The following is a list of resources submitted by congregations in our district who have demonstrated their healthiness by growing in at least one of the identified areas of congregational ministry.  The listing is in three forms: a printed resource, an electronic resource, or a person who has been a valued resource.  If you have found a resource that was particularly helpful to your congregation’s health and growth, please contact Rev. Larry Bogardus at pastorlarry@stephenslcms.org, or Gary Norton, Regional Mission Facilitator, at gary.norton@psd-lcms.org. 

Resources for Bible Study / Discipleship

Electronic Resoures:

  • Lutheranvisuals.com - DVD resources for adult, youth and leadership
    education
  • Concordia Publishing House– online catalogue of materials for both individual and congregational study from Concordia Publishing House
  • Church Press - Pastor Don Ginkel resources
  • Radio Bible Class Ministries - A variety of devotional and study material from RBC Ministries
  • Bible Gateway - Bible search tools in 10 languages and various versions, audio Bibles, study tools and Bible reading plans
  • The Search Institute - Psychological and sociological based material to promote healthy children and youth.
  • Crown Financial Ministries – A ten week small group study to explore Biblical financial giving. Other stewardship resources are also available.
  • The Treasure Principle: A 6 hour study designed to help the participants discover the secret of joyful giving based upon a book by Randy Alcorn
  • Lifetogether - Award winning small group Bible studies in Willowcreek and Saddleback style.

Printed Resources:

  • Christ Care – A comprehensive small group program developed by Stephen Ministry. The home group material includes the essentials – community building, Bible study, prayer and worship, and mission service.
  • Power Surge by Michael Foss – The author is a Lutheran pastor and has moved his congregation from membership to discipleship. He shares experiences from his congregation as they made this paradigm shift.
  • Today’s Light Bible
  • Women of Faith – Published by the “Women of Faith” organization that sponsors seminars throughout the US. The devotional material is suitable for individuals or groups.
  • A Woman After God's Own Heart - Elizabeth George has authored 20 books. In this book she identifies different areas of a woman's life and gives practical suggestions for living as a follower of Christ.
  • The Disciple-Making Pastor - Author Bill Hull takes pastors through a reevaluation of their priorities so they can lead their congregation into more effective ministry through a emphasis on discipleship.
  • Creating Community by Andy Stanley – If you want to develop community in your church through small groups, this is a great place to start. The book discusses the need for community, the strategies to develop groups, and realistic expectations. It also includes forms for group leaders.
  • “Network – The Right People in the Right Places for the Right Reasons” by Zondervan is a six session assessment program to help church members find their areas of giftedness and then mobilize them for service. It is developed in partnership with the Willow Creek Association. A kit is also available with DVD and PowerPoint helps.

Index