Why does the church teach? And what should it teach? In recent years, traditional Sunday school and education programs have declined in influence and effectiveness. Education in the church is often sidelined by other competing priorities, and our efforts become haphazard and random. As a result, many Christians have not learned the fundamental doctrinal content of the faith. As a response, a growing number of church ministries have moved toward an emphasis on Christian spiritual formation. But churches must hold together education and formation, the teaching of the faith and the forming of the faithful. In this comprehensive text, Gary Parrett and Steve Kang attend to both the content and process of educational and formational ministries. They set forth a thoroughly biblical vision for intentional teaching of the Christian faith, with a holistic concern for what and whom is taught as well as how and why. Fully apprised of developments in educational theory and pedagogy, Parrett and Kang propose a core curriculum for recovering the full scope of Christian proclamation and reinvigorating the teaching ministry of the church. Their vision has implications not merely for catechesis, but for preaching, worship, children's and youth ministry, and much more. The body of Christ can become all that God intends it to be, through intentional practices that foster personal and corporate formation. Here is guidance for individuals and congregations on that journey.

The 40 Days of Community Study Guide-part of the Living with Purpose small group bible study by Rick Warren-is a dynamic individual or small group study guide that will help you learn how to fulfill God's five purposes for your life. By unpacking the biblical support for each of the five purposes (fellowship, spiritual growth, service, worship, and sharing the good News) you'll learn the ways it applies to you and your circle of influence, and how you can use this knowledge to benefit God's kingdom. Through it, Warren also explains how God planned for Christians to fulfill his purposes in community with each other in our church families, small groups, and in the world as a whole. Why did God plan it this way? Because we're better together! 40 Days of Community will deepen your understanding of how God uses community for your own good and growth, as well as help you cultivate deeper relationships with those around you. Learn to fulfill God's purposes ... discover how we are better together. Sessions include: 1. We're Compelled to Love God's Family 2. We're Commissioned to Reach Out Together 3. We're Chosen to Fellowship Together 4. We're Connected to Grow Together 5. We're Called to Serve Together 6. We're Created to Worship Together This study guide is designed for use with the 40 Days of Community Video Study and 40 Days of Community Devotional Journal.

In this four-session small group Bible study, Andy Stanley shows you how to take authentic responsibility for the things in your life. RESPONSIBILITIES. We all have them. But we don't all take them as seriously as we ought to. Wouldn't it be great, though, if we all took responsibility for the things we are responsible for? Wouldn't it be great if you took responsibility for everything you're responsible for? It's time to stop the finger-pointing and excuse-making and to remove the ir in irresponsible. In this four-session small group Bible study, Stanley tells us it s time to ask ourselves, Am I REALLY taking responsibility for my life? This Participant Guide is filled with helpful discussion starters, video overviews, a helpful Leader s Guide and much more. It s designed to be used with the companion Taking Responsibility for Your Life DVD (sold separately). When used together they provide a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth. Session include: 1. Let the Blames Begin 2. The Disproportionate Life 3. This Is No Time to Pray 4. Embracing Your Response Ability"

The Westminster Assembly of 1643 to 1649 produced three documents of lasting value to the Church: The Westminster Confession of Faith, The Larger Catechism, and The Shorter Catechism. Since then, The Shorter Catechism has become well known as a manual of doctrine for both children and adults who require an introduction to the Christian faith. It is an ideal way to give structure to the discipling of new believers. This edition contains the addition of scripture proof texts and notes by Roderick Lawson.

In this four-session small group Bible study, Staying in Love, pastor Andy Stanley discusses how to stay in love once you fall in love. We all know what s required to fall in love a pulse. Falling in love is easy. But staying there---that s something else entirely. With more than a thousand matchmaking services available today and new ones springing up all the time, finding a romantic match can be easier than ever. But staying together with the one you ve found seems to be the real challenge. So, is it possible for two people to fall in love and actually stay there? Absolutely Let Andy Stanley show you how through the four sessions of Staying in Love. This Participant Guide includes discussion questions, video overview, space for taking notes, and a helpful Leader s Guide. When used with the companion Staying in Love DVD (sold separately) it works as a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth. Sessions include: 1. Love is a Verb2. Re-Modeling3. Feelin It4. Multiple Choice Marriage"

Every blockbuster movie with an epic story that you've seen has come back with a sequel. Think of "Star Wars" or "Lord of the Rings." Why should a TalkSheets book be any different? With the epic stories found in the New Testament, we couldn't cover it all in one edition of TalkSheets...so we're back with more! More High School TalkSheets on the New Testament, Epic Bible Stories brings another year's worth of compelling and thought provoking weekly discussion starters to your high school youth group, leading to meaningful conversations among the teenagers in your group. Not only that, they're easy for you to use: You'll find helpful hints and optional activities that help facilitate great conversations. With the reproducible TalkSheets in this book, you'll help your high school students look closer at some of the epic stories of the New Testament, like: * Jesus eats dinner with a bunch of sinners * Peter demonstrates evangelism * Jesus preaches for six hours * Peter makes a jail break * Jesus tells a story of the rich man and Lazarus * And many more!