BOOKS

Description
A collection of in-depth Bible study guides to provide solid biblical content and raise thought-provoking questions. Including Bibles studies for women or men, Scripture studies on Old or New Testament books or Bible verses, and studies on biblical topics or characters. Check their full listings at www.ivpress.com/lifeguide-bible-studies?source=group21.

Format & Length
Books; different lengths, typically between 9-12 studies per book

Description
This program guide includes a simple walkthrough of the different women portrayed in the "Bible Women Project" theatrical production, with verses, reflections and questions relating to each woman. This study deals with some of the harder elements of the way that women are portrayed in the Bible, the things they experience (both good and unjust), and the applications of those scriptures to life today.

Format & Length
Booklet (three copies at RCC); 28 sections focusing on different women in the Bible; could be studied 1 or 2 per week, or pick and choose depending on the group

Runnymede Review
The discussion questions are a bit general, so this study is better suited to a group that is able to dive deeper through their conversation. It acts as a good jumping off point, and does lead the group towards thoughtful considerations of stories and issues in the Bible that we don't normally discuss.

Description
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, renowned Christian minister, professor, and author recounts his unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years in Germany. Giving practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups, Life Together is bread for all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.

Format & Length
Book (one copy at RCC); 5 chapters

Runnymede Review
An excellent and compelling resource on living in Christian community.

Description
Mission trips, service projects, and supporting children through relief organizations are just a few of the ways that many youth workers engage their students in serving the least, the last, and the lost. As good and helpful as these things may be on the surface, that’s where they remain—at the surface. The problems run far deeper than an occasional paint job or fundraising project can solve. But it’s not hopeless. Deep social justice is possible in your youth ministry. "Deep Justice" offers research and insights that will help your ministry get to the next level. Includes practical Kingdom of God theology that goes beyond simply trying to motivate your students to serve those in need, and invites youth to wrestle with why those people are in need in the first place. With contributions from well-known social justice leaders and youth workers who are making a difference in urban, suburban, and small town settings.

Format & Length
Book; 13 chapters

Runnymede Review
A potential resource for young families, in addition to those working with youth today.

Description
It is absolutely clear from Scripture that God passionately desires supernatural unity within His Church. Unity is what Jesus prays for, what He commands, and what He says will be our greatest witness to the world. If unity is so important to the heart of God, why is the Church one of the most divided groups on earth? Chan calls for believers and churches everywhere to align our hearts with God and start taking seriously His numerous commands to unify. While many believe doctrine is at the root of the problem, Francis argues that the real problem is the shallowness or non-existence of our love for each other—rooted in a shallowness in our understanding of the gospel. This is what desperately needs to change. The reason that God gifts the Church with leaders is so they can equip God’s people in a way that leads to “unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:13). We have done a poor job at this, but it can all change. Those who are believers will hear the call and be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (v. 3). There will be opposition, but we cannot allow anything to discourage us from giving everything we have to the pursuit of a unified, restored Bride.

Format & Length
Book ; 9 chapters

Description
What if friendship is the key to changing the world? Sometimes people ask Dr. Perkins how to make a difference in the world, his simple answer is this, "Be friends. First with God. Then with others—every kind of other you can think of. Because the simple, powerful, messy, explosive truth is: the world is changed one friendship at a time." In He Calls Me Friend, Dr. Perkins argues that God is not distant and disconnected. He is the Friend who woos us, died for us, and lives within us. This Friend fills our empty places and shows us how to be friends with others. Along the way, Dr. Perkins shares his life experiences, explores biblical stories, and features profiles from several of his own personal friendships.

Format & Length
Book ; 9 chapters

Description
A paradigm-forming contemporary classic on the subject of poverty alleviation. Rather than simply looking at economics, it looks at the poverty of relationships between man and God, man and man, man and creation, and man and self. Utilizing free, online video lessons set both in Africa and the United States, the Small Group Experience is the ideal resource for small groups, Sunday school classes, parachurch and non-profit ministries, ministry training, and even individuals. The videos provide expert instruction, and the Small Group Experience provides questions and prompts for conversation, deeper learning, and taking action.

