Christian
Formation
Diocese of Eastern Michigan
Ministries
Resource Center
Subject:
Christian Formation
Topic:
Adult Education
For additional information regarding
Christian Formation Programs go to Adult
Christian Formation
Adult
Curriculum Resources
The following items are located at the Diocesan
Center, Saginaw:
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Ministries Resource Center Home Congregational/ Leadership Development Stewardship/Mission and Outreach An
Introduction to Godly Play Theory
Curriculum: |
Bible Studies: Genesis to Revelation Series – Abingdon Press, Nashville TN The series
covers the entire Bible with each book including 13 lessons; lessons focuses
on 3 aspects: questions about the actual reading; “dimension two” which
contains notes about the reading; “dimension three” which looks at
applications for today; for preview: Psalms
by John C Holbert Bible 101 – Bible Reading
Fellowship, Winter Park Fl; 1998 Six chapters, each containing a basic
teaching about the Bible, followed by an exercise, reflection and discussion
questions The
Last Week – Marcus Borg & John Dominic Crossan, HarperOne; 2006 An intense study of Jesus’ life from Palm
Sunday to Easter; includes study guide and bibliography. The Bible and Devotional Life - by Steve Clapp,
Wesley Kolbe Publishing 42 daily studies for youth with reflection
questions for each day; also weekly class lessons. Making the Bible Our Own - by George E
Drew, Educational Ministries Inc, Prescott AZ 10 lessons about the Bible for adults;
includes questions for reflection Mysteries of the Psalms - by George E
Drew, Educational Ministries Inc, Prescott AZ 10 lessons about the Psalms for adults;
includes reflection questions The
Bible from Scratch – Donald L. Griggs, Westminster John Knox
Publishing; 2002, 2003 The Old Testament for Beginners The New Testament for Beginners New: Genesis from Scratch – Griggs and
March New: Mark’s Gospel
from Scratch – Griggs and Myers Each of these
volumes has 7 sessions with both the leader and participant guides in the same
book; the session begins with “Prayer prompted by Scripture”, information is
given on the particular section, and the lesson closes with some form of
activity or discussion questions. Separately or together these books offer a
rapid introduction to the Bible, and now to specific books of the Bible. Kerygma Studies – The Kerygma
Program, Pittsburgh PA In depth Bible studies, most of which
include both a “Resource Book” for students and Leader’s Guide; available for
preview: Kerygma Resource Book: Basic overview
of the Bible; 1984 Kerygma
Resource Book: Discovering the Bible; 1989 Blessed Are You: The Beatitudes of Jesus
in Scripture and in Life, 6 lessons; 1999 Good News for All: The Gospel of Luke, 14 lessons;
1995 Hallelujah: The Bible and Handel’s Messiah, 10 lessons;
revised 2002 Into the World: The Acts of the Apostles, 14 lessons;
1998 Passion, Promise and Praise: Discovering
the Psalms, 7 lessons; 1993 (DVD) Jesus
and the Gospels – Luke Timothy Johnson, The Great Courses A 36 session series that looks at Jesus
and how he is presented in the gospels and also in early Christian
literature; a study of the life of Jesus; each DVD session includes a lecture
of approximately 30 minutes, and the leader guide has an introduction,
outline and discussion questions for each lecture. The Mighty Acts of God - by Robert J
Marshall & Craig E. Johnson, Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis MN 36 lesson overview of the Bible for
adults; includes study questions; a leader guide is available A Spiritual Formation Workbook and Spiritual Formation Guides – Renovare Resources, HarperOne;
1999 From Richard Foster a series of small group
guides to help people nurture their spiritual growth and strengthen their
discipleship. The Spiritual Formation
Workbook (the original book) looks at the various streams of Christian
life and it sets the pattern for the other books which includes prayer, Bible
study, and theological reflection. Each lesson is fully explained and
includes suggestions for daily reading
Guides: Connecting
with God – focuses on the Old Testament Prayer and Worship – focuses on the Psalms Learning from Jesus – focuses on the Gospels Living the Mission – focuses on Acts Paul and the Galatians (The Life and Letters of
Paul) – Paul E. Stroble, Abingdon Press; 2000 A study of Paul’s letter to the Galatians
based on knowledge of history and culture of the period and showing how Paul
tailored his letter for the people he was addressing. 6 sessions w/discussion
questions at the end of each chapter Entering the Old Testament – Upper Room
Books, Nashville TN; 2007 The original volume in the Meeting God in Scripture series
surveys the Old Testament in 8 weeks of 5 readings/week.
