MINISTRY & RESOURCE GUIDE
B E A L E R T, S TA N D F I R M I N T H E FA I T H , ACT LIKE A MAN, BE STRONG. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13
L I F E W AY
2 0 17
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E s s e ntia ls of M inis t r y to M e n
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D a ds, Yo ur D a u ghte r s N e e d Yo u
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33 T h e S e r ie s
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4 R e a s o n s D a ds D o n’t Le a d Fa mil y D evotio n a ls
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D evotio n a l R e s o urc e s
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N ew R e s o urc e s f ro m Er ic G e ig e r
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H ow to St a r t a S m a ll G ro up Bib l e St u d y in 8 E a s y Ste p s
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4 Way s M e n’s Eve nt s C a n B e St r ate gic
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Eve nt s f o r M e n
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3 R e a s o n s W hy M e n’s S m a ll G ro up s a re D if f ic ult to Le a d
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Fo un d atio n a l Bib l e St u die s
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9 Ac c o unt a b ilit y Q u e s tio n s f o r D u d e s
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D is c ip l e ship R e s o u rc e s
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4 Way s to Inve s t in M a r r ia g e s
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M a r r ia g e & Fa mil y Re s o urc e s
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R e s o urc e s f o r Em e rgin g M e n
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R e s o urc e s f ro m M at t Ch a n dl e r
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R e s o urc e s f ro m To ny Ev a n s
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R e s o urc e s f o r T h e M ov ie Enthu sia s t
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R e s o urc e s f o r T h e Sp o r t s Fa n atic
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R e s o urc e s f ro m Ke n ny Lu c k
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R e s o urc e s f ro m Er ic M a s o n
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Ad ditio n a l R e s o urc e s f o r M e n
To order any of the resources featured in this catalog, go to lifeway.com/men, call 1.800.458.2772, or visit the LifeWay Christian Store serving you. Product pricing and availability subject to change without notice.
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CONNEC T > DISCIPLE > CHALLENGE >>> TR ANSFORM Men’s ministry takes many different shapes. In many churches, the
ESSENTIALS OF MINISTRY TO MEN
most effective strategy may not even involve a formalized men’s ministry. Healthy ministry to men connects, disciples, challenges, and ultimately witnesses men transformed by the power of Jesus. C O N N E C T: E V E R Y M A N N E E D S G O D LY M E N . God has not created us to live life alone. It’s essential for men to be connected in biblical community because when they’re not, they are vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Men need churches to be intentional in finding ways to connect men with other godly men. D I S C I P L E : E V E R Y M A N N E E D S T O G R O W. Church leaders must labor, with God’s power, to lead men in Christian maturity through groups, classes, or mentoring. LifeWay Men resources are rooted in Scripture and tailored to help church leaders guide this process. CHALLENGE: EVERY MAN HAS A MISSION. God has woven a desire for mission into the fabric of the masculine heart. When men are unsure of their mission, they pull away from the challenge God has designed for them and give themselves lesser, more worldly challenges. Churches must help men live out the mission God is calling them to—pushing back the darkness and advancing God’s kingdom. TRANSFORM: EVERY MAN HAS A MASTER. As men are connected, discipled, and challenged, the Lord does His transforming work. Every man has a master, something or someone that he lives for. As men are transformed, the Lord rules and reigns over every aspect of their lives, with ever-increasing glory.
L I F E W AY.C O M / M E N
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K R IS D O L B ER RY, M EN’S M I N IS T RY S PEC I A L IS T Kris Dolberry is a pastor, Bible teacher, writer, and church consultant. After serving in pastoral leadership for 16 years, Kris now leads Ministry to Men at LifeWay and serves as Executive Editor of Stand Firm, a daily devotional magazine for men. He is passionate about serving churches in their mission of making disciples. Kris is husband to Vanessa and dad to Konnor, Emma, and Brady. They live outside Nashville, Tennessee.
Fire is an incredible thing, isn’t it? Inside the confines of a stove or fireplace, it’s beautifully captivating and good for heat and cooking food. Focused the right way, it can even cut metal. But when fire gets outside those confines, it leaves pain, destruction, and even death in its wake. Manhood is the same way. When men understand who God made them to be and wring their lives out in servant leadership at home and at church, their families, churches, and communities thrive. However, when men step outside those bounds and forego that responsibility, the fabric of those institutions flies apart at the seams. At LifeWay, we desire to provide trustworthy Bible studies and transformational events designed to serve the church in her mission of discipling men. I believe that when men understand who God designed them to be in light of the gospel, lives will be changed, families will be strengthened, churches will be impacted, and communities will be transformed. Thank you for your partnership. Let us know how we can help you and your church.
Kris Dolberry Men’s Ministry Specialist @ K R ISD O L B ER RY | K R IS.D O L B ER RY@ L I FE WAY.CO M | 615.251.3633
SPEAKING / TR AINING / CONSULTING To have Kris or someone from the LifeWay Men team consult with your church, provide training, or speak at your event, email men@lifeway.com or call 615.251.3633.
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D A D S , Y O U R
Daughters N E E D Y O U BY DR . MEG MEEK ER An excerpt from 33 The Series
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33 THE SERIES
After more than 20 years of listening to daughters—and doling out antibiotics, antidepressants, and stimulants to girls who have gone without a father’s love—I know just how important fathers are. I have listened hour after hour to young girls describe how they vomit in junior high bathrooms to keep their weight down. I have listened to 14-year-old girls tell me they have to provide oral sex—which disgusts them—in order to keep their boyfriends. I’ve watched girls drop off varsity tennis teams, flunk out of school, and carve initials or tattoo cult figures onto their bodies—all to see if their dads will notice.
M E N, W E N E E D YO U. W E— M OT H ERS, DAU G H T ERS, A N D SIS T ERS — N EED YO U R H EL P TO R A ISE H E A LT H Y YO U N G WO M EN. W E N EED E V ERY O U N CE O F M A SCU L I N E CO U R AG E A N D W I T YO U OW N B EC AUSE FAT H ERS, M O R E T H A N A N YO N E EL SE, SE T T H E CO U RSE FO R A DAU G H T ER ’S L I FE.
And I have watched daughters talk to fathers. When you come in the room, they change. Everything about them changes: their eyes, their mouths, their gestures, their body language. Daughters are never lukewarm in the presence of their fathers. They light up—or they cry. They watch you intensely. They hang on your words. They hope for your attention, and they wait for it in frustration—or in despair. They need a gesture of approval, a nod of encouragement, or even simple eye contact to let them know you care and are willing to help. When she’s in your company, your daughter tries harder to excel. When you teach her, she learns more rapidly. When you guide her, she gains confidence. If you fully understood just how profoundly you can influence your daughter’s life, you would be overwhelmed. Boyfriends, brothers, even husbands can’t shape her
character the way you do. You will influence her entire life because she gives you an authority she gives no other man. Many fathers (particularly of teen girls) assume they have little influence over their daughters—certainly less influence than their daughters’ peers or pop culture—and think their daughters need to figure out life on their own. But your daughter faces a world markedly different from the one you did growing up: It’s less friendly, morally unmoored, and even outright dangerous. After age 6, “little girl” clothes are hard to find. Many outfits are cut to make her look like a seductive 13- or 14-year-old girl trying to attract older boys. She will enter puberty earlier than girls did a generation or two ago (and boys will be watching as she begins to physically mature even as young as age nine). She will see sexual innuendo or scenes of overt sexual behavior in magazines or on television before she is 10 years old, whether you approve or not. She will learn about HIV and AIDS in elementary school and will also probably learn why and how it is transmitted. If you’re reading this, you are a motivated, sensitive, and caring father. You are a good man, but you’re probably exhausted. For you, there is great news and bad news. Fathers are what stand between daughters and this toxic world. The great news is that in order to experience a richer life and raise a fabulous daughter, you don’t need to change your character.