Format & Length
Book & videos (links included in book); 6 sections with videos and discussion guide

Runnymede Review
A must-read for engaging poverty from a theological and practical perspective.

Description
Richard Rohr seeks to help readers understand the tasks of the two halves of life and to show them that those who have fallen, failed, or "gone down" are the only ones who understand "up." Most of us tend to think of the second half of life as largely about getting old, dealing with health issues, and letting go of life, but the whole thesis of this book is exactly the opposite. What looks like falling down can largely be experienced as "falling upward." In fact, it is not a loss but somehow actually a gain, as we have all seen with elders who have come to their fullness. Explains why the second half of life can and should be full of spiritual richness

Format & Length
Book (discussion guide also available); 13 chapters

Runnymede Review
A fantastic and challenging book about spiritual maturity and growth, no matter your age or situation in life.

Description
A warm, compelling, and sensitive primer on prayer, helping us to understand, experience, and practice it in its many forms-from the simple prayer of beginning again to unceasing prayer. Foster clarifies the prayer process, answers common misconceptions, and shows the way into prayers of contemplation, healing, blessing, forgiveness, and rest. Shows how prayer can move us inward into personal transformation, upward toward intimacy with God, and outward to minister to others.

Format & Length
Book; 21 chapters

Description
Can joy come from suffering? We think of suffering as the worst of all evils. Our culture tells us to avoid it at all costs. But can suffering produce growth in us when we learn to endure it . . . then value it . . . then allow God to redeem it? Perkins sees endurance in suffering as a virtue that makes us more like Christ and ultimately produces uncommon joy in the heart of the sufferer who trusts in Him. Christ walked the path of love all the way to the cross, and even in the midst our brokenness, we can do the same. In Count it All Joy, you will be encouraged to lean into suffering when it comes your way, stand alongside others who suffer, and believe that God will repurpose your suffering according to His good plan. God doesn’t intend your life to be free of all suffering. Instead, He wants you trust Him in the midst of it and discover the unexpected joy that trials can produce.

Format & Length
Book; 176 pages

Description
A gripping portrayal of what happens when faith thrusts a person into the midst of a struggle against racism, oppression and injustice. It is about the costs of discipleship--the jailings, the floggings, the despair, the sacrifice. And it is about the transforming work of faith that allowed John to respond to such overwhelming indignities with miraculous compassion, vision and hope.

Format & Length
Book; 22 chapters, discussion guide included

Description
C.S. Lewis explores the common ground upon which all of those of Christian faith stand together. Bringing together Lewis’ legendary broadcast talks during World War Two, Mere Christianity provides an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear this powerful apologetic for the Christian faith.

Format & Length
Book (one copy at RCC); 16 chapters

Runnymede Review
An extremely compelling book, with a detailed look at the foundations of the Christian faith. Lots of rich ideas to discuss.

Description
Brené Brown shares what she's learned from a decade of research on the power of Wholehearted Living-- a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness. In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, 'No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough', and to go to bed at night thinking, 'Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn't change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging.'

Format & Length
Book ; 130 pages

Description
Drawing on centuries of wisdom from the Christian ethical tradition, this book takes readers on a journey of self-examination, exploring why our hearts are captivated by glittery but false substitutes for true human goodness and happiness. The second edition includes a new chapter on grace and growth through the spiritual disciplines.

Format & Length
Book; 10 chapters, discussion questions with each chapter

Runnymede Review
Pastor John-Mark also has a sermon series that corresponds to this book called "Virtue and Vice" with weekly reflections/exercises (contact him if you're interested in using it with your small group).

Description
A biblical and comprehensive view of money and possessions, including the following: Why is money so important to God? How can we be liberated from materialism? What should we do about debt? How much does God want us to give? What about gambling? Investing? Insurance? Saving? Retirement? Inheritance? A practical theology of money with topical and Scripture indexes, a study guide, and five helpful appendixes.

