Small Group Resources

The Story is a fresh, unique way to get into the Bible. We have taken the book, The Story (by Zondervan Publishing), and created a 33-week small group experience through the entire story of the Bible. The study is divided into three “volumes” of about 10 weeks each, so your group can shift gears along the way. For more information on each volume, click here. 

Participant needs: book ($8), participant’s guide ($7 per volume) 
Leader needs: book ($8), participant’s guide ($7 per volume), leader’s guide  (download here; printed copies available upon request)

Each week we prepare two separate tools connected to the weekend message for use in small groups: Beyond the Weekend (BTW) and Small Group Discussion. BTW is designed to aid individual growth and is found in the weekend bulletin or online on the media player attached to each sermon (sample). You can also find the discussion guide on the media player, or to receive it via e-mail each week contact smallgroups@adabible.org. 

Participant needs: Beyond the Weekend, Small Group Discussion
Leader needs: Beyond the Weekend, Small Group Discussion

This is a six-week penetrating and challenging look at the need for God’s people to engage in compassionate works in the world for the glory of God. It’s adapted from the book by Richard Stearns. Groups do not need to use the book itself in the study. The DVD, study guide, and Putting It Into Practice sheet are plenty to digest.
NOTE: Ada Bible Church has received a supply of this study at a discounted rate. Leaders, please see your small group pastor to receive ALL materials.

If you or your group is interested in Richard Stearns’ book, please read Tim Nelson’s review first.

Participant needs: study guide ($2), Putting It Into Practice (free) 
Leader needs: study guide ($2), Putting It Into Practice (free), DVD (available for checkout)

This six-week study will help you and your group wrestle with the top objections to Christianity. It will help you understand your faith more and articulate it carefully with others far from God. Topics: Why does God allow suffering? Isn’t the Bible a myth? Hasn’t science disproved Christianity? Why is the church responsible for so much injustice? For more information on the study and guidance on how to lead the discussion, see the Reason for God website.

Participant needs: discussion guide
Leader needs: discussion guide and DVD   

What does the Bible say about money? Need a plan to get out of debt? This six-week study provides a biblical perspective and practical exercises that can help you build a biblical foundation for just about every aspect of your finances. 

Participant needs: workbook and DVD (included as a set)
Leader needs: workbook and DVD (included as a set) 

Have you forgotten God? When was the last time you followed the lead of the Holy Spirit in your life? This seven-week study gives a solid look at the role, power, and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It will challenge your group to pay greater attention to the Holy Spirit’s movement in your lives. You may also be interested in the We Believe teaching, Spirit, which gives Ada Bible Church’s basic beliefs about the Holy Spirit.

Participant needs: workbook
Leader needs: workbook and DVD 

What if the answer to a lack of spiritual growth is the fresh wind of God blowing through a few key windows? This five-week study is a call to seek the replenishing Word of God in our spiritual lives through these key spiritual disciplines: Bible, prayer, forgiveness, community, and service. The study is based on the Open Windows sermon series (July-August 2009) and is available at no cost. Please see your small group pastor for the materials.

Participant needs: study guide
Leader needs: study guide and DVD 

Do you have any idea how much God loves you? Does it actually affect how you live and translate into actual solutions to the problems in your world? This ten-week study focuses on the depth and passion of God’s love for his people and helps us experience it on a deeper level. Christians frustrated with the status quo of their spiritual journeys will find this study a refreshing, though challenging, call to fall in love with God more deeply. For more information and chapter summary videos, see the Crazy Love book website.

Participant needs: workbook
Leader needs: workbook and DVD 

Jesus isn’t looking for fans, he is looking for followers. This six-week study will help your group move from simply admiring the works or teachings of Jesus, to being more committed followers. This is the spiritual “shot in the arm” many of us desperately need.

Participant needs: follower’s journal
Leader needs: follower’s journal and DVD  

Prayer can change lives and circumstances like nothing else can. What are the keys that unlock its power–that turn prayer from a mere activity into a vital link with God and all his resources? This six-session study will help you pray with new confidence. 

Participant needs: participant’s guide
Leader needs: participant’s guide and DVD 

The subtitle says it all: What If God Designed Marriage To Make Us Holy More Than To Make Us Happy? This six-week study exposes a common misconception in relationships today: that marriage is supposed to make me happy. Couples will discover God’s larger purpose for their marriage and how to turn strife into opportunities to grow.

Participant needs: participant’s guide
Leader needs: participant’s guide and DVD 

How do we raise spiritually strong, hope-filled, and vibrant children? For many parents, this task is both inspiring and (at times) intimidating. This ten-week DVD study provides an approach to parenting that seeks to raise our children the way God raises his—through grace. Parents learn how to balance rules and freedom, as well as provide the three inner needs of every child: a secure love, a significant purpose, and a strong hope. NOTE: Leaders, check with your small group pastor to see if a copy of the DVD is available for checkout. 

Participant needs: workbook
Leader needs: workbook and DVD package