John Grisham’s thrillers.

Each book contains four studies.  These comprise some opening questions, for example “Do you think some Christians are overreacting by condemning The Da Vinci Code?”.  These are followed by a summary of the book or film in question and a key issue.  There is a suggestion of which chapters to read before each study.  This leads into a series of questions based on relevant Bible passages and themes. This is followed by a number of “implications” questions.   The questions are all self-contained and it is suggested that groups select questions rather than working through them all. There is also a photocopyable “Members’ Sheet” containing the summary and a series of boxes into which group members can write their own comments for each session.

Women of Faith    Study Guide Series - £4.99

Encouraging, warm, empathic, challenging……written by women, for women….a new series of Bible Study notes to refresh and encourage you and /or your group.

These notes contain twelve weeks of Bible Study, down-to-earth illustrations, digging deeper, ponder and pray sections, and a thought to take away with you for the week.

There are a range of titles which include ‘Living a life of balance’, ‘Contagious Joy’ and ‘Receiving God’s Goodness’.

A Leader’s Guide is included.

 In the Company of Jesus book and linked Study Guides by Bill Donahue

Bill Donahue has written this book to enable us to encounter the ‘real-life dynamic Jesus’ in our everyday lives. The book has eight chapters covering various ways of encountering Jesus such as sacred friend, extreme forgiver, compassionate healer and relentless lover.  Each chapter is divided into short sections ideal for daily reading, and has suggestions for further Bible reading, for personal response and for dialogue with God.
This book comes from Willow Creek Resources and is published by IVP. It is designed for contemplative reading and prayer and is full of stories to inspire and motivate. It comes highly recommended!

In the Company of Jesus has eight companion Study Guides. (See IVP Bible Study Guides above).

DVD     Nooma                                                            £9.50 each Episodes 1-13 now available

Finding resources that are useful, applicable and biblical is often a tough task. Nooma however may change all that.  Rob Bell, teaching pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in California, one of the fastest growing churches in American history, has compiled this small group resource which fills all three of those vital categories. It is relevant, user friendly and, most importantly, Biblical.

Each nooma episode is a 10-12 minute video presentation, Rob Bell delivers his message by talking to the camera, interweaved with stunning and thought-provoking visual illustrations.  Each episode tackles a specific issue, that each of us faces on our walk with Christ, love, grace, jealousy, lifestyle, knowing God, etc.  Each is presented in Rob Bell’s unique style that demands a response from the viewer.

Episode 1: Rain
Bell takes us through the story of when he and his son were caught in a rain storm and his 3 year old is crying out in fear. But he reassures his son with the words ‘don’t worry buddy, Dad knows the way home’. Bell uses this to show us that whatever storms we may have to weather in life we can cry out to God and he will always respond with love and the reassurance that He 'knows the way home’.

The production value on these films is obvious, no tacky fake background, no grainy pictures. This is a top quality resource, accompanied by a full colour discussion booklet with each episode to help provoke the questions that group participants are bound to ask. 

Who can use it?
Small groups will not be disappointed if you are looking for a new way of getting deep conversation going. Nooma provides an excellent way of presenting sometimes difficult messages in a clear and accessible way.
Equally youth groups of the 16 age range should find Nooma really relevant and accessible.  It can be a great resource for youth leaders who have little time for prep.

Episode Listing:
Rain    -       God’s Devotion/Leading through hardship
Flame -        Love/Relationships
Trees -        Living between the first and second creation
Sunday -     Church .v. Everyday Life: Trials of living in God’s Family
Noise -        The Voice of God; hearing him in the silence
Kickball -      Possessions/Satisfaction- Learning not to covet
Luggage -    Letting go of anger/bad feelings towards others
Dust -           Realising our own potential in the power of God
Bullhorn -     Loving everyone equally by not condemning them
Lump -         Romans 8: Nothing can separate us from the love of God (even when our sins catch up  with us.)
Rhythm -       Relationship with God, every day
Matthew -     Coping with Loss and Grief.

DVD  So who is this Jesus? presented by Russell Boulter  £8.99

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.