Format & Length
Book; 21 chapters

Runnymede Review
Great overview of Biblical teaching on possessions/generosity, and the intersections with modern financial realities. Highly practical, good discussion starter.

Description
This beginning workbook for Spiritual Formation Groups features guidelines for starting a group, study plans for the first nine sessions, and a questionnaire that helps map the way ahead. Based upon six major dimensions of the spiritual life found in the life of Christ and Christian tradition: The Contemplative Tradition - The Holiness Tradition - The Charismatic Tradition - The Social Justice Tradition - The Evangelical Tradition - and The Incarnational Tradition, this workbook program provides all the necessary ingredients to start and maintain a Spiritual Formation Group.

Format & Length
Book; 8 chapters

Runnymede Review
A good entry-level overview of spiritual practices from a wide range of Christian expressions.

Description
Taylor reveals meaningful ways to discover the sacred in the small things we do and see, from simple practices such as walking, working, and prayer. Something as ordinary as hanging clothes on a clothesline becomes an act of meditation if we pay attention to what we're doing and take time to notice the sights, smells, and sounds around us. Making eye contact with the cashier at the grocery store becomes a moment of true human connection. Allowing yourself to get lost leads to new discoveries. As we incorporate these practices into our daily lives, we begin to discover altars everywhere we go, in nearly everything we do. Through Taylor's expert guidance and delicate, thought-provoking prose, we learn to live with purpose, pay attention, slow down, and revere the world we live in

Format & Length
Book; 12 chapters

Description
Planted is not a "how to" book, but a "how so" book in which the reader is invited to travel with Leah Kostamo on the wild ride of salmon saving, stranger welcoming, and God worshiping as she and her husband help establish the first Christian environmental center in Canada. Avoiding simplistic prescriptions or clichéd platitudes, Leah wrestles with issues of poverty, justice, and the environment through the narrative of her own life experience. The lived-theology and humility of voice conveyed in these pages draws readers to new and creative ways to honor the Creator as they are inspired to care for creation.

Format & Length
Book; 12 chapters

Description
This intellectual and spiritual autobiography of the leading 20th century essayist is a synthesis of Chesterton's philosophy and deeply religious faith, exploring how orthodoxy is the only satisfactory answer to the perplexing riddle of the universe.

Format & Length
Book; 9 chapters

Runnymede Review
It is a pretty dense read, but quite thought-provoking and transformative.

Description
Jesus is __. How would you finish that sentence? The subject is there, and so is the verb, but what comes next? Your answer could shed light on the path to becoming who you were made to be. In these pages, Judah Smith fills out that sentence again and again, each time further revealing the character of Jesus. He writes as if to a friend, revealing the Jesus that somber paintings and hymns fail to capture. With passion, humor, and conviction, he shows that Jesus is life. Jesus is grace. Jesus is your friend. Jesus is a new and better way to be human.

Format & Length
Book; 15 chapters

Description
Drawing from her own battle with depression and anxiety, Lyons shares a pathway to establish four life-giving rhythms that quiet inner chaos and make room for a flourishing life. By taking time to rest, restore, connect, and create, you will discover how to: Take charge of your emotional health and inspire your loved ones to do the same; Overcome anxiety by establishing daily habits that keep you mentally and physically strong; Find joy through restored relationships in your family and community; and Walk in confidence with the unique gifts you have to offer the world.

Format & Length
Book; 28 chapters

Description
We all have ideas that we tell ourselves about God and how he works in our lives. Some are true--but many are false. James Bryan Smith believes those thoughts determine not only who we are, but how we live. In fact, Smith declares, the most important thing about a person is what they think about God. The path to spiritual transformation begins here. Turning to the Gospels, Smith invites you to put your ideas to the test to see if they match up with what Jesus himself reveals about God. Once you've discovered the truth in Scripture, Smith leads you through a process of spiritual formation that includes specific activities aimed at making these new narratives real in your body and soul as well as your mind. At the end of each chapter you'll find an opportunity for soul training, engaging in spiritual practices that reinforce the biblical messages on your mind and heart. This deep, loving and transformative book will help you discover the narratives that Jesus lived by--to know the Lord he knew and the kingdom he proclaimed--and to practice spiritual exercises that will help you grow in the knowledge of our good and beautiful God.