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You need only to indulge what’s best in your character. You have everything you need for a better relationship with your daughter. Here’s the bad news. You need to stop in your tracks, open your eyes wider, and see what your daughter faces today, tomorrow, and in 10 years. It’s tough and it’s frightening, but this is the way it is. While you want the world to be cautious and gentle with her, it is cruel beyond imagination—even before she is a teen. Even though she may not participate in ugly stuff, it’s all around her: sexual promiscuity, alcohol abuse, foul language, illegal drugs, and predatory boys and men who want only to take something from her. Don’t think you can’t fight her peers or the power of pop culture. Exactly the opposite is true. Yes, the four Ms—MTV, music, movies, and magazines— are enormous influences that shape what girls think about themselves, what clothes they wear, and even the grades they get. But their influence doesn’t
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come close to the influence of a father. A lot of research has been done on this—and fathers always come out on top. The effects of loving, caring fathers on their daughters’ lives can be measured in girls of all ages. When you are with her, whether you eat dinner and do homework together or even when you are present but don’t say much, the quality and stability of her life—and, you’ll find, your own—improves immeasurably. Even if you think the two of you operate on different planes, even if you worry that time spent with her shows no measurable results, even if you doubt you are having a meaningful impact on her, the clinical fact is that you are giving your daughter the greatest of gifts. Your daughter will view this time spent with you vastly differently than you do. Over the years, in erratic bursts and in simple ordinary life together, she will absorb your influence. She will watch every move you make. She might not understand why you are happy, angry, or affectionate,
but you will be the most important man in her life forever. When she is 25, she will mentally size her boyfriend or husband up against you. When she is 35, the number of children she has will be affected by her life with you. The clothes she wears will reflect something about you. Even when she is 75, how she faces her future will depend on some distant memory of time you spent together. Be it good or painful, the hours and years you spend with her—or don’t spend with her—change who she is. C’mon, men, our daughters need you! M E G M E E K E R , M.D., is the best-selling author of The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers; Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters; and Boys Should Be Boys. She has been a physician practicing pediatric and adolescent medicine, working with children and their parents, for more than 30 years. Dr. Meeker is the mother of four children and lives with her husband in northern Michigan.
33 THE SERIES
THIS IS THE KIND OF STUDY THAT CAN BE LED BY ANY MAN, ANYWHERE. HERE ARE SOME WAYS MEN CAN FULLY EXPERIENCE THIS SERIES:
ONE ON ONE
Men can watch sessions together anywhere.
SMALL GROUPS
This series works well for men meeting in groups of 4 to 6 men. If your group is larger than 6, you may want to break into two discussion groups to give each man an opportunity to participate.
MEDIUM-SIZED GROUPS
A group of 12 to 30 men could meet in a church, home, workplace meeting room, or private room in a restaurant.
LARGE GROUPS
For groups with 50 or more men, find church or venue space to accommodate the crowd. To offset the cost consider charging each man a small fee. Strategize with your leadership team to help men connect without getting lost in the shuffle.
VOL . 1: A M AN AND HIS DESIGN Discover God’s clear design and definition of authentic manhood, and how to navigate the different seasons of a man’s life.
VO L . 4: A M A N A N D H IS WO R K Use a biblical blueprint to get an inspiring vision of your work, and free yourself to see it from God’s bigger perspective.
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Bible Study Book 005558776 $14.99 Leader Kit 005558775 $74.99
VOL. 2: A MAN AND HIS STORY Too many men don’t truly understand their own stories. Learn how to understand your past, come alive in the present, and enjoy God’s best in your future.
VO L . 5: A M A N A N D H IS M A R R I AG E Learn how to build your marriage for His glory. These game changers will help bring new life to your marriage.
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VO L . 3: A M A N A N D H IS T R A PS Identify the deeply held idols of your heart and build a battle plan based on God’s grace to guide you in replacing them.
VO L . 6: A M A N A N D H IS FAT H ER H O O D Equip yourself with practical skills and grace-filled insights that will allow you to launch healthy daughters and sons into the world.
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Bible Study Book 005717350 $14.99 Leader Kit 005717351 $74.99 lifeway.com/33 7
REASONS DADS DON’T LEAD F A M I LY D E V O T I O N A L S
BY B I L L D E LVAU X W H E T H ER O R N OT YO U AR E A FAT H E R, YO U PR O B AB LY K N OW AB O U T T H E IM P O R TAN C E O F R E GU L AR LY L E AD IN G YO U R FA M ILY TO J E SUS. But so many fathers don’t. Teaching children about the ways of the Lord is often left up to church leaders. What children generally get from their fathers on the most important matter of all is deafening silence. So why don’t fathers lead their families in a regular devotional time? Here are four common excuses dads make:
1 I D O N ’ T K N OW W H ER E TO S TAR T. You don’t need to be a Bible scholar. Your children don’t need you to have a seminary degree. You aren’t being asked to share what you don’t know. Just share whatever you do know. God will honor your attempts. A great place to start is to simply reteach what God is teaching you and read the Bible and pray together.
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2 I’ V E T R I ED I T B EFO R E, AN D I T FAI LED. There’s no doubt it’s difficult to get back on the horse after you’ve fallen off. The reality is, however, that we learn best from our failures, not our successes. Ask the Lord what He may be trying to teach you from the failure. Ask your wife for feedback and suggestions. Ask a trusted friend for ideas. You are not alone in this. Invite others into the process.
3 I C AN ’ T K EEP US FO CUSED. Devotional times don’t have to look like a family sitting around, hands folded, quietly listening to Dad’s monologue. Make this time interactive, and involve the whole family. Introduce an object lesson and pass around props. Go for a walk
DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES
outside while you discuss the devotional. Ask each child (and your wife!) to tell about something that happened earlier. Try talking with children individually about the Lord. Another great option is to find an activity that illustrates something you want to teach. For example, have each kid jump off a stool into your arms, trusting that you will catch them. This is a great visual for the experience of trusting God.
4 THEY DON’T GET AN Y T H I N G O U T O F I T. First, remember that God’s Word is living and active. When we read it and speak about it, there are things happening in our children’s hearts that we don’t see, things that even they don’t understand. Secondly, do not discount the priceless value of simply being together as a family. You are stocking their emotional cabinet with closeness and love—
something that will give them a steady foundation through the turbulence of adolescence. It will also guide them into feeling loved by God. When I had two preschool daughters, I knew I had to do something with my family, determined not to repeat the silence. Yet I felt so untutored and afraid to fail. As I started daily devotionals, I made many mistakes and had to keep adjusting as they moved from children to teenagers. But looking back, now that they are both college graduates, I have no regrets about muddling through. God loves to take our muddled mess and do something miraculous! B I L L D E LVA U X leads Landmark Journey Ministries, serves as content editor for Stand Firm, LifeWay’s devotional magazine for men, and is the author of Divided: When the Head and Heart Don’t Agree and Landmarks: Turning Points on Your Journey Toward God. He and his wife have two grown daughters and reside in Franklin, TN.
S TA N D FI R M Stay anchored in Christ by cultivating the discipline of daily Bible reading in this monthly devotional magazine for men filled with practical ways to apply biblical truths. 005075233 $5.55 per quarter (3 monthly issues)
D E VO H U B Help your church provide trustworthy devotional content to its members and guests no matter where they are during the week. Learn more and start your free trial at devohub. com
lifeway.com/StandFirm 9
ERIC GEIGER Eric Geiger serves as one of the Vice Presidents at LifeWay Christian Resources, leading the Resources Division. Eric received his doctorate in leadership and church ministry from Southern Seminary. He is also a teaching pastor and a frequent speaker and consultant on church mission and strategy. Eric authored or coauthored several books including Creature of the Word and the best-selling church leadership book, Simple Church. Eric is married to Kaye, and they have two daughters: Eden and Evie. During his free time, Eric enjoys dating his wife, playing with his daughters, and shooting basketball.
