Resources
Hello
We want to give away, and so here we have compiled a host of resources that will resource you in your spiritual life as you seek to be a part of a "Growing Community, Shaped by Jesus". We will expand this over time as we learn and find things that work. Some of these have already been used by members of St Paul's, some come highly recommended, others look good but we would love to hear your feedback.
We are arranging these into sections which will grow:
SMALL GROUPS
PODCASTS
WORSHIP
PRAYER
Small Group Resources
St Paul's Small Groups are midweek communities that gather as a place to belong and live out the vision together; to be a ‘Growing Community, Shaped by Jesus’. Each group spends time together exploring what this looks like in prayer, Bible study, worship and loving those around them. Here are some resources that are helpful for small groups.
Small Group Resource for Lent
During Lent we are exploring some disciplines based around John Mark Comer's book - The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. Accompanying this book are a set of short videos and the 'Unhurry' workbook that would be a useful for Small Groups to use in helping the explore this further.
These are:
Silence and Solitude
Sabbath
Simplicity
Slowing
The Bible Project
The Bible Project is a non-profit organisation helping people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. They have a website, YouTube channel and podcast to delve into. In the download section there are additional resources. The videos are varied, from specific books, themes and word studies, many include questions for groups to explore.
Discovery Bible Study
This is our suggested default model for small groups as it is simple and replicable. Based around 4 questions which can be asked alongside a reading from the Bible.
- What does this passage say about God, Jesus or his plan?
- What does this passage say about humans?
- How does this apply to my life?
- Who else needs to hear this story?
There is more to it and you can see a full description with some suggested readings below.
Difference
In a divided and fractured world, it can be hard to know where to begin with the issues that surround us. Difference equips you to cross divides, navigate disagreement and pursue a just and flourishing world. Difference is a 5 session course that equips you to see transformation through everyday encounters.
CRU
This website is more a library of Bible and Thematic Studies for groups which are searchable and free. These typically include helpful background material for preparation alongside questions and suggestions for the group that can be adapted to your group.
The Bible Project
The Bible Project is a non-profit organisation helping people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. They have a website, YouTube channel and podcast to delve into. In the download section there are additional resources. The videos are varied, from specific books, themes and word studies, many include questions for groups to explore.
Cloud of Witnesses
This resource comes from Bible Teacher and Researcher Ruth Perrin, based in Durham. Be encouraged through Bible studies that focus on the lesser known characters in Scripture. It gives guidance on how to use the website in the menu.
Five Icons
This is a tool to think about discipleship based around 5 modern icons: The Cross, The Table, The Fire, The Seeds, The Vine. Each has an outline of the icon, bible verses and questions to explore and so could be used as a 5 week study or longer could be spent on each icon as there is plenty of material.
24/7 Prayer Courses
24/7 Prayer is a worldwide movement of prayer. They have put together 3 prayer courses with video and study resources:
1. The Prayer Course - exploring prayer through the Lord's Prayer
2. The Unanswered Prayer Course - provoking honest conversation around the hardest and most personal questions we all ask about prayer.
3. The Lectio Course - learning how to hear God by praying the Bible together as a community, learning from the ancient practice of Lectio Divina.
Make Room
‘Make Room’ is a four-session Bible study from 'Home for Good' exploring themes of family, church, justice and hospitality. Used by individuals, families, church small groups and whole congregations, this resource is designed to be a first step on the journey for those who have encountered the vision of Home for Good and are considering the question, ‘What part could I play?’.
100 Days with Jesus
This resources gives 20 bible studies exploring the life of Jesus through the Gospels. There is an accompanying reading plan that gives 5 readings a week for 20 weeks so that you spend 100 days with Jesus. Scroll down to the section titled Jesus 100 to download the resources.
Podcasts
Podcasts are a great way of engaging with the thoughts of others and challenging our own thinking. These are a variety of podcast relating to prayer, theology, contemporary culture and more from a host of different perspectives. You might listen to one regularly or make use of them as a launch pad for discussion in small groups.
Worship
Here are some spotify playlists you might like to listen to. You can sign up for a free spotify account here
Prayer
These are some prayer apps and websites to help in our personal prayer lives and can be used together in groups.
Daily Prayer
The Church of England's liturgy of Daily Prayer offers prayer for 3 times a day which engages with readings, psalms, canticles and seasonal variations.
Lectio 365
24/7 Prayer offer an app with a daily devotional which helps you pray the Bible. There is also a version for families.
Northumbia Daily Office
The Northumbria community offer a form of Daily Office rooted in a monastic tradition with prayer for Morning, Midday, Evening and Complines.