Building Character Resources: General
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In this general category, we recommend one activity most: knowing about the Fruit of the Spirit and learning to recognize these Fruit in your life. When we live connected to Jesus, we see Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control bloom in our lives. Read more about the Fruit of the Spirit and think about how those fruit are evident in your life (or not) through this exercise.
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Investigating the Way of Christ
- Author: Gateway Community Church
© 2003-2007 Gateway Community Church
- Notes: Learn about the way of life Jesus has planned for all of his followers. Includes 16 individual lessons organized around each of the Way of Christ categories (Loving God, Loving People, Building Character, and Being the Body / Building Christ's Church). Printed copies available for $5 at Gateway's bookstore (for people who attend Gateway -- we cannot ship them) or click the "online" box below to download a free PDF version.
- Resource Access: Available in June at the bookstore
- Growth Level: Discover
- Author: Jerry Sittser
© 2005 (expanded edition) Zondervan ISBN 0310258952
- Notes: This book is subtitled "How the soul grows through loss." In it, the author talks about how we respond when faced with grief and loss.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author: Philip Yancey
© 1997 Zondervan ISBN 0310214378
- Notes: How do you respond when life doesn't make sense? How do you respond to pain - physical, emotional, spiritual? Why is there pain and how can we cope? This book talks about where God is in the midst of our pain and how we can reach out to others in pain, even when we don't know what to say.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway or order online
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author: David Keirsey & Marilyn Bates
© 1984 Prometheus Nemesis Book Co ISBN 0310214378
- Notes: This classic general market psychology & personality book can help you understand your character and temperament. It includes the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, something like a mini Myers-Briggs personality test. By discovering which temperament type you call into, you are also discovering better ways of relating to your world. (Note, this is not explicitly a "Christian" book, but we find it worth recommending nonetheless.)
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author: Henry Cloud
© 2004 Integrity Publishers ISBN 1591450098
- Notes: Subtitle: To Success in Love and Life Growing in your career, your friendships, and your faith.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author: Gateway Church
© 2006 Gateway
- Notes: Download this Spiritual Development Plan and use it as a self-examination exercise concerning your own spiritual growth. Especially helpful for Small Group Leaders! (Talk to your Community Leader for ideas.)
- Resource Access: Download PDF
- Growth Level: All
Memorize a key verse - John 15:4
- Author: John 15:4
(NA)
- Notes: "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you." (NIV).
- Resource Access: Look up the verses in your Bible or access at BibleGateway
- Growth Level: All
- Author: Gateway Community Church
© 2005 Gateway Community Church
- Notes: Take a 30-day experiment of following God and seeing Him change your character from the inside out. Do this experiment in conjunction with listening to the weekend message series "Inside Out" from January 2005.
- Resource Access: Download PDF
- Growth Level: Discover
- Author: Counseling
(NA)
- Notes: Christian counseling referrals are available at Gateway. Call 837-2162 for referrals.
- Growth Level: All
- Author: Gospelcom
Gospelcom
- Notes: This website presents short articles on a variety of life issues. Each article is quick to read and gives links to relevant Scripture passages. The content may help you re-focus on a subject that a friend is dealing with.
- Resource Access: Access free online
- Growth Level: Develop
There are currently no resources of this type in this category.
Character: Reclaiming Six Endangered Qualities
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / InterActions (Willow Creek)
© 1997 or 2005 Zondervan ISBN 0310217164 or 0310266025
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: A group study book character traits of Courage, Discipline, Confidence, Patience, Endurance and Contentment.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for new leaders. Revised in 2005.
- Growth Level: Discover
Transformation: Letting God Change You…
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / InterActions (Willow Creek)
© 1997 or 2005 Zondervan ISBN 0310213177 or 0310265983
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: A book about character development - and about how God changes us to give us a new heart, new mind, new ears, new voice, new hands, and a new spine.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for new leaders. Revised in 2005.
