In light of the September 11 terrorist attacks on America, this years New Years resolutions might take on a whole new character.
Everyone was affected directly or indirectly by the events of that day, and they are seeking answers. People, even nonbelievers, are thinking about eternal things. According to a television poll in late September, seven out of 10 Americans are depressed and one third reported having difficulty sleeping.
Some things you need to know before you start
Be boldchoose salvation as your goal. There are plenty of Bible studies that deal with many timely topics. But decide right from the start that your aim and your prayer are to find ways to present the gospel to unbelievers. Experts claim that leadership is more important than materials in determining whether a Bible study leads people to faith in Christ.
Be me-prepared. You may want to read resources for leaders like Becoming a Contagious Christian: Communicating Your Faith in a Style that Fits You by Mark Mittelberg, Lee Strobel and Bill Hybels or Out of Their Faces and into Their Shoes by John Kramp.
Be them-prepared. Choose your material based on your best guess (or you can ask them!) of what your friends need to hear. There is a wealth of resources available.
Be personal. People overwhelmingly report that a personal invitation from someone they knew was the reason they attended a Bible study. After years of ignoring mail-outs, ads and door-hangers, Jodi attended her first Bible study when another mom from Swim Club personally invited her to her home. And thats where Jodi found Christ.
Be small. If you want people to open up and talk about their personal needs and issues, keep your numbers as close to six as possible. If you have more than 10 candidates, start two groups!
Be smart. Childcare is absolutely essential for a daytime study involving women. Some possible caregivers are: ministry-minded women in your church, older teens that are home schooled or Bible study attendees you ask to each volunteer for one session.
On mission Christians have much to offer in these turbulent times. We know the Answer many desperately seek. Why not make this years resolution one that will bring eternal results? Dont just focus on losing 10 pounds or catching up on those projects around the house; instead resolve to initiate a home Bible study group with your unchurched friends and neighbors. Resolve to create an atmosphere for open discussion where the gospel can be presented in a non-threatening way. Resolve to make a difference for Christ by making a God-shaped dent in the fear that is gripping our continent.
You might be surprised at the far-reaching effect of something as simple as opening your home once a week for Bible study. Starting Bible studies can be an effective way to not only reach people but also start new congregations. Many new churches, including my church of 350 in Alberta, Canada, begin with a handful of people sipping coffee over an open Bible in someones living room.
Bible study resources Following is a smattering of titles and topics. There is an amazing array of Bible studies that speak to every need. Browse this list and visit the Websites cited below and you are guaranteed to find something for everyone.
Freedom from Fear by Cheryl Reccord and Linda Ebert This six-week series contains practical ways to deal with and lessen fear. There has never been a better time for a study like this.
The Freedom from Depression Workbook by Frank Minirth, M.D. and Les Carter, Ph.D. This 12-week study works well for unbelievers because it appeals to spirituality without coming on too strongno churchy language. Similar resources from the Minirth Meier New Life Clinic Series are:The Choosing to Forgive Workbook, The Anger Workbook, The Worry Workbook, The Mom Factor Workbook and much more.
Perhaps Today: Living Every Day in the Light of Christs Return by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins This 90-day devotional from the writers of the popular Left Behind series is packed with biblical teaching on Christs second coming. It will help the reader develop a consistent devotional life while learning the principles of the second coming.
TouchPOINTS: Sowing Seeds at Home and at Work Designed to enable believers to dialogue in a Bible study group with non-Christian friends about personal needs, spiritual needs and salvation. Related to issues and needs at work and at home: broken relationships, family crises, you cant take it with you, healthy marriage relationships.
Jesus the Reason by James W. Sire These 11 studies are intended for people who call themselves Christians but who may have a different definition of Christianity. They help you understand spiritually lost people and how to give them direction to God. Intervarsity Press Lifeguide Bible Studies are available at IVPs Bible study store at amazon.com.
The Search for Significance (revised edition)by Robert S. McGee Discover the secret to developing a healthy self-concept as you learn to build your self-worth, not on your own ability to please others but on the love and forgiveness of Jesus.
The Wounded Heartby Dan B. Allender Help sufferers of sexual abuse find hope by claiming the promises of the One who can heal every wound.
Parenting Isnt for Cowards (with study guide)by James Dobson Understanding the type of personalities your children have can give you a head start in raising them.
The Fresh Start Divorce Recovery Workbook (revised and updated)by Bob Buyrns and Tom Whiteman Get a Christian perspective on the trauma of separation and divorce. This guide provides dozens of exercises to help you personalize the issues and understand where you are on the path to solutions. Includes data on legal issues and mediation.
Successful Single Parentingby Gary Richmond Packed with advice, this complete guide covers how to set financial priorities, help children handle change, explain the other parents absence, deal with discipline, handle visitation and more.
Failing Forwardby John C. Maxwell Use your mistakes and failures as stepping-stones as you discover the positive benefits that accompany them. Full of practical action suggestions and real-life stories, this strategic guide will help you master fear rather than being mastered by it and move beyond your mistakes and succeed.
Websites for resources:
www.namb.net/catalog
www.lifeway.com
www.gospelcom.net
www.alphacanada.org
www.christianbook.com
www.evangelismtoolbox.com
www.amazon.com
www.ccci.org
www.gospelcom.net/ivpress
www.navpress.com
www.neighborhoodbiblestudy.org
www.family.org
Between Friends SeriesTwelve pocket-sized booklets for teens dealing with topics like divorce, chemical abuse, loss and suicide.
Youthcareadult leadership guide designed to equip the leader of the Between Friends series to help teens deal with difficult issues.
The Way Back to Mayberry: Lessons from a Simpler Timeby Joey Fann Fanns study is based on 30 of the 249 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. Episodes are presented and discussed in relation to a passage from the Bible. For more information visit www.barneyfife.com.
Foundations for Faith: The Basis for Knowing GodThis nine-week study presents the Bible as a collection of books whose central theme is the relationship between the Creator of the universe and humankind.
It is good for unbelievers because it assumes nothing. Some topics are: What is God like? How does God relate to the people He created? Why did Jesus have to die? Whats the point of it all? To order call 800-369-0307 or visit www.neighborhoodbiblestudy.org.
Preparing for an on mission lifestyle:On Mission with God: The Next Step to Experiencing Godby Henry Blackaby and Avery Willis Still not sure whether or not to lead a Bible study? Why not work through this one first? This eight-session study spells out Gods mission to bring the peoples of the world to saving faith in Christ.
Becoming a Contagious Christian and Becoming a Contagious Christian Participants Guideby Bill Hybels, Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg This course is designed to help everyday Christians find the approach to evangelism that best suits their personal style. The authors use Biblical and contemporary examples to identify and describe six styles of personal evangelism. To order call 800-570-9812.
How to Give Away Your Faith (revised edition)by Paul E. Little So you want to share your faith? This 10-week study will give your groups practical ways to share their faith and tips for breaking through social barriers. It will bring the message into focus and explain why Christ is relevant to the world today.
How to Talk About Jesus Without Freaking Outby Jim Covell, Victorya Michael Rogers and Karen Covell A 10-week study guide for small groups. Learn how to share your story simply and effectively, how to pray for non-Christians, how to use an evangelistic tract. Includes ideas for creative outreach. Download a free leaders guide from www.multnomah.net/talkaboutjesus/leadersguide.html.
Resources are available at local Lifeway Christian Stores, 800-448-8032 or www.lifewaystores.com.
Connie Cavanaugh is a writer and speaker living in Cochrane, Alberta.