Curriculum Resources & Recommendations

Welcome to Arborlawn's resource library and recommendation page. We hope you find this resource helpful when planning studies for yourself and your groups. Please email abby@arborlawnumc.org if you have questions or need help.

SUMMER 2021 Recommended List

During our summer Bible Study break, we'd like to encourage you to continue reading and studying from home. We know there is a plethora of resources out there for study and believe that these are great places to start!

The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits - Christopher Maricle
What did Jesus consistently say and do during his public ministry that would be instructive to us? This book talks and walks through 8 habits most prevalent in the events and recordings of Jesus' time on earth.

The Way to Heaven: The Gospel According to John Wesley - Steve Harper
Dr. Steve Harper presents Wesley’s writings and the ideas of Wesley scholars in language that is clear and accessible but never simplistic. Written in the spirit of Wesley, here are “plain words for plain people.” The heart of this book is a thoughtful and inspiring look at Wesley’s theology of grace and its power to transform.

Unafraid and Living Unafraid - Adam Hamilton
Fear is both a gift and thief of joy. We all need help living with courage and hope in uncertain times. This book and companion devotional helps unpack Biblical lessons about how God's love and deliverance can empower us for the battles we face today.

Jesus Calling - Sarah Young
Jesus Calling is a well known devotional book. It's also an app, daily email, magazine, and podcast - providing many ways for you to engage daily in the Word. Jesus Calling invites you to experience peace in the presence of the Savior who is always with you.

Seven Minute Seminary
Have a question of faith? Seven Minute Seminary may have done their best to answer the questions. You can browse their site or simply google 'seven minute seminary' along with your question and see what wisdom they may bring!

Online Resources

In this day and age, there are a lot of great resources online.  Please check out this list we've put together! (You'll click on the name of the resource to get to their website.)

Anthology

This resource is put together by North Point Church and we are so thankful they share their resources.  It's connected to the next resource listed also, that's specifically for group leaders.  They have study plans, videos, discussion guides and more available through this website (there's an app too!).  While geared towards small groups, the content can easily be used for Sunday School classes also.  

Group Leaders

Groupleaders.org exists to help lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.  It's an amazing collection of Training and Resources for any and every leader.  Also by North Point Church, and we are thankful for their investment in equipping leaders...and their sharing of resources. 

ShareChurch

This resource is put together by the Church of the Resurrection to support clergy, volunteers, and leaders. You create your own login, but it's free!  There are great resources for all areas of the church, including curriculum.

D365

While this is technically a personal devotion resource, there are weekly themes, verses, questions, and more that can be adapted for a lesson.  There's a website and an app, and it's an incredible personal devotional tool!  

The Bible Project

The Bible Project is a non-profit animation studio that produces short-form, fully animated videos to make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere. They create videos, podcasts, and study guides that explore the Bible’s unified story.  Whether you want to create a lesson around a video, or use it to enhance a scripture lesson...this is a great tool! 

PRint Resources

Libib: An online catalog of AUMC's books & dvds

Libib is an online catalog of all the books we have available for you to check out here at Arborlawn. You can check-out books in the library located in Abby Johnson's Office. Feel free to reserve them online or come into the office to do so. To learn more and download the app, click HERE.

Leader Tip: Some things to consider when choosing a study

• Is this within the spectrum if United Methodist theology?

• Can a non-seminary trained person lead/teach/facilitate the study?

• Does this study have the potential to move people to deepen their faith?

5 SUGGESTED AREAS OF STUDY EACH YEAR:

1. Bible based studies - Examples - Immersion Bible Studies, For Everyone Bible Study Guides by N.T. Wright, Short-Term Disciple Studies

2. United Methodist history, beliefs and organization - Examples - Three Simple Rules, What does it mean to be United Methodist, The Wesley Challenge

3. Spiritual Disciples/Living the Spiritual Journey - Examples - The Good and Beautiful Series, Happy: What it is and How to Find it, The Jesus Priorities

4. Topical studies on life and social issues - Examples - Living Fully, Dying Well, Confronting the Controversies, Sticky Faith Parenting, Fear of the Other

5. Theological studies – Who is God and how does God work? - Examples - Why?: Making Sense of God’s Will, What’s so Amazing about Grace?, Restored: Finding Redemption in the Mess