- Growth Level: Discover
Transformation: Developing a Heart for God
- Author / Series: Rebecca Manley Pippert / Christian Basics
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830820191
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study is about the transformation of character -- moving from despair to hope, fear to faith, and envy to compassion.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Leaders Notes Included.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: John Ortberg, Laurie Pederson, Judson Poling / Pursuing Spiritual Transformation
© 2000 Zondervan ISBN 0310220750
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: A group study about foundation elements of growth. Includes some spiritual disciplines, also.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway order online
- Leader Notes: 7 sessions. This guide is for experienced group leaders; the discussion questions provided need work; application questions need to be developed.
- Growth Level: Develop
Colossians: Discover the New You
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / New Community (Willow Creek)
© 1999 Zondervan ISBN 0310227690
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: A group study book on Colossians that offers good study material for beginners & more experienced Bible readers. The sessions are organized around what is "new" -- a new look at the church, Jesus, our foundation, etc.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Good for relatively inexperienced leaders.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / New Community (Willow Creek)
© 1999 Zondervan ISBN 0310233143
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: A group study book on Philippians that includes sessions about Joy in Community, Strength in Suffering, Humility in Service, Hope for the Future, Peace through Prayer and Contentment in All Things.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Good for relatively inexperienced leaders.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Group Publishing / Learn It Live It
© 2005 Group Publishing ISBN 0764427768
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: Consider 8 character traits: courage, compassion, integrity, perseverance, humility, contentment, respect, and grace.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. Learn It Live It series books are easy to lead and provide many ways to not just learn, but live out that knowledge.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Carolyn Nystrom / Life Guide
© 2002 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830197
- Bible Section: NT-General
- Notes: This study guide takes a group (or individual) through the New Testament books of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude. Though the topics covered are varied, some common themes are about growing up spiritually and what it takes to be mature in Christ.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Deepen
Critical Decisions: Surviving in Today's World
- Author / Series: Serendipity House / Life Connections
© 2003 Serendipity House Publishers ISBN 1574940724
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study guide will help you gain a foundation of God's wisdom for making the critical decisions that you face every day.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 13 sessions. Leaders - note that there is a student edition and a leader edition for each book in this series.
- Growth Level: Develop
Character: Who You Are When No One's Looking
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / Christian Basics
© 1994 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830820035
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: Who are you when no one's looking? It's in those moments that your character comes out -- the times when it's just you & God. This study guide focuses on six foundational character qualities: courage, discipline, vision, endurance, compassion, and self-sacrifice.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Leaders Notes Included.
- Growth Level: Develop
Priorities: Tyranny of the Urgent
- Author / Series: Charles Hummel / Christian Basics
© 1994 InterVarsity Press ISBN 083082006X
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: We all seem to live in the tyranny of the urgent - we think so much about that which is urgent at the moment, whether or not it is actually *important* in the big picture. Building on ideas first presented in Hummel's brochure "Tyranny of the Urgent" this "Priorities" study can help you put your life back in order.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for somewhat experienced leaders.
- Growth Level: Develop
Parables: Imagine Life Gods Way
- Author / Series: John Ortberg / New Community
© 2002 Zondervan ISBN 0310228816
- Bible Section: NT-Gospels
- Notes: This study from the New Community series takes a group through several different Scripture passages with thoughtful discussion questions and study helps. This volume covers topics like growth, resentment and forgiveness, among others.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Suitable for inexperienced leaders.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Gladys Hunt / Discipleship Series
© 1992 Zondervan ISBN 0310547113
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: A general study guide about Character development.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Suited for new leaders.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Think Books / Nav Press / Redefining Life
© 2005 NavPress/Th1nk ISBN 1576838870
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study guide is well-received by people in their early to mid twenties -- and especially those who don't have a ton of experience with church or Christian books. This study guide gets at issues young twenty-somethings actually face as you grow into your work life -- interacting with others, getting a job, and thinking about how work and life tie together. This guide includes short articles from many sources (magazines, celebrity interviews, books, as well as easy-to-read passages from the Bible) and questions to think about before joining with friends to discuss.