NEW
THE STORY OF GOD
ERIC GEIGER
U N FO L D ED: T H E S TO RY O F GO D Most of us know popular Bible stories, but do we know the story of the Bible? While the Bible is a collection of 66 books, the overarching theme is God’s powerful story of redemption. All other stories ever told pale in comparison to this story of a God who loves us, wants to be known by us, and ultimately invites us into His story. Join Eric Geiger for 8 weeks of 20-minute videos that speak directly to men who want to fully understand Scripture as a whole. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 006103972 $12.99 Leader Kit 006103973 $99.99 lifeway.com/Unfolded
NEW
D E S I G N ED TO L E A D: T H E C H U R C H A N D L E A D ER S H I P D E V ELO PM EN T God designed creation to be led by His covenant people, and yet many churches do not develop leaders intentionally and consistently. Churches that consistently produce leaders have a strong conviction to develop leaders, a healthy culture for leadership development, and helpful constructs to systematically build leaders. Whether in the home, marketplace, church, or community, if you’re called by God, you’re called to lead others to worship in the glory of Christ. Hardcover Book 005777735 $22.99
lifeway.com/unfolded 10
NEW RESOURCES FROM ERIC GEIGER
AN EXCERPT FROM
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF. Whether in a job interview, at a dinner party, or on a first date, you have likely heard the phrase, “Tell me about yourself.” When people are getting to know one another, the phrase is often used. And when we are encouraged to share who we are, the person is looking for more than just a random recollection of facts. So you likely don’t respond with your Social Security number, date of birth, height, and mother’s maiden name. That would be awkward. Instead of giving stats, we tell a story of who we are and where we came from and what we are doing now. As a relationship deepens and we let down our guard, we reveal more and more of our story. God wants to be known. Because He wants to be known by you, He has self-disclosed who He is. He is not a silent God. In His great love, He has revealed Himself to us through His story. The Bible is His story. God is not a machine, so the Bible is not an instruction manual. You cannot deconstruct and rebuild God. His ways, are higher than our ways and His wisdom is beyond our ability to fully grasp. God is not a corporation, so the Bible is not a policy. He is not an impersonal and nebulous force who doles out stale policies to keep us in line.
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God is not a get-rich-quick scheme, so the Bible is not a business plan. He is not useful, as if He exists for our needs and small dreams. God is amazing and the highest good and aim. God is not a philosophy, so the Bible is not a dissertation filled with philosophical opines about the universe and our existence. God is Truth; He is not a subset of truth. All truth and all reality flow from Him. Everything that exists, and has existed, only exists because God has willed it into being. God is a person, so the Bible is His story. While the Bible is a collection of 66 books, it is one overarching story where God gloriously self-discloses who He is. The Bible is the God-breathed story of God creating and rescuing a people for Himself. In our day there have been several television series that have captured the attention of men. From 24 where Jack Bauer spends eight seasons spoiling terrorist plot after terrorist plot, to Lost which tells a story that no one can quite explain and some are bitter because they wasted years watching to be disappointed with an unresolved ending—men binge watching these with wives, girlfriends, and buddies. Each season, and each series as a whole, tells a story. Each episode, though compelling and dramatic, is part of a bigger story.
It would be possible for someone to carefully watch one episode, perhaps to impress a group of friends who talk about the series at lunch, in order to cite a host of details from that one episode. The person could talk about what Jack Bauer wore, the number of people he has taken down, or the lines he used when talking smack. Yet if the person were asked to tell the whole story, he would be unable to articulate. Knowing the details of one episode or watching a few episodes is very different from knowing the full storyline. In the same way, some people miss the story of the Bible, even people who can recite verses and give details to some of the stories within the Bible. Edmund Clowney stated, “It is possible to know Bible stories and miss the Bible story.” Sadly, lots of people grow up knowing bits and pieces of the Bible and are able to recite a few Bible stories but fail to understand the whole story. Because the Bible is His story to reveal Himself to us, we must see the Bible as one story. And this story is better and greater than any other story. There is no better hero, no bigger conflict, no greater rescue, and no better ending than what we discover in His story. Every other story pales in comparison. And all of it is true and has deep implications for us today. In fact, we are invited into His story. Read more at LifeWay.com/Unfolded.
“IT IS POSSIBLE TO KNOW BIBLE STORIES A N D M I S S T H E B I B L E S T O R Y.”
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SEE E R IC AT
For more information, see page 17 or visit lifeway.com/MainEvent
renewded min
T HE M IRACULOUS SMALL GROUP LEADER DOESN’T JUST HAPP EN .
NEW RESOURCES FROM ERIC GEIGER
heart for community
small group ad from womens catalog?
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Neither does discipleship. Leading a Bible study requires careful preparation. Leading one that makes disciples requires even more. That’s why group leaders use smallgroup.com. • Create a custom Bible study in a fraction of the time it would normally take. • Build a series of studies based on a discipleship plan. • Find or create a study to match a group’s preferences. • Reinforce a sermon series. • Enhance a study with video from trusted teachers, like Matt Chandler, Tony Evans, Beth Moore, John Piper, and others. VISIT US ONLINE TO LEARN MORE OR SIGN UP FOR A FREE TWO-WEEK PREVIEW.
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Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.
build studies. make disciples.
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HOW T O S TA R T A SM A L L G R OUP BIBL E S T UDY IN 8 E AS Y S TEPS
b y
r i c k
h o w e r t o n
Small group Bible studies offer a secure and non-threatening opportunity for men to study God’s Word and build authentic relationships. The key, however, is creating quality, intentional Bible study group experiences that grow out of a clear commitment to make them work.
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S E E K G OD ’ S W I S D OM . This neglected step is an important one because men’s ministry requires leaders who have hearts for people and are willing to invest themselves in the lives of men. Ask God to prepare you for the next few steps in this journey. DE T E R M I N E YOUR GOA L . In Bill Donahue’s book, Leading Life-Changing Small Groups, he points out five kinds of small groups (with the addition of one more):
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recognize and release themselves from the lies Satan has imprinted on their hearts. W hen you decide what kind(s) of group you want yours to be, you must decide what resources fit your group, how to train others, and who to recruit for leadership. I DE N T I F Y Y O U R T A R G E T. You need to know who you want to reach through your group. Look at your community and ask these questions:
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• W ho is accessible to you? •D isciple-making groups for believers wanting to develop spiritual disciplines and go deeper. •C ommunity groups for believers and non-believers, persons who want to build in-depth relationships with others. •S ervice groups for believers and non-believers who are serving alongside one another in ministry. •S eeker groups led by a couple of believers for non-believers who are seeking answers to issues before coming to Christ. •S upport groups for believers and non-believers that support attendees through personal difficulties. •H ealing groups for believers and non-believers who come alongside one another to
• W ho do you already know? • D o you want to offer an early morning Bible study for business leaders? • A re there young men in your community who need mentoring? • C ould you organize a prayer and Bible study group where men can hang out? DE V E L OP A S T R A T E G Y. Think about the men in your church. How many have been there for years? Most likely, one of them has tried to start a group before, so talk to those men and learn from their successes and failures.
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C HO O S E Y O U R A PPROACH. How frequently will your group meet? W hat types of studies will you begin with? Will you
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use video sessions? Start with a calendar, and plan from an annual perspective before focusing on each month. Be mindful of your group members and their needs while you plan, and always allow for f lexibility. GE T THE W OR D O U T. Start promoting your group no later than four weeks before you plan to begin. Personal invitations and social media are extremely effective.
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R E P L IC A T E . Every leader should enlist an apprentice. Your goal is to prepare him to lead his own group in the future. Equip him to invest in others as you are investing in him. This could be the beginning of a powerful men’s leadership movement.
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L E A R N A N D A P P LY. As you go through different studies or books, evaluate and plan future group meetings based on your experience. Never be afraid to adapt.
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R I C K H O W E R T O N has served both LifeWay and NavPress as the Small Group and Discipleship Consultant. He is presently a Church Consultant for the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
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WAYS MEN’S EVENTS CAN BE STRATEGIC
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BY KRIS DOLBERRY
I recently heard the story of Al. Al had been a regular church attender for decades. He was religious but had never been raised from death to life by Jesus. Two years ago, he attended a special event for men with his local church. In his pastor’s words, “God did a mighty work in Al’s life,” and recently, he was baptized. He’s now plugged into a gospel-centered Bible study with other men in his church learning what it means to thrive in relationship with Christ. There are tons of stories I could tell you about lives being transformed at one of our events. Marriages have been restored. Those contemplating suicide have found new life in Jesus. Relationships have been reconciled. Families have surrendered their lives to take the gospel to unreached people groups. I could go on. Al’s story reminds me that events can serve a major role not only in the lives of individuals, but also in the discipleship strategy of your church in at least four ways.