The 40 readings just skim the scripture, but each new book has an
introduction plus the readings. Although the introduction talks about the
theme of each book, the lessons focus on how this particular reading applies
to us. There are several reflection questions for each reading and room to
journal in the participant’s workbook. New:
Understanding
Spiritual Gifts – 2010 Following the same format as Entering
the Old Testament, this volume of the Meeting
God in Scripture series focuses on helping people identify spiritual
gifts, determine their own spiritual gifts, and discover how God is calling
them to use their gifts. Daily study and weekly meetings allow time for
reflection, and a spiritual gifts assessment tool is included. For
Everyone Series – Tom (N.T.) Wright, Westminster/John Knox Tom Wright has created studies of each of
the books of the New Testament with short readings of his own translation,
commentary and applications, and a glossary of terms; available for preview: Luke
for Everyone; 2003 (2 copies) Paul
for Everyone: 1 Corinthians; 2004 Small Group Work: Living in Faith Everyday – William A Easum, Easum-Bandy Associates;
1992 [Located
in “oversize material”] Life changing small group ministry Help for Small Groups – Episcopal Diocese of Olympia (Seattle WA), 1991 This is a very
simple, basic book looking at small groups and how each member can help or
hinder the process of the group. Making Small Groups Effective - Arlan J Rothauge, Episcopal Parish Services, New York NY Part of the Congregational Vitality Series, this explores how
to develop healthy and growing small groups w/effective leadership Director’s Workbook for Small Groups – Steve Sheely, Serendipity, Littleton CO; 1994 This book is
specifically designed for those working with the Serendipity Bible studies,
but it offers a great deal of good information about forming, maintaining,
and ending small groups. It provides a number of “exercises” to use in
learning about leading small groups and much additional information. Other Adult
Studies: Thoughtful
Christian – www.TheThoughtfulChristian.com This material includes a variety of short courses
that can be downloaded from the website; costs range from $5 to about $45 for
several downloads. The materials cover a variety of topics including Bible
studies but the many studies cover current discussions and questions. A
notebook with sample lessons from each area of studies is available for
examination. Christian Believer – Abingdon Press, Nashville TN An adult study of the basics of Christianity; similar content to
Alpha, but a yearlong study with greater depth; on hand: Handbook which explains
program and gives information about purchasing a license. Available through www.Cokesbury.com Nooma DVDs – Rob Bell, Zondarvan;
2002-Present This series of DVDs explores common human issues and experiences in
new and unexpected ways. The DVDs run between 10 & 15 minutes, and each
has a guide with some questions to help get the discussion going afterwards.
Ideal for young adults, youth, and good for any adult. Available: Bullhorn, Dust, Flame, Kickball, Lump, Noise, Rain, Sunday,
Trees Jesus Instead – Harry Griffith, Bible Reading Fellowship, Winter Park FL We Are an Easter People – John and
Adrienne Carr, Upper Room Books, Nashville TN, 1989 Participants Guide, a study for small groups to determine various
gifts & leadership possibilities, 5 sessions, commentary & questions Episcopal Identity and Vocation – Episcopal Church Foundation and Trinity
Church, New York A 4 part adult curriculum, based on the Zachaeus Report which includes video for part of each lesson Groundwork – ECUSA; 2005 Focuses on lectionary readings for Year A Groundwork II – James B. Lemler and Charles N. Fulton, ECUSA; 2006 A follow-up on last year’s Groundwork, this
year’s edition focuses on bringing about change and growth through a Lenten
study of the lectionary readings for each week. Each week includes an
introduction to the topic, a variety of activities and various ways to
approach them, and comments from “other voices”. Designed for Lent, the 5
session study could be used at other times as well. 3 copies w/background
information; 4 copies of study Groundwork III – TEC; 2007 Focuses on the lectionary readings for Year
C A Place Apart – Robert King,
Gordon & Adele Finney; Anglican Book Centre, Toronto, Ontario; 1998 These are meditations on the “kingdom of
God”, based on teachings of Jesus; includes 5 weeks of daily meditations with
work for groups to do; appendixes include worship and planning information Focus on the Prayer Book: An Adult Study –
Nancy Dering Martin, Morehouse Publishing; 2004 Morehouse has
released this study of various prayers and phrases from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979. There are
6 volumes, each with 6-8 lessons on a specific subject, all based on prayers
found in the BCP. Each lesson is self-sustaining and can be done within a one
hour period. Available for preview are study guides 5 & 6: Wise Words-Alliteration in the Liturgy
& Symbolic Language in the Liturgy. Living Into Our Baptism – John Westerhoff and Caroling Hughes, St
Mark’s Press, Wichita KS; 1992 This is a
resource for either a diocese or an individual congregation to help with
ongoing personal growth in Christian faith and life. It involves the entire
congregation and leadership of the church and develops in three sections:
preparation for the renewal of baptismal vows (or possibly adult
Confirmation), preparation for the rite itself, and reflection on the
experience. Each person preparing for the rite works with a mentor/partner.
