With so many congregations looking to small groups and Sunday school classes to disciple their members, Brethren in Christ churches are always on the lookout for insightful, biblically-based curricula.

And now, study guides addressing a variety of topics from a distinctly BIC perspective are available below free of charge. A complement to our denominational magazine, these study guides take a closer look at some of the issues introduced by the magazine.

Divided into three to four sessions, these study guides are specifically designed for:

Small groups
Sunday school classes
Discipleship classes
Retreats and conferences
Personal study

How to use this resource

It is recommended that groups and individuals using the study guides also read the accompanying articles in the Seek archives . These brief articles serve as an engaging introduction to the study guides and a wonderful springboard for discussion. Many study guides reference the articles, as well, making the two pieces of literature inseparable.

Study guides and articles, available in PDF form, are available to download.

Living Simply

by Fred Miller

Download study guide

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

Download study guide

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

Download study guide

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

Download study guide

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

Download study guide

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.

RESOURCES