Small Group resources
The Brethren in Christ place a high value on life-change and relationships as lived out in small groups within the larger context of congregational life. Small groups encourage individuals to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Small groups are where men and women grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ as truth comes to life. Small groups are where newcomers to a church connect in authentic biblical community. And small groups are where Christ-followers serve each other and the communities around them. In short, lives are formed and transformed in small group settings as people meet together to pray, to study, and to engage in fellowship.
The following BIC-distinctive study guides are available free of charge and are useful for small groups, Sunday school classes, retreats, and personal study.
Focused and Faithful: Living Our Core Values
edited by Rebekah Burch Basinger
This 12-week study provides a fresh, practical, and action-focused look at the 10 core values that define who the Brethren in Christ are as a people of God. Ideally suited for Sunday school classes or small groups, the curriculum builds on the book, Focusing Our Faith: Brethren in Christ Core Values (Evangel Publishing, 2000). Read more »
Living Simply
by Fred Miller
This five-session study guide explores the biblical basis for living simply. Through Scripture and thoughtful questions for discussion, the study guide leads you through a process of clearing the clutter from your own life, freeing yourself up to give more time, love, and money to those who need it. This discipleship resource may be printed, copied and distributed free of charge.
Seeking Worship
by Brain McCann
This four-session study guide focuses on building an understanding of what worship is and why we do it. Through Scripture readings and questions for discussion, this latest addition to a growing collection of BIC discipleship resources explores a variety of experiences—from public and private expressions of worship to preparing your heart for a lifestyle of worship. The study guide document can be printed, copied, and distributed free of charge.
Relying on God
by Rob Patterson and Jay McDermond
The BIC core value of Relying on God states, "we confess our dependence on God for everything, and seek to deepen our intimacy with Him by living prayerfully." Adapted from an article by Bishop Rob Patterson and a chapter written by Jay E. McDermond in the book Focusing Our Faith: Brethren in Christ Core Values, this five-session study is a wonderful tool for learning to hear God's voice through a series of practical exercises.
God Talks | for teens
by Brian McCann
Download study guide
The first BIC study guide designed exclusively for teens, God Talks is perfect for youth groups, Sunday school classes, and individuals who would like to make prayer a priority in their daily lives. Written by Brian McCann, the former pastor-in-residence at Grantham (Pa.) BIC Church, God Talks is filled to the brim with practical suggestions and prayer techniques that are sure to enrich youths' conversations with God. This study guide contains four sessions.
Making peace with your family
by Glenn Robitaille, certified pastoral counselor, CMFT
It’s one thing to acknowledge there’s conflict in your family. It’s quite another to follow Christ’s example of peacemaking in your daily interactions. Glenn Robitaille leads participants through a discussion of what the Bible has to say about living at peace with one another. Zooming in on Romans and James, this four-session guide is the perfect way to hold up your interpersonal relationships to the light of Scripture.
Reality faith: Risking it all to serve God
by Brian McCann
Some people will do anything as long as they’re on camera. No risk is too high, and no action is too bold for them as they race around the world, vie for attention, or accept dares—all with a specific outcome or prize in mind. As Christians, we are striving for the ultimate prize, but how much are we willing to risk for our faith? Brian McCann’s four-session study guide provides small groups and individuals with biblical wisdom on living boldly and unashamedly for Christ.
The Da Vinci Code: Theology & Themes
by Timothy W. Fisher, senior pastor, Walkersville (Md.) BIC Church
Download study guide | Download full article
Divided into four sessions, this in-depth study takes readers on a Biblical journey to uncover the basis of our beliefs about the divinity of Christ, the person of Mary Magdalene, the singleness of the historical Jesus, and the inspiration and development of the New Testament canon—all issues challenged by the bestselling book The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Using excerpts of dialogue from the novel and thoughtfully selected Scripture passages, Fisher draws a significant contrast between Brown’s historical fiction and the truth of the Bible.
Living in God’s Abundant Grace
Sabbath as a source for an abundant life
by Rolf Jacobsen
Download study guide | Download full article
An accompaniment to “In Search of the Sabbath,” a feature article by Valerie Weaver-Zercher, this study guide encourages believers to go beyond legalistic and self-centered forms of Sabbath-keeping. Jacobsen explores the Sabbath in the context of the Levitical concepts of justice and jubilee, helping readers to see the Sabbath as a vehicle for God’s grace. Although this guide is made up of three sessions, groups in particular are likely to find that it takes longer than three sessions to complete.
Second Callings
Retirement and vocation from a biblical perspective
by Peggy Mumper
Download study guide | Download full article
As baby boomers near retirement, the members of North America’s largest generation are beginning to think about how they should spend their post-career days. This four-session study, drawing on the experiences of the individuals profiled in the “Second Callings” article in our denominational magazine, guides groups and individuals through issues such as the role of older people in the Church; finding a post-career vocation; the effect aging has or does not have on one’s relationship with God; retirees’ responsibility to the Church; staying involved while allowing younger generations to assume leadership roles; and more.