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1. A S PI R I T UA L AWA K EN I N G Recently Eventbrite conducted a survey of 1000 people who attended religious special events. The study indicated that the more often individuals attend these events, the higher their level of involvement in church and commitment to their faith. This was seen through higher congregational attendance, small group participation, personal Scripture reading and prayer, and the importance of faith in their lives overall.
2. AN ON - R AMP
We live in a day where, unfortunately, there is much skepticism of the church among non-churchgoers. A men’s event can serve as an easy on-ramp for those who are kicking the tires of God and church but are skeptical to attend a Sunday service. You may choose to use an event as an opportunity to train men in investing in and inviting their unchurched friends. For example, one church of 250 brought 77 men—many of whom were not members of their church—to the 2016 Main Event in Nashville. They were pumped they had invited guys and then were able to see God at work in them.
3 . A C ATA LYS T
Use men’s events as jumping-off points into your strategic discipleship process. Events give men a dose of healthy momentum when it comes to things like starting new Bible study groups and moving guys into volunteer ministry roles.
4 . A U N I FI ER
If you’ve ever attended an event with a group from your church, you know there is a degree of community that is difficult to achieve in other ways. It only takes a quick survey of Acts 6 to notice that disunity is a sure way to halt the mission of your church. Acts 6 should also serve as a reminder that church leaders must be diligent to strategically build unity. Attending an event together can help. At LifeWay, our desire is to serve you, the church, in your mission of making disciples. We work hard to provide experiences like The Main Event, through which God does His transforming work in individuals, families, churches, and communities.
EVENTS FOR MEN
No man is called to live an ordinary life for God. God is not looking for men who are successful, impressive, or even good. God is looking for ordinary men who are willing to go ALL IN. Join us at The Main Event to embrace God’s calling, take action, and get equipped to live the kind of life God calls extraordinary. APRIL 29, 2017 – NEW ORLEANS, LA JULY 28-29, 2017 – NASHVILLE, TN AUGUST 18-19, 2017 – GREENVILLE, SC lifeway.com/MainEvent
Are you ministering to men in your church? Join us before The Main Event for training and encouragement from top ministry and professional leaders as you seek to influence the men in your church and community. APRIL 28, 2017 – NEW ORLEANS, LA JULY 28, 2017 – NASHVILLE, TN AUGUST 18, 2017 – GREENVILLE, SC lifeway.com/LeadingMenTraining
Join Pastor Johnny Hunt from First Baptist Church, Woodstock, GA as he prepares men to be “Battle Ready”. Simulcast this event into your church or small group to challenge men to suit up with the whole armor of God. Prepare to face the spiritual warfare that rages within us and around us head-on. FEBRUARY 3-4, 2017 LifeWay.com/JHuntSimulcast
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3 REASONS
W H Y M E N ’S SMALL GROUPS ARE D I FFI C U LT TO L E A D BY KRIS DOLBERRY
My son Konnor loves to play football. His coaches tell me he’s easy to coach. But that hasn’t always been the case. When he first started playing flag football at age 6, as much energy was put into keeping him from picking the wildflowers off the 10-yard line and picking his nose at the line of scrimmage as teaching him proper passing mechanics. Coaching 6-year-old football is challenging, time consuming, and requires loads of emotional energy. Why? Because football teams of 6-year-olds are difficult to lead. But quite possibly, not as difficult as men’s Bible study groups. In speaking with ministry leaders across the country, I’m convinced that leading a men’s small group is one of, if not the most difficult task in a local church. There are many reasons why, but here are three of the most common: 1| M EN ARE AFRAID OF ADMITTING FAILURE. Authentic gospel change requires bringing hidden things into the light. Therefore transparency and vulnerability with other brothers is essential to the sanctification process. And yet, it is incredibly challenging to lead men to go there. Generally, men are achievers by nature. It’s part of the DNA of the masculine heart. We
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want to be winners. And we want people to respect us for it. The thought of admitting to someone that we have not measured up is enough to evoke pure terror in the soul of a man. A wise men’s group leader will work hard in the early days of his group to establish trust. Be patient, though. It takes time to build. Remember, as the leader, you set the tone. So lead by example when it comes to vulnerability and transparency. 2| MEN ARE BUSY. One of the most common frustrations I hear from leaders around the country is in attempting to find the magic bullet when it comes to scheduling a men’s Bible study. First of all, there isn’t one. Think about it, unlike other ministries in your church, when it comes to men’s ministry, almost any time you can think of is inconvenient. The most recent church I served had women’s groups that met at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays for stay-at-home moms. A men’s group leader would be committing group suicide to attempt to schedule his group at that time. I heard of a leader who scheduled his men’s small group at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday night so it would not compete with family, work, hobbies, or other church activities. One church found success offering their men’s Bible study on Monday nights at
6:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday mornings at 6:00 a.m. It’s challenging to say the least. Pick the time that makes sense for as many men as possible, go with it, and meet consistently. 3| M EN ARE PROBLEM SOLVERS. How many times have you been in a discussion with a woman in your life where she just needed you to listen and empathize, but you immediately went into fix-it mode? Come on. I know I’m not the only one. Why do we do this? We can’t help ourselves. We’re problem solvers. If we’re in an environment that requires long periods of simply listening with no opportunity to fix a problem, we quickly zone out. Yet, when men lose interest in a lecturebased Bible study loaded with theory at the expense of practicality, leaders ask, “Why won’t my guys stay interested?” If you want to lead a Bible study men remain committed to, cut the lecture and lead men to engage in a conversation where they can discover answers to questions they are actually asking. Leading a men’s small group is no easy feat. Open up the floor to the men in your study, and you’ll see discussion and engagement increase tenfold.
F O U N DAT I O N A L BIBLE STUDIES
BUILD YOUR SMALL GROUP ON A SOLID FOUNDATION BY BEGINNING WITH THEMES CRUCIAL TO EVERY MAN’S FAITH.
THE STORY OF GOD
ERIC GEIGER
UNFOLDED: THE STORY OF GOD By Eric Geiger Most of us are familiar with popular Bible stories, but do we know the story of the Bible? Discover the overarching, redemptive story of God’s Word. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 006103972 $12.99 Leader Kit 006103973 $99.99
EXPERIENCING GOD: KNOWING AND DOING THE WILL OF GOD By Henry Blackaby, Richard Blackaby & Claude King Understand and apply seven realities of experiencing God. (13 sessions) Bible Study Book 005084536 $15.99 Leader Kit 005096105 $179.99 lifeway.com/ExperiencingGod
lifeway.com/Unfolded
KINGDOM MAN: EVERY MAN’S DESTINY, EVERY WOMAN’S DREAM By Tony Evans Understand your position under God, and learn to operate under the authority of Jesus Christ. (6 sessions)
THE MIND OF CHRIST By T.W. Hunt & Claude King Explore the lifelong process of God renewing your mind and life to reflect the image of Christ. (13 sessions)
Bible Study Book 005469703 $12.99 Leader Kit 005469702 $99.99
Bible Study Book 005173965 $14.99 Leader Kit 005156923 $169.99
lifeway.com/KingdomMan
MANHOOD RESTORED: HOW THE GOSPEL MAKES MEN WHOLE By Eric Mason Journey through masculinity, including problems men face, God’s solutions, restoration of worldview, sexuality, vision, family, and more. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005558737 $8.99 Leader Kit 005558736 $59.99 lifeway.com/ManhoodRestored
lifeway.com/MindOfChrist
JESUS ON LEADERSHIP: BECOMING A SERVANT LEADER By C. Gene Wilkes Apply biblical principles of servant leadership to all areas of ministry by following the pattern of Jesus’ ministry of training people to do Kingdom work. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005126525 $11.99 lifeway.com/JesusOnLeadership
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9 ACCOUNTABILITY QUESTIONS FOR DUDES BY K R IS DOLBER RY
D
ietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “Sin demands to have a man by himself. It withdraws him from the community. The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him, and the more deeply he becomes involved in it, the more disastrous is his isolation.”
