The Bible contains portions written in different genres of literature. This book explores the nuances of these various genres and the immense implications they have on proper interpretation of texts. This is an invaluable study for anyone who is serious about understanding what the biblical authors were trying to say.

This is a nice resource for those looking for creative ways to build habits and rhythms to experience God. Groups could use this book to highlight a handful of practices from week to week to encourage folks to try new pathways on their spiritual journey.

Bell brings to life the ancient passages we find in our Bible and asks us to recapture our desire to recognize the deeply human nature of the Bible. Each page written by a real person, at a real embedded point in the historical past, if we take the time to place ourselves in the shoes of the author of the work or characters in the story, we can get so much more out of our Bibles.

This primer on the big topics in philosophy is perfect for someone who has never read philosophy before and is skeptical of its value. Moreland and DeWeese walk the reader through the main subdisciplines of philosophy and explain why they can have such a large impact on what we think about God.

Many Christians endorse a conflict model between the projects of science and the projects of religion - that they make competing claims about the world and we must take sides. Plantinga offers a way through this issue by adeptly arguing for locating the conflict in our philosophy about science rather than science itself. This resource would be fantastic for Groups looking to get a better understanding of how their Christianity relates to modern science.

J.P. Moreland offers a three-fold mission statement of the kingdom of God for our generation: recover the mind, renovate the soul, and restore the power of the Spirit. Each of these areas of modern Christianity have taken a backseat in various circles and perhaps overemphasized in others. His plea is that followers of Christ step into the fullness of what life with God can look like - where Christ is Lord in all parts of us, not just the ones that come easy to us or is treasured by our tradition.

Willard lays out a treatise and guide to spiritual formation in Renovation of the Heart. His writing bears witness to his intellectual rigor as a trained philosopher and his pastoral heart for the Church. A key take away that can be helpful for groups is the notion that we are always being formed spiritually, for better or worse, by whatever habits and actions we take - our job is to orient our behavioral patterns toward Christ become spiritually formed into his likeness.

While founded upon biblical truths, you'll find this book to be a refreshingly candid exploration of the 7 Greatest Challenges in leadership that no one expects and everyone experiences. This is true and relevant whether in corporate American or church life, such a Cynicism, Pride and Burnout. Nieuwhof doesn't simply provide a list of challenges but also provides what he's found to be practices helpful in avoiding, or overcoming, them. A quick, practical read that may equip you to see and avoid the challenges, provide tools to overcome challenges you're currently facing or a place for you to say 'me too'.

If you struggle with performing, achieving and finding you identity in what you DO and not who you ARE, you'll enjoy and be challenged by Niequist's journey to finding value in being present over the drivenness to be perfect. Her writing is easy and relatable, and her struggle is one in which most of us can relate.

Here Ortberg focuses on your soul, walking us first through what our soul is (do we even know?) and then providing specific areas of what the soul needs... and how we, as the keepers of our soul, take steps to have those soul-needs met. This runs counter to our cultural values of materialism and consumerism and if you feel you're 'missing' something, this just may be it.

Giving a unique, relational picture of the trinity, this book will bring Trinitarian theology to life in practical, thought-provoking ways. Though some concepts may be controversial, they are certainly worth wrestling through with God in order to explore more fully the flow of this Divine Dance that we are all invited to participate in.

This is a deep dive into what may be the more mysterious, less obvious meanings and themes in Scripture. You may not agree with all of it, which is okay, but if you are open to considering some of the perspectives and teachings, this may open the door for a richer, more meaningful relationship with Scripture, and all God is communicating to us through it.

Though it may sound like a self-help collection, Ortberg instead provides a roadmap for personal transformation. Through exploring topics such as Finding My Identity, Flowing with the Spirit and Renewing My Mind, those who may struggle with perfectionism, drivenness and self-sufficiency will be challenged to consider a new way of being - not simply doing.

Through the lens of third-culture (not them, not us, but a liquid both/and), this book challenges a number of our 'western' constructs and church and how we are on mission. It presents a new way of seeing and doing missions that follows more of Jesus' teaching and less of our 'American dream', which opens us up for God to work in US.

Being a devotional, this probably isn't so much for groups to study as a recommendation for individuals. This devotional provides a daily reminder to stay present in the moment and to find God and gratitude in it all. From the moments with our loved ones, to the mundane and sometimes frustrating tasks of dishes and doing laundry (once again). And how God meets us there, and is waiting for us, in each moment.

A look at why we sometimes feel like we are communicating effectively and connecting well with others around us. It may be due to the fact that we are operating in different gears.

A relevant read that dives into the most important question we can ask ourselves and others. It will likely spark a lot of questions and conversation for Groups.

A simple read for those looking re-assess the busyness and fast-moving lives they lead. A great read for individuals, couples, and Groups

An examination of what it looks like to be a man that loves Jesus in today's culture. It is a great study for any men to use in a discipleship context and in a Men's Group.

Every woman struggles with times of waiting—for a spouse, a child, a job. In Wait and See, Wendy Pope guides readers to focus on the Person of their faith rather than the object of their wait. Pope draws on the story of King David, who was anointed king nearly twenty years before he took his throne. With practical suggestions and real-life stories, Pope shows readers how they can be active in the present as they hope for the future.

Often the biggest obstacle to living out our faith is our own doubt--about our worth, our abilities, our relationship with God, and situations in our lives. A Confident Heart gives voice to the questions, doubts, struggles, and hopes so many women have. Author Renee Swope shows us how to identify, overcome, and learn from our self-doubts so that we can live confidently in God's assurance, truth, and grace.

Most of us believe in God’s grace—in theory. But somehow we can’t seem to apply it in our daily lives. We continue to see Him as a small-minded bookkeeper, tallying our failures and successes on a score sheet.
Yet God gives us His grace, willingly, no matter what we’ve done. We come to Him as ragamuffins—dirty, bedraggled, and beat-up. And when we sit at His feet, He smiles upon us, the chosen objects of His “furious love.”

Elizabeth lets women know that loving the Lord involves action! Drawing on biblical wisdom as well as personal experience, Elizabeth helps women handle their emotions and discover inner peace that comes from focusing on what is true.

If we have dealt with such things as someone you can't forgive, Max suggests that we may have missed a step in life. We may not understand God loves us with an "unconditional" love, which is a love we can pass on to others.

This book draws you into a deeper relationship God and exposes the roadblocks that hinder us from knowing Him.

A heart touching easy read compilation of short stories that brings you closer to Jesus as Savior.

I think it would be a phenomenal Women's study book. Although it's much more a "book" than a study, it's broken into 9 experiments and has questions at the end of each chapter AND in the back for each one.

Futureville explores a Christ-centered vision of calling and vocation rooted in the Garden of Eden.

Engaging story that prompts the reader to think about the reality of spiritual warfare.

While a bit dated, this read skillfully describes the problem of race facing the North American church. Very thought provoking read.