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. Lessons are especiailly suited towards people new to small groups or new to faith (or even just checking out faith). Lessons incorporate different short articles (from books or magazines) and Scripture passages to think about and discuss. Lessons are designed to be done first on your own, then discussed in a group.
- Growth Level: Discover
Daniel: Spiritual Living in a Secular World
- Author / Series: Douglas Connelly / Life Guide
© 2000 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830316
- Bible Section: OT-Daniel
- Notes: You may be familiar with parts of Daniel's story -- his encounter in the lion's den, or how he and three friends survived the fiery furnace. Those narratives and others give us great lessons about what it looks like to live out our faith -- even in a world that seems to go against the character.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway or order online
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead. Think about the number of sessions and if your group can keep focused for 12 sessions.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Andrea Sterk & Peter Scazzero / Life Guide
© 1999 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830545
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study guide covers 12 character traits pulled from many different sections of the Bible. Good as an introduction to many different character traits, or good to use in a group to satisfy multiple needs. Subjects include serving God, commitment, temptation, compassion, serving, and humility.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Develop
Esther: Character Under Pressure
- Author / Series: Patty Pell / Life Guide
© 1995 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830810390
- Bible Section: OT-Esther
- Notes: Esther's story has been of great interest to many people -- living in Old Testament times and finding herself in a unique place of influence, Esther's character was tested in many ways. Use this study guide for the book of the Bible named after her to consider how God develops character under pressure.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway order online
- Leader Notes: 9 sessions. Good for new leaders. Esther is often a preferred topic for women's groups, but this book is not gender-exclusive.
- Growth Level: Discover
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / InterActions (Willow Creek)
© 1998 or 2005 Zondervan ISBN 0310224454 or 0310266068
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: Where do you look to experience God's power? This group study book is designed to help you consider these six areas: Adversity, Fear, Apathy, Greed, Lust, and Sorrow. Real-world examples, personal & group questions, and Bible study are involved.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for new leaders. Previously published as "Overcoming: Applying God''s Power"
- Growth Level: Discover
Joseph: How God Builds Character
- Author / Series: Paul Borthwick / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830499
- Bible Section: OT-General
- Notes: Joseph -- the Old Testament era man who was sold into slavery by his brothers, later falsely imprisoned, and eventually given a high honor, went through a lot of character development. Even through these trying times, he lived with hope and care -- even for those who had hurt him. This study, which primarily comes from Genesis 29-50, helps the reader consider Joseph's life and what you can learn from it.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 9 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead; consider the subject matter before choosing this for your group.
- Growth Level: Develop
2 Corinthians: Finding Strength in Weakness
- Author / Series: Paul Stevens / Life Guide
© 2001 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830103
- Bible Section: NT-2 Corinthians
- Notes: Paul's 2nd letter to the Corinthians talks a lot about character development, and the character traits we should exhibit. Paul knew a thing or two about character -- about overcoming obstacles, dealing with hardship, and facing persecution. This study guide helps you consider those subjects.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway or order online
- Leader Notes: 11 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Develop
Proverbs: Learning to Live Wisely
- Author / Series: William Mouser / Life Guide
© 2001 InterVarsity Press ISBN 083083026X
- Bible Section: OT-Proverbs
- Notes: This book starts to think about the book of Proverbs as something of a How-To book about life. Proverbs offer wisdom -- something we all need.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway or order online
- Leader Notes: 10 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: J.I. Packer & Carolyn Nystrom / Christian Basics
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830820175
- Bible Section: Topical study
- Notes: By helping the reader understand the lives of several Bible characters, this study guide shows how God can use us -- even with our imperfections. Our lives are never beyond hope, no matter how we may have failed in the past.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 13 sessions. The Christian Basics series studies are based on other books by the same author (in this case, "Never Beyond Hope" by J.I. Packer). The study book can be used as a stand-alone.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Carolyn Nystrom / Life Guide
© 2000 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830529
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: Integrity... Big concept -- especially for those of us who face big decisions and harsh truth every day (which is probably everybody!). This study guide talks about integrity in numerous different ways, pulling examples and instruction from several Bible passages. Subjects covered range from speaking truth, keeping commitments, having self-control, dealing with temptation, and offering forgiveness.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 10 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Luci Swindoll / Women of Faith
© 2004 Nelson Reference ISBN 0785251529
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: Are you content? Have you found what you were looking for? What disappointment have you been facing? This study guide about contentment should help you face the ups and downs of life differently -- with contentment instead of anxiety.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway or order online
- Leader Notes: 11 sessions. Designed for women. This could be used well with a running partner or group.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Dudley J. Delffs / Fisherman Resources
© 2003 Shaw Books ISBN 0877880263
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: The reference to balm in Gilead comes originally from Jeremiah 8:22. Gilead was a fertile region filled with balsam groves -- the sap of which was used to soothe aching muscles and heal wounds. God offers us an inward sort of balm -- for repentance, rest, and recovery.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. Suitable for individual or group use.