This is a powerful commentary for why men need to be connected to other godly men. Your holiness depends on it. Think about David. He was at his best when connected to Jonathan. And he fell the hardest when isolated on the roof. To pull away from other godly men is to invite disaster into your life, your marriage, your family, and your church. The writer of Hebrews knew that, saying: And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25) Remember, Hebrews was written to a group of people who were struggling with persecution. Over and over the writer points them to Christ to say, “Keep going! Remain faithful!” Here he says, “Don’t be isolated. Stay connected.” He is saying, “Because being a Christian is not easy, there is a togetherness that is essential to carrying on.” No matter how engaged we are, we know this to be true. Think back to the sin in your life that you most regret. I’ll bet if you’d had a strong support system of other men who were willing to get in your face and tell you the truth for your good and God’s glory, you would likely have not fallen prey to the enemy’s attack in that way. Men must intentionally seek to connect with other men for accountability and churches must be intentional to find strategic ways to connect men to this level of accountability. It’s not just important, it’s critical. HERE ARE NINE QUESTIONS YOU NEED A TRUSTED FRIEND TO ASK YOU ON A REGUL AR BASIS:
Have you spent daily time in
ave you pursued the hearts of H your wife and kids?
ave you flirted, entertained H tempting thoughts, or exposed yourself to any explicit materials that don’t glorify God?
Have you given 100% in your job?
God’s Word and in prayer?
ave you been completely H above reproach in your financial dealings?
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ave you told any half-truths or H outright lies, putting yourself in a better light to those around you? ave you shared the gospel H with an unbeliever this week?
ave you taken care H of your body through regular physical exercise and proper eating and sleeping habits?
ave you allowed any H person or circumstance to rob you of your joy?
DISCIPLESHIP RESOURCES DISCIPLES PATH IS A ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING TOOL THAT WILL NOT ONLY DEVELOP A BELIEVER AS A DISCIPLE BUT ALSO CREATE DEEP RELATIONSHIPS OVER TIME.
T H E B EG I N N I N G: A N E W D IS C I PL E R E S O U R C E Introduce to new believers the basic practices and elements of faith: the centrality of Christ, the crucial practices of prayer and Scripture reading, community, and what it means to be on mission for God. (5 sessions)
T H E C A L L: CO U N T I N G T H E COS T O F FO L LOW I N G C H R IS T Gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to follow Christ in your everyday life. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005717352 $9.99
Bible Study Book 005685160 $9.99
T H E WAY: D IS COV ER I N G C H R IS T’S PAT H O F D IS C I PL E S H I P Walk through the Gospels, following the journey of Jesus and His methods for calling, teaching, equipping, and sending His disciples. (5 sessions)
T H E M IS S I O N: J O I N I N G GO D I N H IS WO R K Discover your role in God’s mission to redeem the world, and join Him in seeing it accomplished. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005727822 $9.99
Bible Study Book 005693131 $9.99
T H E L I FE: L I V I N G T H E S PI R I T UA L D IS C I PL I N E S Explore the essential spiritual disciplines and practices that help all believers mature as followers of Christ. (6 sessions)
T H E T R U T H: EN GAG I N G T H E FO U N DAT I O NS O F FA I T H Understand the essential doctrines of the Christian faith: God as triune Creator, sin, the person and work of Christ, the kingdom of God, and the Church. (6 sessions)
Bible Study Book 005717354 $9.99
Bible Study Book 005717353 $9.99
This series is also available for teens.
lifeway.com/DisciplesPath 21
4 TO INVEST WAYS IN MARRIAGES BY M AT T C H A N D L ER
L AU R E N A N D I H AV E B E E N M A R R I E D 16 Y E A R S. I must admit those first few years were tough. I overly romanticized what marriage was and what I thought Lauren and our marriage would bring to my life. I should’ve been seeking confidence from the Lord. But I was, instead, trying to gain it from Lauren. When she was unable to heal all the brokenness in my heart, I began to blame her. I had convinced myself that the problem in our marriage was Lauren. I was constantly on the lookout for evidence to support my theory. I remember one Saturday morning, Lauren had frustrated me again and she knew it. But, she came around
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from our bar area and hugged me. “I’m not sure what’s going on in your heart,” she said. “But I want you to know that I love you.” For whatever reason that moment of her expressing grace broke me. I remember thinking for the first time, “I’m the problem.” The root of the problem was that I had a distorted view of what marriage was. By God’s grace, Lauren and I discovered that because our understanding of marriage had been broken, the way we utilized it was broken. Generally speaking, there is a fundamental misunderstanding, of what marriage is, what it is designed to be, and what it provides. As a result, we lean toward a sort-of romantic comedy, ethereal view of it. We look for someone to complete us, to
make us happier people, and to somehow take all our difficulty away. This problem is rampant in our homes, churches, and communities. But as pastors, we must enter the fray. We have a responsibility to shepherd the marriages God has entrusted to our care. CREATE A GOSPEL- CENTERED CULTURE One of the best things we can do for marriages in our churches is to create a culture where it’s ok to not be ok. Husbands and wives need to feel the freedom to be honest and vulnerable about their struggles without threat of condemnation or passive aggressive ridicule. We must create space for people to be honest about blind spots and all issues of sin early on before they catch fire and burn marriages to the ground.
MARRIAGE & FA M I LY RESOURCES
H E LP M A R R I AG E S I N C R I S I S As a pastor, I love to be involved in helping the people under my care in every aspect of the redemptive process. Over the years, the church I pastor in Dallas has become so large, I simply cannot handle even a fraction of the counseling needs. And frankly, that is a good thing. Sometimes the needs are beyond my training and expertise. It is critical, however, that we are prepared to help spouses navigate the treacherous and painful waters of marriages in crisis. Consider hiring a pastoral counselor or keeping a professional therapist on retainer to refer couples in trauma. PR OV I D E E N R I C H M E N T O PP O R T U N IT I E S God tends to honor His people when they pull away and remember His goodness. A study of the Old Testament will
T H E 7 R I N GS O F M A R R I AG E: PR AC T I C A L B I B L I C A L W IS D O M FO R E V ERY S E A S O N O F YO U R M A R R I AG E By Jackie Bledsoe From the engagement ring to the years after the wedding band, each season of marriage requires renewed commitment, fresh perspective, and practical biblical wisdom. Each of the seven "rings" outlined in this study will guide couples to begin with the end in mind, ultimately leading to lasting and fulfilling relationships in every stage of marriage. Walk through the seven rings: the engagement RING (the beginning), the wedding RING (the commitment), discoveRING (the real you), perseveRING (the work), restoRING (the fixing), prospeRING (the goal), and mentoRING (the payback). (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005753519 $12.99 Leader Kit 005644102 $79.99
show God’s people stopping in their tracks, building an altar, and remembering who God is and how His glory had been on display. It is critical to work opportunities like this into the rhythms of your church. D I S C I PLE CO U PLE S W IT H T R U T H Marriage issues are discipleship issues amplified by the intimacy of the relationship. It is critical we feed our people a theologically rich, gospel-centered understanding of marriage. This begins with our teaching. But it doesn’t stop there. We must cultivate environments for our people to discover and observe how the gospel is applied to marriages. If we want God to be glorified by human flourishing, we must be serious about the family. If we are serious about family, we must be serious about marriage.
T H E 5 LOV E L A N G UAG E S: T H E S EC R E T TO LOV E T H AT L A S TS By Gary Chapman What’s your love language? This popular study helps you identify your personal love language and understand the love language of your spouse. Gain practical suggestions for enriching your marriage by practicing the other love languages. This revised version provides multiple use options: a 2-session study, a 5-session study (one session per love language), or a 7-session study (introductory session, five love language sessions, and final session about the “in love” experience). Bible Study Book 005085884 $12.99 Leader Kit 005035510 $149.99 lifeway.com/5LoveLanguages
lifeway.com/7Rings
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DR. JAMES DOBSON Dr. James Dobson is the Founder and President of Family Talk, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk.” He is the author of more than 80 books dedicated to the preservation of the family. Dr. Dobson is married to Shirley, and they have two grown children and two grandchildren.
