A while back during my Reader Training I created various study materials to meet the requirements of my assignments. One or two I was reasonably pleased with, and have even been used by a homegroup locally. It struck me that these are basically now stuck in the filing system, not being used by me or anyone else. I decided that as I wrote more things as I grew and developed in ministry, I would make them available to the wider world.
Below is one set of material written in that era that you might like to use if it’s relevent to what God is doing in your ministry or community. Feel free to use and adapt the downloads, but I would encourage you to comment (below) on anything you use. Don’t feel you have to be ‘encouraging’ – negative comments will help me learn in the long run!
If you click on the RESOURCES category of this blog, you should find a load more stuff that is accumulating through the years. Feel free to use, adapt and comment. One of the ways I feel God speak to me is through writing vaguely poetic reflections. There’s a series on ‘The Seven Last Words’ here written for Good Friday 2015, among others.
If you click on SERMONS you will find many of those I’ve preached in recent years. If you want to search for specific Biblical text (or anything else for that matter), do feel free to use the search facility – it helps me find old stuff, so I hope it helps you too!
ACTS IN A NUTSHELL
These three Bible Studies were my New Testament assignment back in 2007 for Reader Training. They are for use with adults meeting in home groups, and include teaching and group material (with a small amount of space for participants to make notes) and some reflective material to aid worship.
Since then the two groups that have used them, have found there to be too much material (especially “interesting questions”) for a group to get through in one evening, so you have been warned. My tutor was a little over enthusiastic about them according to the moderator! Perhaps one day I’ll have the time to review and edit them myself based on your comments?!
The material comes in four documents for you to download: and Introduction or ‘overview’ (which is designed for all group members to read) and which gives group members some things today before attending the first study. There are then the three sessions of study material, concentrating on three specific passages in Acts, but drawing out some of themes from whole of Acts. The final one of these, completes the “story” so that participants aren’t left anticipating more.
Please download the pdf files by clicking on the relevant list below:
Acts In A Nutshell – Introduction
Acts In A Nutshell – Study One – Acts4:5-35
Acts In A Nutshell – Study Two – Acts10:9-48 and Acts 11:17-18
Acts In A Nutshell – Study Three – Acts20:17-38
hon, how about calling this ‘studies’ as it’ll be shorter, and fit in better pn the page. currently it hides under the search box!
Saw your comment on FB Text Week, followed to your blog. What a delight. Thank you for the heart-full reflections on Maunday Thursday. I’m inviting you to be a FB friend, hope you accept.