Video/DVD    Book by Book Bible Study Guide & DVD      £14.99

This series of studies for groups or individuals goes through the Bible, a book at a time.  The DVD/video features Richard Bewes and Paul Blackham (both of All Soul's, Langham Place, London)  in dialogue with well-known speakers. The accompanying Study Guide gives an introduction to the passage being studied, followed by questions and suggestions for related daily Bible readings.

Most of the studies are on video, although they will be replaced by DVD.  The study on Galatians features Olympic gold medal winner Jonathan Edwards. These are in-depth studies, suitable  for use with adults.   

DVD      Practical Christianity - Bible Studies on a Theme       £15.99 each

Practical Christianity is a series of DVD-based studies, produced by International Films, which look at current issues against the background of a personal testimony.  Each DVD has two testimonies, with a study leaflet for each. 

The testimonies and themes are:-

Killing Time – the story of Noel Fellowes, imprisoned for a murder he did not commit (30 minutes) – Study theme: Anger & Forgiveness
Nobody’s Child – the story of John Robinson’s struggle to find identity (18 minutes) – Study theme: Rejection & Security

Tough Love – The story of a drug rehabilitation centre with an 80% success rate (15 minutes) – Study theme: Bondage & Freedom
Out of Darkness – The story of Olivia Jabourian (18 minutes) – Study theme: Spiritual warfare.

Just as I am – The Sunil Raheja story – Study Theme: Mature prayer

The DVDs can also be used without the study notes as an evangelistic tool.  They present the testimonies in a documentary style as evidence of the power of God to change lives without comment other than the words of the subjects themselves.

The study notes include an ‘Ice Breaker’ question (for example for Anger & Forgiveness -  “What annoys you most when you are out driving on your own or with the family?)   This is followed by suggestions for worship, a Bible reading, and then questions on Bible passages relevant to the theme.  The study then goes on to a section with practical suggestions on how to apply the subject to everyday living.

DVD    Christian Life &...                                                              £25.00 each

The Christian Life &… is a series of studies on different issues, produced jointly by the London School of Theology and Scripture Union.  Each DVD comprises material for six sessions and includes 3 hours of DVD-based teaching material, a comprehensive leaders’ guide, and a separate CD containing associated resources including PDFs of participants worksheets, audio and video clips and other materials to print.

There are five series of studies:-
Christian Life & the Bible
Christian Life & Children
Christian Life & Work
Christian Life & Global Mission
Christian Life & Today’s World

Each study follows a similar format and includes three separate DVD-based sections which start with an introduction and then develop the theme.  Following each of these sections it is suggested there should be a group discussion time using material provided in the Leaders' Guide.  Within this structure there is a "Creative Bible reading" on the DVD followed by a study time which demonstrates a different approach to Bible study each week.

Suggested timings for each element are suggested in the leaders’ notes and together make up a 90-minute programme for each evening, of which 30 minutes is on DVD.

DVD   Where to Lord? - studies on guidance                            £11.50

 
What does God want me to do with my life?’, ‘How can I know God’s will for me?’ ‘How do I hear God’s voice?’  are all questions that are on the mind of many Christians. This DVD, from Matthias Media, has six studies that focus on such questions. The speaker, Tony Payne, gives informative teaching on each session’s topic. It is suitable for a Christian adult group, or older Christian youth group.

There is a workbook to accompany the DVD (£2.50) which includes Bible passages to consider and questions to think through.

 
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 ‘What’s so amazing about grace’, ‘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 £13.99.  Participants' Guide £5.99

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  DVD £13.99  Participants' Guide £5.99

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.

DVD - Life Journeys - A walk on the Wild Side by Jeff Lucas                         DVD £14.99  Participants' Guide £2.50

A different approach to individual and small group study of the life of Jonah.  Each weekly session begins with a ten-minute talk by Jeff Lucas (filmed in Reading's Madjeski Stadium)  The four studies look at a passionate God,  Life after failure,  Partnering with God in Mission and Trusting through Anger and Disappointment.

The Participants' Guide includes not only questions for each session, but also five sets of daily study notes for use after each session.  These stand alone and could be used as a series of personal study notes.  But for most impact they should be used in conjunction with the DVD and weekly group discussion. 

Worship DVD            iWORSHIP@home                  £10.00 each A total worship experience