LOV E FO R A L I FE T I M E B I B L E S T U DY Combine the best of Dr. Dobson’s teachings related to knowing and appreciating your spouse and building a healthy marriage. The study challenges couples as they look at culture and gender differences through the generations. Also addresses hot topics that often hinder a marriage relationship including money issues, busyness, and overcommitment. (4 sessions) Bible Study Book 005650402 $6.99 Leader Kit 005650401 $19.99
S T R A I G H T TA L K TO M EN B I B L E S T U DY Loving leadership and a firm foundation in the home benefits the entire family. But it requires a husband and father who is up for the task. Understand your responsibilities regarding Christian fathering, including teaching values as you go, spending time with your children, the spiritual development of family, leading children to Christ, and the importance of accountability. (4 sessions) Bible Study Book 005650367 $6.99 Leader Kit 005650366 $19.99
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BRINGING UP BOYS BIBLE STUDY Offers parents of sons a guidebook through the land of testosterone by providing an improved view of masculinity, which has been so distorted in our culture. Learn how to teach your boy to make wise choices, and understand importance of both a mother’s and father’s influence in molding the character of their son. (4 sessions) Bible Study Book 005558790 $6.99 Leader Kit 005558777 $19.99
BRINGING UP GIRLS BIBLE STUDY What is the world doing to your girl? Culture can have damaging effects on your daughter, but this study offers help. You’ll learn why the three “Ts”—Talk, Touch, and Time—are so important in your relationship with your daughter, and how you can have a positive generational impact on her. (4 sessions) Bible Study Book 005650365 $6.99 Leader Kit 005650364 $19.99
MARRIAGE & FA M I LY RESOURCES
T H E S T R O N G -W I L L ED C H I L D B I B L E S T U DY Who’s in charge at your house? Does childish or deviant behavior abound? Understand the difference between irresponsibility and willful defiance in children, why children push boundaries and their inherent nature, and compliant versus defiant children. (4 sessions) Bible Study Book 005650400 $6.99 Leader Kit 005650463 $19.99
DARE TO DISCIPLINE BIBLE STUDY Discipline—dispensed by parents with conviction and courage, and in an environment of pure love— works. Help for parents of children and teens is on the way in this practical study that addresses: boundaries, motivating without anger, actions and consequences, and respect and being worthy of it. (4 sessions) Bible Study Book 005650369 $6.99 Leader Kit 005650368 $19.99
YO U R L EGAC Y B I B L E S T U DY You’ll leave a spiritual legacy for your children. But what kind will it be? As Dr. Dobson shares what his ancestors passed down in their family—trust in Jesus Christ and living for God—this thought-provoking Bible study will guide adults through evaluating the type of spiritual legacy they are leaving to their children and grandchildren. (4 sessions) Bible Study Book 005650404 $6.99 Leader Kit 005650403 $19.99
WA N T I N G TO B EL I E V E B I B L E S T U DY By Ryan Dobson Live what you’ve learned from a family legacy of faith. Create a plan and take action within your family, focus on what is most important, put into practice scriptural truth, remain constant in the pursuit of your family, be intentional as a parent in prayer, and stand up as the backbone of your family. (4 sessions) Bible Study Book 005650410 $6.99 Leader Kit 005650405 $19.99
lifeway.com/Legacy 25
RESOURCES FOR EMERGING MEN
MOST OF THESE STUDIES HAVE ADULT VERSIONS AS WELL—GREAT FOR FATHERS AND SONS TO STUDY TOGETHER OR FOR USE IN MENTORING MINISTRIES. A B E AU T I FU L D E S I G N: GO D’S U N C H A N G I N G PL A N FO R M A N H O O D A N D WO M A N H O O D By Matt Chandler Discover God’s plan for man and woman and that life lived within His unchanging design leads to our greatest joy. (9 sessions) Student Bible Study Book 006104409 $11.99 lifeway.com/BeautifulDesign
I T’S N OT W H AT YO U T H I N K : W H Y C H R IS T I A N I T Y IS A BO U T S O M U C H M O R E T H A N GO I N G TO H E AV EN W H EN YO U D I E By Jefferson Bethke The Christian life is about experiencing God’s kingdom coming and His will being done on earth as it is in Heaven. (6 sessions)
T H E R E A L W I N: PU R S U I N G GO D’S PL A N FO R AU T H EN T I C S U CC E S S By Colt McCoy & Matt Carter Discover what true success for a man looks like, particularly a follower of Christ. (6 sessions) Student Bible Study Book 005648011 $9.99 lifeway.com/RealWin VIRTUOSITY: DOING THE COMMON UNCOMMONLY WELL By Brian Mills & Donavan DeGrie Don’t settle for a life of spiritual complacency and mediocrity when you can strive for excellence. (8 sessions) Student Bible Study Book 005720882 $12.99 lifeway.com/Virtuosity
Student Bible Study Book 005782005 $11.99 lifeway.com/ItsNotWhatYouThink
CO U N T ER CU LT U R E: R A D I C A L LY FO L LOW I N G J E S US W I T H CO N V I C T I O N, CO U R AG E & CO M PA S S I O N By David Platt This is a call for participants to faithfully follow Christ in counter-cultural ways. (6 sessions) Student Bible Study Book 005647993 $12.99 lifeway.com/CounterCulture
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B E A M A N: T H E BA S I C S O F BIBLICAL MANHOOD By John Paul Basham Cut through culture’s definitions of manhood to discover what the Bible has to say. Paperback 006104406 $11.99 lifeway.com/Student
RESOURCES FROM MAT T CHANDLER
M AT T CHANDLER Matt Chandler serves as Lead Pastor of Teaching at The Village Church in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. He went to The Village Church in December 2002 and describes his tenure as a replanting effort where he was involved in changing the theological and philosophical culture of the congregation. The church has witnessed a tremendous response growing from 160 people to more than 11,000 with campuses in Flower Mound, Dallas, Denton, and Fort Worth.
9-SESSION BIBLE STUDY
A B E AU T I FU L D E S I G N: GO D’S U N C H A N G I N G PL A N FO R M A N H O O D A N D WO M A N H O O D God created us to function according to His perfect design, and more than ever the church needs to be a safe refuge for the gender confused, the sexually broken, the single, the married, and the divorced. Discover evidence that God’s plan for man and woman is the ultimate design. And life lived within this beautiful and unchanging design leads to our greatest joy. (9 sessions) Bible Study Book 005782093 $12.99 Leader Kit 005782094 $99.99 lifeway.com/BeautifulDesign S T EPS: GOS PEL- C EN T ER ED R ECOV ERY This discipleship program takes people to the root of sin and suffering in order to embrace the freedom found only in Christ’s redemption. Potentially life-changing experiences are brought about by in-depth Bible study, thorough personal assessments, insightful teaching videos, and honest interactions with a group leader and mentor. (13 sessions) Bible Study Book 005644097 $14.99 Leader Kit 005644099 $179.99 lifeway.com/Steps
R ECOV ER I N G R ED EM P T I O N: H OW C H R IS T C H A N G E S E V ERY T H I N G We typically look for satisfaction in four areas: self, others, the world, and religion. But none of these will satisfy. The gospel is the remedy to fix all things: every struggle, circumstance, relationship—everything. Learn the implications of the gospel in everyday life. (12 sessions) Bible Study Book 005784758 $14.99 Leader Kit 005784759 $89.99 lifeway.com/RecoveringRedemption
lifeway.com/MattChandler 27
TO N Y E VA N S Dr. Tony Evans is a pastor, teacher, author, speaker, and one of the country's most respected leaders in evangelical circles. Through his local church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, and national ministry, The Urban Alternative, Dr. Evans promotes a Kingdom agenda philosophy that teaches God's comprehensive rule over every sphere of life as demonstrated through the individual, family, church, and society.
