Equipping - Community Group Resources
We have compiled several different Bible study options for our community groups to choose from. We have different types of studies through Old Testament books, New Testament books and topical issues. The following are tables of all those options. For a brief explanation of these different study series, please see the Synopsis section below.
Synopsis of Bible Study Resources
LifeGuide Bible Study
Books of the Bible
This inductive series takes you through a book of the Bible a chapter or section at a time by offering thought provoking discussion and reflection questions and providing a workbook format for students to record their answers and thoughts. Each 3-5 page lesson includes 10-12 questions and ends with a suggestion for further study and reflection throughout the week. Leader's Notes for each lesson are provided at the back of the book, which makes the studies very "user friendly" for group leaders.
Topical Studies
This series takes a topic or theme and explores it as it is found in various related Scripture passages and in everyday scenarios. Each 3-4 page lesson of the workbook has 10-15 questions, and Leader's Notes for each lesson are also provided at the back of the book.
Navpress Lifechange Series
Books of the Bible
Each study guide begins with a thorough overview of the literary structure, author, historical context, etc. Each subsequent lesson takes a chapter / section at a time, giving background information and word studies when helpful. The study is in workbook format with each 8-10 page lesson including 12-16 questions that systematically work through the text. Notes on application, further study and group work are also included throughout each lesson.
John Stott Bible Studies
Books of the Bible
This inductive series takes a book and covers it in workbook format. Each lesson is divided into four sections: Open, Study, Apply, and Pray, with various commentary notes included throughout. They are 10-12 questions and 5-6 pages in length. A few general guidelines for group leaders are included at the back of the book.
Max Lucado's Life Lessons
Books of the Bible
This inductive workbook series begins each lesson with a question for reflection that pertains to the lesson. That week's passage of Scripture is given next, followed by several Discovery questions. Commentary is given on the passage and a section of response questions follow to promote application. Each lesson closes with a prayer, space for journaling and additional questions. Lessons are generally 8-10 pages in length, and Leader's Notes on each lesson are provided at the back of the book.
Topical Studies
This workbook series covers various topics by exploring related Scripture passages, comments from many of Lucado's books and by providing questions to promote reflection and discussion on the issue.
Charles Stanley's In Touch Series
Topical Studies
This workbook series is a little less inductive than some. It is a little more reading oriented, while still providing some good questions for personal study and group discussion. Lessons are 10-12 pages in length and provide quite a bit of commentary by Stanley. Warren
Wiersbe's Be Series
Books of the Bible
This series is an expository survey on various books of the Bible. So it is in commentary form, as opposed to a workbook format. Leaders taking a group through one of these studies will need to come up with relevant discussion questions and be able to initiate and facilitate group interaction with the help of some additional resources in Equipping Ministry.
Willow Creek Interactions
Topical Studies
This topical workbook series is especially designed for small groups. Each 8-10 page lesson is full of questions ". . . meant to challenge group members to a deeper level of sharing, create lines of accountability, move followers of Christ into action, and help group members become fully devoted followers of Christ." (Taken from the introduction to an Interactions Study) Helpful leaders notes are provided for each of the lessons.
Brief Analysis and Comparison of Studies
| Workbook Format | Estimated Prep Time | Length of Lesson | Leaders' Notes | |
| LifeGuide Bible Study | Yes | 45 minutes | 3-5 pages | Yes |
| Navpress Lifechange Series 1 | Yes | 1 hour - 1 hour 15 minutes | 8-10 pages | No |
| John Stott Bible Studies | Yes | 45 minutes - 1 hour | 5-6 pages | Some |
| Max Lucado's Life Lessons | Yes | 1 hour | 8-10 pages | Yes |
| Warren Wiersbe's Be Series 1 | No | 45 minutes | 16-18 pages | No |
1 These studies involve more textual work and depth than the others and might be particularly suited for believers with some proficiency in Biblical studies.
Topical Studies 2
| Workbook Format | Estimated Prep Time | Length of Lesson | Leaders' Notes | |
| LifeGuide Bible Study | Yes | 45 minutes | 3-4 pages | Yes |
| Max Lucado's Life Lessons | Yes | 1 hour | 8-10 pages | No |
| Charles Stanley's In Touch Series | Yes | 45 minutes | 10-12 pages | No |
| Willow Creek Interactions | Yes | 45 minutes - 1 hour | 8-10 pages | Yes |
2 Study topics include:
| Angels Beliefs Character Christian Life Community Disciplines Emotions Encouragement End Times Eternal Security Evangelism Faith Family Forgiveness |
Freedom Friendship Fruit of the Spirit God God's Love Grace Heaven Holy Spirit Hope Integrity Jesus Justice Leading |
Lord's Prayer Love Marriage Miracles Missions N.T. Characters O.T. Characters Parables Parenting Peace Prayer Self-esteem Sermon on the Mount |
Service Spiritual Gifts Spiritual Warfare Stewardship Success Suffering Ten Commandments Trials Virtue |
Questions, Comments, Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, or you would like to speak with someone in the Equipping Ministry at Watermark, please contact Julie Penuel.
