Discipleship | Small Groups

Week One Summary: "Pursuit of Happiness"

Click here for a two-page summary of what we covered last time in the "American Pursuit of Happiness" class at Sunday Night Life.

Fall 2010 Education Classes

UPDATED: If you are interested in seeing what classes will be offered this fall, click the link below for a one-age printout of the classes. More information will be posted shortly, so watch here and on the main website for more details!

Download AE Fall 2010 Classes

Download AE Fall 2010 Classes Detail NEW

Theology Workbook

Looking for a great way to enhance your understanding of theology and to cultivate a growing sense of awe in worship!? Spend time in study of God's word, doing theology (the study of God), praying, meditating on the goodness of God. And download this workbook. Wayne Grudem has a systematic theology reference that has been abbreviated which he and his son Elliot edited.

If you're looking for a great resource for your own study, or for your small group, take a look, download, buy and enjoy the study of God's word.

Summer Plans?

Thought about your summer yet as it relates to your small group? Will you continue to meet? Will you change up your studies? Will you engage in service together as a small group? Host a Backyard Bible Club in your neighborhood?

If you're planning on a study, I recommend to you "Never Beyond Hope, How God Touches and Uses Imperfect People" by J.I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom. The book is for those who may struggle with their spiritual failures or doubts: "Can God use me?" "I want to serve God, but I frequently fail!" This book can be a good reminder that God uses and touches sinful people. He always has and he always will. Chapters include Samson, Nehemiah, Simon Peter, Jonah, Martha, and Jacob.

It is always a good idea to continue reading scripture, however! Sometimes we think that we need to do a book study in our small groups, but the most beneficial practice we can engage, is that of reading scripture to, and with, one another. Consider as a group what book(s) you might read together, pouring over the pages each week, meditating on the words and images, memorizing passages, and capturing a fuller understanding using a commentary or study guide.

We'd Like Your Help, Please!

If you use one of the studies or guides, please consider writing a short review of the material and email it to me. We'll post it under a new category called "Reviews". This can help other leaders evaluate if that book or study is a good one to include in his or her small group.

New Studies

New small group studies have been posted in the left-hand column. These 6 week studies (some may be longer) can be a good launching point this spring for your group as you gear up for another quarter or semester together.

If you use one of the studies or guides, please consider writing a short review of the material and email it to me. We'll post it under a new category called "Reviews". This can help other leaders evaluate if that book or study is a good one to include in his or her small group.

New Resources Posted

We have posted some more resources for small groups to consider for the coming spring term at NPC.

Check the left-hand columns for addtional books and studies under "DP Small Group Books" and "DP Small Group Studies".

So, What Do You Want to Study?

I often get small group leaders asking if I have any recommendations for what to study next... I have some ideas! 

Did you know we have resources from classes, NPCU, small group studies and more all posted online?  Over the years we have captured text and audio from many lessons that have been offered on Sunday mornings and in classes offered during the week. 

Check the church website for ideas that you might be able to use in your small group for the coming term in ministry.

Matthias Media

Small Group Leaders are often looking for good resources to browse.  One online organization is Matthais Media.  We have purchased and used the materials from Matthais Media in the past are excited about our people using these resources in small groups for study and training in the Word.

Here is the link.

Sonship

World Harvest Mission has produced a workbook curriculum for missionaries, leaders and lay people alike which captures the beautiful truths of the gospel and which helps the reader/student apply a biblical understanding of grace, our kinship with Christ--our sonship and daughterhood in Christ.

Sonship has been used for years at NPC in Men's, Women's, and High School ministry.  This curriculum, a workbook accompanied by 16 audio sessions has helped many understand their deep need for Christ, the fullness of the gospel, and to tear down the things in which many trust for identity, wholeness, satisfaction.  Sonship helps men, women and couples destroy these false gods and rightly worship God because of the work of Christ on the cross.

Here are some download-able files in PDF form for leaders and participants to consider for current or future discipling opportunities.