COMING JAN. 2017
D E TO U R S:T H E U N PR ED I C TA B L E PAT H TO YO U R D E S T I N Y The biblical account of Joseph clearly demonstrates that God is at work even when life seems to be going wrong. Learn to navigate detours that may take you through trials, injustice, and even betrayal. You will be comforted and encouraged when you learn to rest in God’s redemptive plan and the hope found in God’s sovereign will. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 006104401 $12.99 Leader Kit 006104403 $99.99 lifeway.com/Detours H O R IZO N TA L J E S US: H OW O U R R EL AT I O NS H I PS W I T H OT H ER S A FFEC T O U R E X PER I EN C E W I T H GO D Loving God is vertical love. Loving others is horizontal love. Jesus showed His disciples how these two loves are intertwined in practical ways. While our relationship with God is based on faith alone, He warns and encourages us to see that the way we treat people will affect our experience of Him. Apply biblical principles related to several “one anothers” in Scripture. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005644100 $12.99 Leader Kit 005644101 $99.99 lifeway.com/HorizontalJesus K I N G D O M M A N: E V ERY M A N’S D E S T I N Y, E V ERY WO M A N’S D R E A M Challenge and equip yourself to fully understand your position under God as well as your position over what God has given you. This study provides concepts men can follow that will help them to actively pursue ways to maximize and develop the character qualities of biblical manhood in their lives. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005469703 $12.99 Leader Kit 005469702 $99.99 lifeway.com/KingdomMan
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RESOURCES FROM TONY EVANS T H E P OW ER O F GO D’S N A M E S Because of God’s depth of character, He has a variety of names to reflect His different capacities of relating to humanity. For example, God is called Elohim when referenced as the all-powerful Creator. God has a name for any and every situation that you can find yourself in. Get to know the names of God because it is in knowing His character and His capacity that you will rest and discover both peace and power in His covenant care. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005634003 $12.99 Leader Kit 005634204 $99.99 lifeway.com/GodsNames K I N G D O M AG EN DA: L I V I N G L I FE GO D’S WAY The Christian message—when communicated from a comprehensive kingdom perspective—provides an agenda that can stand next to and above all other attempts to define the meaning of life, whether for the individual, the family, the church, or the nation. This Bible study can serve as a comprehensive blueprint for the Christian life and as an all-encompassing discipleship tool, offering a way to apply biblical kingdom principles to everyday realities. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005558792 $12.99 Leader Kit 005558791 $99.99 lifeway.com/KingdomAgenda
It’s Not too Late How God Uses Less Than Perfect People
toNY eVaNs
IT’S NOT TOO LATE: HOW GOD USES LESS THAN PERFECT PEOPLE If you've ever wondered, Is it too late for God to do something with me?, this study is for you. God frequently uses broken people to accomplish His purposes on earth. A broken person who has learned dependence on God is a force to be reckoned with. Look at three men and three women of the Bible who were used mightily by God despite their previous mistakes. You too can learn to focus on the potential of your future, not the missteps of your past. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005475108 $12.99 Leader Kit 005475107 $99.99 lifeway.com/ItsNotTooLate V I C TO RY I N S PI R I T UA L WA R FA R E: FI EL D G U I D E FO R BAT T L E Are you ready for battle? We are told how to stand against the devil's tactics, but what does it really mean to put on the full armor of God? Learn to apply God's classic strategy to our modern times. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005784762 $12.99 Leader Kit 005784763 $89.99 lifeway.com/SpiritualWarfare
lifeway.com/TonyEvans 29
NEW
6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY
OBEDIENCE Advancing the Gospel When Facing Challenge and Persecution
Nik Ripken
T H E I NSA N I T Y O F O B ED I EN C E: A DVA N C I N G T H E GOS PEL W H EN FAC I N G C H A L L EN G E A N D PER S ECU T I O N By Nik Ripken Would you cross a minefield? Would you cross the street? Those questions may not be front of mind for most Americans, but people in other parts of the world are risking their lives for Christ daily. This new Bible study—based on the documentary The Insanity of God—presents true stories of such people. You too can play a role in God’s divine mission. Inspire your group to come alongside God and partner boldly in His work, wherever it may lead you. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 006104042 $12.99 Leader Kit 006104043 $49.99 lifeway.com/Insanity
8-SESSION BIBLE STUDY
T H E BAT T L E PL A N FO R PR AY ER B I B L E S T U DY By Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick Equip believers to develop their own prayer strategy and be specific and strategic in prayer. This study features teaching on the topics of: what prayer is and is not, why God wants us to pray, specific areas of prayer, specific strategies for prayer, and more. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005728499 $12.99 Leader Kit 005644094 $79.99 lifeway.com/BattlePlan
WA R R O O M B I B L E S T U DY By Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick Based on the blockbuster film of the same name and compiled from movie clips, participants will discover the power of prayer by discussing topics like lukewarm faith, accountability, the gospel, grace, spiritual warfare, and devising a specific and personalized prayer plan. (5 sessions) Bible Study Book 005727823 $7.99 Leader Kit 005727824 $24.99 War Room Movie DVD 006101628 $22.99 lifeway.com/WarRoom
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RESOURCES FOR THE MOVIE ENTHUSIAST
T H E LOV E DA R E B I B L E S T U DY By Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick & Michael Catt Couples are in crisis inside and outside the church. Now is the time for the Body of Christ to rise up and communicate God’s amazing design for marriage by combining media with timeless truths from the Word of God. This powerful marriage enrichment opportunity unlike any other includes thought-provoking questions and engaging clips from the Fireproof movie. With robust Scripture studies and light-hearted icebreakers, you’ll find a unique experience with easy conversation. (8 sessions)
FROM THE CREATORS OF FIREPROOF THE MOVIE, FACING THE GIANTS & FLYWHEEL
MICHAEL CATT ALEX KENDRICK STEPHEN KENDRICK
Bible Study Book 005644084 $6.99 Leader Kit 005644083 $19.99 Fireproof Movie DVD 005190769 $12.99 lifeway.com
H O N O R B EG I NS AT H O M E: T H E CO U R AG EO US B I B L E S T U DY By Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick & Michael Catt Dive deeper into biblical truths for a godly family, exploring topics such as redeeming your history, walking with integrity, winning and blessing the hearts of your children, and more. Every session involves watching a clip from the movie Courageous to help group members engage in discussion. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005371686 $7.99 Leader Kit 005325609 $49.99 Courageous Movie DVD 005488035 $12.99 lifeway.com/Courageous
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RESOURCES FOR THE SPORTS FANATIC
GAME PLAN FOR LIFE, VOLUME 1 By Joe Gibbs Coach Joe Gibbs covers: God, the Bible, salvation, creation, finances, sin, and addiction. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005259409 $8.99 Leader Kit 005269065 $79.99
GAME PLAN FOR LIFE, VOLUME 2 By Joe Gibbs Coach Joe Gibbs talks purpose, vocation, health, relationships, heaven, and life. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005371575 $8.99 Leader Kit 005371574 $79.99 lifeway.com/GamePlan
THE RE AL WIN: PURSUING GOD’S PL AN FOR AUTHENTIC SUCCESS By Colt McCoy & Matt Carter Discover what true success for a man looks like, particularly a follower of Christ. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005558786 $12.99 Leader Kit 005558785 $69.99 lifeway.com/RealWin
ALL PRO DAD: SEVEN ESSENTIALS TO BE A HERO TO YOUR KIDS By Mark Merrill Master the fatherhood fundamentals and expand your capacity to love and lead. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005520635 $8.99 Leader Kit 005520634 $79.99 lifeway.com/AllProDad
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RESOURCES FROM KENNY LUCK
K E N N Y LU C K Kenny Luck is men’s pastor, founder and president of Every Man Ministries, which helps churches worldwide develop and grow healthy men’s communities. S L EEPI N G G I A N T S ER I E S Sleeping Giant is an intentional men’s strategy for moving men from merely “affiliated” to “activated” for the mission of your church. It includes four steps: get in, get healthy, get strong, and get going. (6-8 sessions each)
S L EEPI N G G I A N T Bible Study Book 005469853 $10.99 Leader Kit 005469852 $79.99 T E M P TAT I O N Bible Study Book 005469695 $8.99 Leader Kit 005469694 $24.99 I N T I M AC Y Bible Study Book 005469697 $8.99 Leader Kit 005469696 $24.99 FA M I LY Bible Study Book 005469699 $8.99 Leader Kit 005469698 $24.99
FI G H T Bible Study Book 005469701 $10.99 Leader Kit 005469700 $34.99 R IS K Bible Study Book 005469849 $10.99 Leader Kit 005469848 $34.99 DREAM Bible Study Book 005493293 $10.99 Leader Kit 005485862 $34.99 S OA R Bible Study Book 005493294 $10.99 Leader Kit 005485863 $34.99
FR I EN DS H I P Bible Study Book 005493292 $8.99 Leader Kit 005485861 $24.99 lifeway.com/KennyLuck 33
RESOURCES FROM ERIC MASON
ERIC MASON Dr. Eric Mason is the founder and lead pastor of Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the president of Thriving, a ministry for ethnic minorities.
