Sunday School Leaders' Resource Booklet 2017-2018

A Resource Booklet for Leaders of Sunday School Classes and Small Groups

2017-­‐2018

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Staff and Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

A Theology of Sunday School & Small Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Suggested Leadership Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2016-­‐2017 Sunday School Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Important Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Explanation of New Guided Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Policies for Guest Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

List of “in-­‐house” FPC Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Policies for Selecting Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Recommended Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Study Bibles General Bible Commentaries Canon-­‐Specific Commentaries Special-­‐Focus Commentaries General Reference Materials Topical Books for Discussion Bible Study Curricula Theology Matters

Procedures for Promoting Events/Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Procedures for Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Questions and More Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

1

Introduction

Throughout its history, First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta has taken adult Discipleship seriously. Whether through Sunday School classes, weekly small groups, men’s & women’s ministries, or a host of special lectures and courses, FPC strives to help individuals not only to grow in their knowledge of the Bible, theology, church history, and the Christian life but also to connect with one another through authentic relationships.

Many of the ministries associated with adult Discipleship are led by dedicated and servant-­‐ minded members of our congregation. Week-­‐in and week-­‐out, these individuals help create opportunities for other members and visitors to cultivate the life of the mind and to nurture Christian fellowship. Their leadership is invaluable to who we are and what we do as a church.

This resource booklet is designed to further equip these individuals as leaders in adult Christian education. While not exhaustive in scope, this booklet provides important information about recommended Bible study resources, leadership structures, guest teachers, and much more.

Along with this resource booklet, the Department of Adult Discipleship will offer a number of leader training events throughout the year. These events are intended not only to continue to build vision for adult Discipleship at FPC but also to provide practical training in how to effectively lead Sunday School classes and guide small group discussions.

Through these resources and training opportunities, I hope that you will feel encouraged and empowered in your leadership and, just as importantly, appreciated and honored for all of your service.

Sincerely,

Ryan Bonfiglio John H. Stembler, Jr. Scholar in Residence and Director of Biblical and Theological Studies

2

Staff and Council

For Adult Discipleship

FPC’s Adult Discipleship area is supported and sustained by several church staff members as well as the Adult Discipleship Council.

Ryan Bonfiglio Stembler Scholar and Director of Biblical & Theological Studies rbonfiglio@firstpresatl.org 404-­‐228-­‐7713

Anne Carpenter Administrative Coordinator for Discipleship and Emerging Generations acarpenter@firstpresatl.org 404-­‐228-­‐7719

3

A Theology of Sunday School and Small Groups

What is the purpose of a Sunday School class or small group? What vision guides what we do and how we do it? What role do Sunday School classes and small groups play in the lifelong journey of discipleship for Christian believers?

There is no single (or simple) way to answer these questions. However, at First Presbyterian Church we believe that three core values give expression to what adult Christian education is all about. Taken together, these three values articulate a working “theology” of Sunday School and Small Groups.

First, we are about engaged learning. Learning is at the heart of our identity as believers.

The primary term used in the New Testament for followers of Jesus is not “Christian” but rather “disciple.” The term for disciple in Greek (mathētēs) means “to learn” or “to be a pupil,” thus underscoring that the followers of Jesus were fundamentally understood to be students who were committed to learning and growing in their knowledge of God, Scripture, and the teachings of the apostles and the early church.

This commitment to learning has always been a hallmark of the Reformed tradition. From the time of the Reformation onwards, our tradition has emphasized that being a faithful Christian does not mean checking one’s intellect at the door. True faith, as St. Anselm put it, is a faith that is always seeking understanding, whether through study, thoughtful reflection, or honest dialogue. In fact, twentieth century Swiss Reformed Theologian Karl Barth once remarked, “In the Church of Jesus Christ there can and should be no non-­‐ theologians.” Barth didn’t mean that every Christian should be a theologian by trade; rather, he implied that thinking thoughtfully about our faith and the world around us is a right and responsibility conferred on each of us at baptism.

The sort of learning that Barth had in mind was one that engages both mind and heart. As a disciple, learning is not just about gaining more information but rather having an experience of transformation. Our Sunday School classes and small groups should strive to create an environment where believers can, through lectures and discussions, come to a new way of living and being in the world; where cultivating the mind leads to acts of love and justice; where going deeper in study prompts deeper compassion and service. This is what we hope “engaged learning” looks like at FPC.