It is strong encouragement to and preparation for ministry. Annually renewed curriculum-samples on
file (located in 3 ring binders): Living the Good News – Morehouse
Publishing; Harrisburg PA (updated annually) An Episcopal Lectionary based curriculum;
seasonal leader’s guide includes lessons with background information and
meditations on the weekly readings, the story, activities, and closing
prayer. Easy for teachers to use. Adult “Scripture Journal” also available. Age graded: Adult Clear
Curriculum – Randall House Publications, Nashville TN This resource is designed to have the entire family studying the same
Scriptural materials from infants and toddlers through adulthood; it is
closely age graded. The teacher guides include a brief reflection for the
teacher and very detailed instructions for teaching each class. Patterns and
other resources are included in a separate teacher pack. The adult pack
includes weekly take home papers as well as a quarterly student guide. This
curriculum resource has available all the “bells and whistles” Seasons of the Spirit - Logos
Publications, Inver Grove Heights MN (updated annually) Based on the Revised Common Lectionary,
seasonal guides offer teachers background information on scripture, stories
and activities for class, worship and outreach opportunities, includes
beautiful art work as well as musical suggestions for class and worship;
Adult and Congregational Life sections are available. Available for review:
Summer 08 (Early Pentecost) for more information: www.spiritseasons.com See
also: Christian Formation - Youth The Christian Tradition – Smith and Bodin,
eds, Argus Communications, Allen TX, 1978 Source book w/a collection of readings and glossary, Teacher Guide,
and Copy Masters The Jewish Tradition – Smith and Bodin, eds, Argus Communication, Allen TX, 1978 Source book w/a collection of readings and glossary, Teacher Guide,
and Copy Masters Anglican/Episcopal
Church – Episcopal Church (DVD) The
Story of Anglicanism; Cathedral Films, Part 1: Ancient
and Medieval Foundations Part 2: Reformation and Its
Consequences (DVD) The
Story of the Episcopal Church; Cathedral Films, Part 1: From
Jamestown to Revolution Part 2: The Call
to Mission Anglican/Episcopal Church – Episcopal Theology (Video) Mourners or Midwives? Choices for the 21st Century –
Herbert O’Driscoll, Lifetime Scholars, Logos Productions; 1999 Development – Ministry of the Baptized (Video) Network - Bruce Bugbee, Don Cousins, Bill Hybels,
Willow Creek Resources (Zondervan) A program with 8 sessions, includes video, leader guide Bringing Home a Conference – Episcopal Diocese of Olympia This is an
excellent resource to give someone before they leave to go to a conference;
it includes ideas for getting ready, things to do at the conference, and ways
to reflect on what was learned when they get home. We no longer need to put
money into someone’s attending a major conference and then never hearing
about it again! 3 copies Peace and Justice – Economic Justice No North or South - Claire Woodley-Aitchison, Episcopal Parish Services, New York NY A discussion of the plight of women and
children in underdeveloped countries; includes study questions at the end of
each chapter Peace
and Justice – Non-violence/Peace Making Jubilee 2000 – Office of Peace and Justice Ministries,
New York NY, 2000 A series of lessons on ways to care for our
world, Specific lessons include: Respect for the Earth, Sharing Wealth,
Release of Captives, and Reconciliation and Respect; includes
lesson plans for various age groups plus references and an opening paper by
Bishop Steven Charleston. Overcoming Violence – Margot Kassmann;
World Council of Churches, Subtitled: The Challenge to the Churches
in All Places, it is primarily a look at the situation which poses
questions for theological reflection, not an actual program for overcoming
violence Peace and Justice – Integrity of Creation One God, One Family, One Earth - Episcopal Parish Services, New York NY Looks at the theological reasons for being
involved in environmental ministry, 6 sessions, numerous resources, and
bibliography Sacraments/Bible/Prayer
– Sacraments Living Water: Baptism as a Way of Life – Klara Tammany, Church Publishing Inc, New York NY 2002 A group study on the meanings of baptism
and ways to live as baptized people; 8 sessions of 2 hours each; extensive
list of resources; important discussions of why and how to live out our
baptism |
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For more information or to borrow a
particular item, contact Marnie Bash,
Coordinator,