- Growth Level: Develop
Ruth & Esther (Th1nk LifeChange)
- Author / Series: The Navigators / Th1nk/LifeChange
© 2005 NavPress ISBN 1576838528
- Bible Section: OT-Ruth & Esther
- Notes: The lives of Ruth & Esther make for an interesting study to anyone looking to grow in character. Either of these women could have gone along with what peer pressure wanted, or what seemed the normal thing to do -- but we wouldn''t remember them if they had. They made history by trusting God when it really mattered. Ruth''s story is more than a romance, it's about letting character show in big ways. Esther''s story, also, is more than saving her people -- it's about not backing down. This study book guides you through these two Old Testament books with study helps (like background info and definitions), thoughtful questions, and suggestions for take what you learned to a deeper level. Suitable for individuals, running partners, or small groups. The writing style works well wtih people in their 20s or early 30s.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 10 sessions (5 per book). Using this study in a group requires everyone to do some homework (not too intense, but necessary), and for you to think thorugh that homework to choose suitable discussion questions. Using both homework and discussion can make this work with either those looking for in-depth study, or for those who are interested in reading the Bible but need some help to understand it.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Cindy Bunch / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830790
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: Virtues are what define a person of character. Specific virtues covered in this section include faith, hope, love, wisdom, justice, courage, moderation, integrity, and perseverance.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway or order online
- Leader Notes: 9 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Cindy Bunch / Life Guide
© 2001 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830960
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: In this study primarily designed for women (individuals or groups), you'll encounter principles and examples from Scripture about Godly character traits.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway or order online
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead. You might cover the book it it's entirety, or choose a few studies based on the specific interests of your group.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Paul Stevens / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830251
- Bible Section: OT-Job
- Notes: Job's story is one of dealing with suffering. This study guide helps you think about the character development that comes through suffering -- so you can face it in your own life, or support your friends going through it.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway or order online
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead; consider the subject matter before choosing this for your group.
- Growth Level: Deepen
The Shawshank Redemption Bible Study
- Author / Series: Christianity Today / Movie Bible Study
© 2004 Christianity Today ISBN MS12
- Bible Section: (NA)
- Notes: The Shawshank Redemption is a classic modern movie, and one that brings about an emotional response from almost everyone who sees it. The film (though rated R for language and violence) contains themes of hope and endurance. This discussion guide helps you look at the movie from a Biblical perspective. The subjects covered include hope, endurance, freedom, and peace.
- Resource Access: We can send this lesson to Small Group leaders, email Becky to access
- Leader Notes: 1-4 sessions. This is presented in a simple discussion guide format -- could be used as a follow-up to an evening where you watch the movie, or be spread over several sessions. Keep in mind that the film is rated R.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Jack Kuhatschek / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830820
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study guide for groups or individuals pulls together a well-rounded study of hope from numerous Bible passages. From learning about Waiting on the Lord (Psalms) to Living in Hope (1 Peter) to considering our future hope (Revelation), this guide helps you encounter the subject in a new way.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway or order online
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Develop
There are currently no resources of this type in this category.
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