Second, we are about authentic connections. Individuals find their way into small groups and Sunday School classes for a wide variety of reasons. But in almost every case the primary reason people stay in small groups and Sunday Schools classes is the relationships they form with others. This is no less true of participation in church as a whole. What keeps folks coming back is the profound experience of sharing life together, of having a place to freely express grief and joy, of knowing that we can ask honest questions, of being around friends who have seen our worst and love us still.

That there is value in community is more than just a sociological observation—it is a fundamental theological truth. One of the chief metaphors for the church in the New

4

Testament is that of Christ’s body. Without authentic connections to other believers, our experience of faith is quite literally dis-­‐membered and dis-­‐embodied. The sort of me-­‐and-­‐ my-­‐Bible Christianity that is so prominent in American culture today would have been unthinkable to those in the early church and a direct affront to the spirituality of the Reformers. Thus, while our faith might be personal, it is not intended to be solitary or private. Faith is something we do, experience, and build together in the midst of a loving, and supportive church community.

In order to cultivate authentic connections, Sunday School classes and small groups should be focused on more than just having good lessons or studying interesting books. These groups should strive to create space for sharing and praying for one another, if not in every class then at some regular intervals throughout the year. In addition, groups should on occasion create space for life together outside of their normal meetings. Whether it’s through a dinner social or a Christmas party, nurturing Christian fellowship can enliven and enrich our journeys of discipleship.

Finally, we are about intentional hospitality. Hospitality is a central virtue in Christian theology. Not only did Jesus model hospitality to us by reaching out to orphans and widows and others on the margins of society, but the early church was oriented around an ethic of mission. Especially in the book of Acts, we see the church grow as the disciples become Christ’s witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and all the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). In this view, hospitality involves reaching out to others and extending to them a gracious (though not pushy or over-­‐bearing) invitation to experience the love of Christ.

At its core, hospitality is also a way we live out the second greatest commandment: to love our neighbor as ourselves. Helping new comers feel comfortable and welcome in our Sunday School classes and small groups is itself an act of love for it demands that we put ourselves in the shoes of others and consider what it would be like to come to our group for the first time. What would seem strange or hard to understand if we were a first time visitor? How might we feel excluded? What would help us feel more “at home”? Our groups and classes should be intentional about creating an environment that is hospitable and welcoming to newcomers.

But hospitality involves more than just “love of neighbor,” as is especially evident in the parable of the Good Samaritan. On its surface, this parable is a simple story about what it looks like to be a good neighbor to an individual in need. But at a deeper level, this parable is meant to expose the fact that the average listener in Jesus’ audience would have despised the hero of the story (the Samaritan), thinking of him more of a stranger than a neighbor.

The message of the story is that true hospitality entails love of even the Samaritans. In fact, the word for hospitality in Greek (philoxenia) literally means “love of stranger.” Who is the “stranger” in your Sunday School class or small group? Is it someone with different beliefs than you? A different background? Different life experiences? What would it look like to embody a form of hospitality that not only expresses love of neighbor but also love of stranger?

5

For all of these reasons, small groups and Sunday School classes play a vital role in the life of the church and the journey of discipleship of individual believers. I encourage you to keep these values in mind as you plan your time together and as you dream about what your group might do and become.

6

Suggested Leadership Structure

In order to more effectively manage the responsibilities of leading a Sunday School class or small group, we strongly encourage each group to move away from a single coordinator model of leadership. Instead, we recommend that each group selects three different “facilitators,” each of which has more or less distinct roles and responsibilities.

• Facilitator of learning. This individual would be in charge of content. It is not the expectation that the facilitator would teach every Sunday School class or lead every group discussion. However, they would be the point person when it comes to planning curriculum for the group and arranging for teachers/discussion leaders.

While arranging outside speakers is from time to time appropriate, facilitators of learning are encouraged to ask class members to take an active and regular role in teaching. This facilitator should be in contact with Ryan Bonfiglio for help in planning curriculum and assessing appropriate resources.

• Facilitator of connections. This individual would be in charge of nurturing close and mutually supportive relationships within the group. This might include: setting aside time for sharing when the group meets; maintaining a list of prayers and concerns; organizing group fellowship or service activities; and coordinating with FPC’s pastoral staff in order to provide care for participants facing crisis or loss.