Format & Length
Book; 9 chapters, discussion questions throughout

Description
We have bought into false notions of happiness and success. These self-centered decisions lead us further into the vices that cause ruin: anger, lust, lying, worry and judging. Eventually we find ourselves living a beautifully packaged life of self-destruction. Following the Sermon on the Mount, this follow-up to The Good and Beautiful God guides us to look behind these character flaws and to replace our false beliefs with Jesus' narratives about life in the kingdom of God.

Format & Length
Book; 12 chapters, discussion questions throughout

Description
In Unburdened, Vance closely examines the life of Jesus in the Gospels to reveal the soul-awakening truths that have set him and many others free from the burden of religion. With raw honesty and real-life applications, he helps readers escape the exasperating cycle of trying to live for Jesus and shows them instead the power of discovering the joy of a love relationship with Jesus. Whether you have been a Christian for days or decades, Unburdened will outline for you what following Jesus is all about: relationships.

Format & Length
Book; 12 chapters

Description
Peter Scazzero learned the hard way: you can't be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. Eventually God awakened him to a biblical integration of emotional health and the spiritual practice of slowing down and quieting your life for to experience a firsthand relationship with Jesus. Scazzero shares stories and principles as he outlines his journey and the signs of emotionally unhealthy spirituality. Then he provides seven biblical, reality-tested steps to become emotionally mature: Become your authentic self; Break the power of the past; Let go of power and control; Surrender to your limits; Stop to breathe by practicing rest and Sabbath; Learn new skills to love well; Love Christ above all else.

Format & Length
Book; 8 chapters

Description
The story of four strangers as they embark together on a journey of spiritual formation: Hannah, a pastor who doesn't realize how exhausted she is. Meg, a widow and recent empty-nester who is haunted by her past. Mara, a woman who has experienced a lifetime of rejection and is now trying to navigate a difficult marriage. Charissa, a hard-working graduate student who wants to get things right. Join these four women as they reluctantly arrive at a retreat center and find themselves drawn out of their separate stories of isolation and struggle and into a collective journey of spiritual practice, mutual support and personal revelation. Along the way, readers will be taken into a new understanding of key spiritual practices and find tangible support for the deeper life with God.

Format & Length
Book & discussion guide; 12 chapters with spiritual formation tools included throughout

Runnymede Review
Great for learning practices that help us connect to God (e.g. labyrinth walking, lectio divina, prayer of examen, sitting with what bothers you, palms-up palms-down prayer)

Description
A hymn of praise and lamentation from a 1950s preacher. A testament to the sacred bonds between fathers and sons. A psalm of celebration and acceptance of the best and the worst that the world has to offer. This is the story of generations, as told through a family history written by Reverend John Ames, a legacy for the young son he will never see grow up. As John records the tale of the rift between his own father and grandfather, he also struggles with the return to his small town of a friend’s prodigal son in search of forgiveness and redemption.

Format & Length
Book; 256 pages

Runnymede Review
Great novel with some amazing insights into faith and the human condition.

Description
A classic Christian allegorical tale about a bus ride from hell to heaven. An extraordinary meditation upon good and evil, grace and judgment, Lewis’s revolutionary idea in the The Great Divorce is that the gates of Hell are locked from the inside. Using his extraordinary descriptive powers, Lewis’ The Great Divorce will change the way we think about good and evil.

Format & Length
Book; 14 chapters

Runnymede Review
A beautifully written story with a variety of themes to foster rich discussion about our spiritual lives and the question of good and evil.

Description
An imagining of the life of Godric of Finchale, a twelth-century English monk who began life as a pirate.

Format & Length
Book; 192 pages

Runnymede Review
Explores themes of sin, forgiveness, calling, etc.