U N L E A S H ED: B E I N G CO N FO R M ED TO T H E I M AG E O F C H R IS T God’s will is not just for us to be born again but for us to grow into spiritual adults. His intent for the Christian life is for it to be a process of growth in Christlikeness. Acknowledging and utilizing the ways God uses different stages and seasons in our lives to shape us, Unleashed helps participants understand the lifelong process of spiritual growth and maximize God’s work to conform them to the image of Christ. (6 sessions)
6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY
NEW
Bible Study Book 005717348 $12.99 Leader Kit 005717349 $79.99 lifeway.com/Unleashed M A N H O O D R E S TO R ED: H OW T H E GOS PEL M A K E S M EN W H O L E Manhood will always be in crisis until Jesus returns. But in Christ, men can be restored to the undefiled image of God. We need more than quick pragmatic conclusions to change the shape of how men are developed. We need a big God to point us in the direction of the gospel as the vision for renewal. This 8-session Bible study explores the current state of masculinity, Jesus as the prototype man, and how the gospel can recreate us into what God intended us to be. (8 sessions) Bible Study Book 005558737 $8.99 Leader Kit 005558736 $59.99 lifeway.com/ManhoodRestored range to bottom edge
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR MEN
B I B L E S T U D I E S FO R L I FE Studies designed to help people in groups connect God’s Word to their lives in intentional ways. Every session is built on an all-new, research-backed discipleship plan. 6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY
SMALL GROUPS
THRIVE
LIVING IN REAL JOY
GOD THE PURSUER A Gospel-Centered Exploration in JEREMIAH, EZEKIEL, HOSEA, JOEL, and JONAH
A.D.
B.C.
Michael Kelley
U N VA R N IS H ED T R U T H: L I FE’S G R E AT E S T S TO RY By Blake Gideon Rediscover the unvarnished truth about God, and accept the challenge to share that truth with others. (6 sessions)
6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY
Jeremiah, Ezekiel. Hosea, Joel, and, Jonah
Bible Study Book 006103914 $6.99 Leader Kit 006103915 $19.99
T H E GOS PEL PR O J EC T Studies that take participants on a chronological, Christ-centered journey through the storyline of Scripture. GOD THE PURSUER
TONY MERIDA
T H R I V E: L I V I N G I N R E A L J OY By Tony Merida Learn from this letter to the Philippians that when we focus on Christ and doing His will, joy and peace will flood our lives. (6 sessions)
Michael Kelley
Bible Study Book 005788682 $6.99
Bible Study Book 006110386 $6.99 Leader Kit 006110387 $19.99
GOD THE SUSTAINER A Gospel-Centered Exploration in DANIEL and EZRA
A.D.
B.C.
Akin & Strickland
E X PLO R E T H E B I B L E Studies that take participants deep into the context of God’s Word and challenge them to live out biblical truths in their own contexts.
6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY
GOD THE SUSTAINER Daniel and Ezra
lifeway.com/BibleStudiesForLife
Danny Akin & Walter R. Strickland II
J OS H UA Edited by Tony Evans Discover how faith in God and trust in His promises can lead to abundant blessing. (6 sessions)
A Gospel-Centered Exploration of Jesus’ Ministry
6-SESSION BIBLE STUDY
GOD AMONG US A Gospel-Centered Exploration of JESUS’ MINISTRY
A.D.
B.C.
D. A. Horton
1-2 PETER Edited by Jeff Iorg Find out how to thrive in our modern world by learning from Peter and applying his spiritual wisdom to your life. (6 sessions)
GOD THE SUSTAINER: A GOSPELCENTERED EXPLOR ATION IN DANIEL AND EZR A By Daniel L. Akin & Walter R. Strickland II Help your group see that God protected and sustained His people even in exile from their promised land. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005789789 $6.99
GOD AMONG US
Bible Study Book 005789791 $6.99
GOD THE PURSUER: A G O S P E L- C E N T E R E D E X P LO R AT I O N I N J E R E M I A H , EZEKIEL, HOSEA, JOEL, AND JONAH By Michael Kelley Help your group see that though God’s people continued to rebel against Him, He continued to pursue them with an ever-faithful love. (6 sessions)
D. A. Horton
GO D A M O N G US By D.A. Horton Travel back to the days when Jesus walked the earth, taught His disciples, and first offered His gift of salvation to those who followed Him. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005792208 $6.99 lifeway.com/TheGospelProject
Bible Study Book 005788693 $6.99 lifeway.com/ExploreTheBible
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U N A S H A M ED By Lecrae See how acclaimed Christian rap artist Lecrae overcame adversity, attained an unwavering faith in Jesus, and began looking to God for affirmation.
D E VOT I O NS FO R M EN C DS Enjoy a collection of highlights from selected LifeWay Men Bible studies. Listen while you’re commuting to work, exercising, completing the “honey-do” list—anytime you need a little extra wisdom and encouragement for the challenges you face as a man. VO LU M E 1 Enjoy teaching from Tony Evans, Kenny Luck, Tony Dungy & more.
Hardcover 005769380 $24.99 lifeway.com/Unashamed
Audio CDs 005632528 $5.00 VO LU M E 2 Listen to clips from Tony Evans, David Platt, Eric Mason & more.
FOUNDATIONS
A 260 DAY BIBLE READING PLAN FOR BUSY BELIEVERS
Audio CDs 005727827 $5.00 lifeway.com/DevotionsForMen
ROBBY & KANDI GALLATY
FO U N DAT I O NS: A 26 0 - DAY B I B L E R E A D I N G PL A N FO R B US Y B EL I E V ER S By Robby & Kandi Gallaty Read through all 66 of the miraculous books of the Bible in one year, while still having the flexibility of reading 5 days per week. Paperback 005769893 $12.99 lifeway.com/Foundations
M EN’S FR AT ER N I T Y By Robert M. Lewis Imagine the transforming power of men coming together to honestly examine their lives and take the courageous steps necessary to embrace authentic biblical manhood. T H E Q U E S T FO R AU T H EN T I C M A N H O O D Bible Study Book 001260520 $9.99 AU T H EN T I C M A N H O O D: W I N N I N G AT WO R K & H O M E Bible Study Book 001274718 $9.99 T H E G R E AT A DV EN T U R E Bible Study Book 001260515 $9.99 lifeway.com/MensFraternity
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR MEN
COMING MAY 2017
U N A NS W ER ED: L A S T I N G T R U T H FO R T R EN D I N G Q U E S T I O NS By Jeremiah J. Johnston Get the answers to the challenging topics most talked about in our culture. (6 sessions)
T EL L S O M EO N E: YO U C A N S H A R E T H E GO O D N E WS By Greg Laurie Simplify evangelism by starting with sharing your personal testimony. (6 sessions)
Bible Study Book 005717983 $12.99
Bible Study Book 005776124 $12.99 Leader Kit 005776125 $49.99
lifeway.com/Unanswered
lifeway.com/TellSomeone
O N WA R D: EN GAG I N G T H E CU LT U R E W I T H O U T LOS I N G T H E GOS PEL By Russell D. Moore Understand how the kingdom of God sets our priorities as believers and gives us perspective on cultural issues. (6 sessions)
GO D OW NS I T A L L: FI N D I N G FR EED O M A N D CO N T EN TM EN T I N YO U R FI N A N C E S By Ron Blue Transform your fear and confusion about finances into confidence and peace as you obey God’s wisdom and embrace the truth that He owns it all. (6 sessions)
Bible Study Book 005727825 $12.99 Leader Kit 005727826 $89.99
Bible Study Book 005774869 $12.99 Leader Kit 005774870 $69.99
lifeway.com/Onward
lifeway.com/GodOwnsItAll
COMING JAN. 2017
T H E GOS PEL GO E S TO WO R K By Stephen Graves Go beyond moralism and evangelism in the workplace—and actually take the gospel to work. (6 sessions) Bible Study Book 005793395 $12.99
T H I N K D I FFER EN T LY By James MacDonald Learn to renew your mind in Christ as you identify and overcome the mental, familial, and self-created strongholds that enslave you. (10 sessions) Bible Study Book 005644087 $12.99
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L if eWay Chr is tia n R e s o urc e s O n e L if eWay Pl a z a N a shv ill e, T N 3723 4
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