• Facilitator of hospitality. This individual would be in charge of helping the group reach out to newcomers by creating a welcoming environment. This might include: circulating and turning in the attendance sheet each week; coordinating with Allison Cochran about room and coffee arrangements; helping the group be intentional about reaching out to new participants; sending information about upcoming events to the Administrative Coordinator for Discipleship and Emerging Generations for advertising in the Chimes and on the web.

When your group has chosen its respective facilitators, please send along the information to Ryan Bonfiglio.

7

FPC Sunday School Schedule 2017-2018

June 2017 Su

M

Tu

W

Th

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

18

19

20

21

22

23

25

26

27

28

29

30

Su

M

Th

F

S

Su

M

1 2

3

4

5

6

7

8

17

9

10

11

12

13

14

24

16

17

18

19

20

21

23

24

25

26

27

28

30

31

Tu

W

Th

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

15

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

22

20*

21

22

23

24

25

26

29

27

28

29

30

31

September 2017 Tu

W

Th

3

4

5

6

7

10

11

12

13

17

18

19

24

25

26

October 2017 F

S

1

2

8

14

20 27

November 2017

Su

M

Tu

W

Th

F

S

Su

M

Tu

9

1*

2

3

4

5

6

7

5

6

7

15

16

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

12

13

21

22

23

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

19

28

29

30

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

26

W

Th

1

2

3

4

8

9

10

11

14

15

16

17

18

20

21

22

23

24

25

27

28

29

30

29

30

31

Th

F

S

1

2

3

December 2017 Tu

W

M

M

Tu

August 2017

Su

Su

July 2017

W

Th

January 2018 F

S

1

2

Su

F

S

February 2018

M

Tu

W

Th

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

Su

M

Tu

W

3*

4

5

6

7

8

9

7*

8

9

10

11

12

13

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

18*

19

20

21

22

23

24

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

28

30

30

31

25

26

27

28

31

March 2018 Su

M

Tu

W

April 2018

Th

F

S

1

2

3

Su

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

22

M

1

Tu

W

Th

May 2018 F

S

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

19

20

23

24

25

26

27

Su

M

Tu

W

Th

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

21

20*

21

22

23

24

25

26

28

27

28

29

30

31

29

30

No SS classes

Open curriculum

Summer Series 1

First in Focus (meet in individual SS classes)

Summer Series 2

First in Focus lectures (SS classes meet together)

Special events

*

Communion Sundays

8

Notes • • • • • •

Sundays marked with an asterisks (*) are Communion Sundays. On these Sundays, the 9:00am service will likely run long, thus slightly abbreviating the SS hour. Plan accordingly.

During the summer (June 4 – August 27), the SS hour is 9:50-­‐10:45am. Classes meet in Fifield Hall.

During the school year (September 10 – May 20), the SS hour is 9:50-­‐10:45am.

On Sundays marked in blue on the calendar, SS classes are free to join in on the “special event” or meet on their own as usual.

The First in Focus fall 2017 topic is: The Sermon on the Mount The First in Focus spring 2018 topic is: Responding to Poverty

Summer 2017 June 4 – July 30 Aug 6 – Aug 27

Summer Series 1: “Great Figures of the OT: The Pentateuch” (9 weeks) Summer Series 2: “The Bible in Translation: A Brief History” (a 4-­‐week Theology Matters course)

Fall 2017 Sept 3

Labor Day, no SS classes Sept 10 Individual SS classes resume Sept 10 – Oct 22 7 weeks of regular SS classes (open curriculum) Oct 1

World Communion Sunday (Communion served) Oct 29

First in Focus begins with lecture in Fifield Hall Nov 5 – Nov 26 First in Focus, SS classes meet individually with guided curriculum Dec 3

First in Focus concludes with lecture in Fifield Hall

1st Sunday of Advent (Communion served) Dec 10 Lecture on Christmas concert in Fifield Hall Dec 17 Christmas Concert Dec 24 Christmas Eve, no SS classes Dec 31 New Year’s Eve, no SS classes

Spring 2018 Jan 7

Individual SS classes resume Founder’s Day programming offered for interested SS classes (contact Moncure Crowder for more details)

Epiphany Sunday (Communion served) Jan 7 – Jan 28 6 weeks of regular SS classes (open curriculum) Feb 4

Congregational meeting during SS hour Feb 18

First in Focus begins with lecture in Fifield Hall

1st Sunday in Lent (Communion served) Feb 18 – Mar 11 First in Focus, SS classes meet individually with guided curriculum Mar 25 First in Focus concludes with lecture in Fifield Hall

Palm Sunday Apr 1

Easter, no SS classes Apr 8 – May 20 7 weeks of regular SS classes (open curriculum) May 20 Pentecost (Communion served) May 27 Memorial Day, no SS classes

9

Explanation of Guided Curriculum

Over the past year, two themes have recurred in conversations with SS leaders:

1. There is a deep and persistent interest in maintaining our current SS structure – that is, individual classes, broadly organized around “age and stage,” that have a good deal of autonomy in developing curricula and schedules that suit the particular needs and interests of their constituencies.

2. Planning 32-­‐34 weeks of SS classes a year can be daunting and fatiguing for our leaders, thus prompting requests for additional support and input from FPC staff when it comes to teaching, curriculum design, and programming.

As a way of responding to these two themes, this year we will provide curriculum support for all SS classes while still preserving the identity and autonomy of individual classes.

Here’s how it will work:

• The program consists of two, 6-­‐week periods of guided SS curriculum, once in the fall and once in the spring • Each 6-­‐week segment will begin with a lecture that introduces a broad topic. All SS classes are invited to attend.

• For the next four weeks (weeks 2-­‐5), each individual SS class will meet on their own as usual. However, a guided curriculum will be provided that furthers the conversation begun in the lecture. This curriculum will primarily consist of discussion questions and notes in order to facilitate conversations about specific biblical texts and topics. Little to no preparation will be required. The curriculum can be adapted and adjusted in order to meet the needs and interests of individual classes.

• During week 6, all of the participating SS classes will convene for a concluding lecture in Fifield Hall.

• In sum, 12 of 32 weeks in the 2016-­‐2017 would be set aside for guided curriculum; the other 20 weeks would be “open curriculum,” meaning that individual classes would be responsible for their own scheduling and programming, as is now our practice. Under this plan, only 4 of 32 weeks would be set aside for all classes to come together for lectures. In 28 of 32 weeks classes would meet on their as usual.

This guided curriculum offers a number of advantages:

• It does NOT dramatically alter our current SS structure since individual SS classes would meet on their own for 28 of 32 weeks.

• It would provide additional curriculum support, reducing the total number of sessions each leader has to prepare from 32 down to 20.

• It would generate church-­‐wide conversations around focused topics, even as SS classes continue to meet on their own.

• It would create opportunities for members of individual SS classes to gain experience in leading discussion with an easy to use guided curriculum.

10

•

It would allow FPC members and guests who are NOT typically involved in a SS class to “try on” SS for a short period of time. For weeks 2-­‐3 and 5-­‐6, a discussion based class for non-­‐SS members will be provided. Hopefully this will provide an on ramp for members to get involved with SS on a more consistent basis, either through joining one of our groups or starting a new one.

Participation in this guided curriculum is optional.

The topic of the 6-­‐week fall curriculum is “The Sermon on the Mount” Oct 29; Nov 5, 12, 19, 26; Dec 3

Lectures are on Oct 29 & Dec 3; all other weeks classes meet on their own

The topic of the 6-­‐week spring curriculum is “Responding to Poverty.”

Feb 18, 25; Mar 4, 11, 18, 25 [all during Lent – Easter Sunday is Apr 1] Lectures are on Feb 4 & Mar 25; all other weeks classes meet on their own

11

Policies for Guest Teachers While the individual members of a given Sunday School class or small group are encouraged to be the primary teachers of their groups, it is possible, from time-­‐to-­‐time, to call upon a guest teacher (i.e., non-­‐FPC member). These guest teachers may include professors (at GSU, Georgia Tech, Columbia Theological Seminary, the Candler School of Theology, Emory, Agnes Scott, etc.), seminary students, graduate students at Emory, various figures from the local community (non-­‐profit leaders, business people, other professionals), or members of other churches.

The leaders of individual SS classes and small groups generally have the freedom to select guest speakers and teachers according to the interests and wishes of their respective classes/groups. We generally trust the wise and judicious discernment of individual leaders in make these choices. However, it is also important for the pastoral and lay leadership of the church to have some oversight of these invitations and to have record of who is teaching and when. As a result, before inviting a guest speaker to your class or small group, please keep the following policies in mind: •

•

Please contact the Director of Biblical and Theological Studies (rbonfiglio@firstpresatl.org) with a list of potential guest speakers at least 4 weeks prior to the event in question. In the vast majority of cases, speaker requests will be approved. On rare occasions, extenuating circumstances may require further discussion and/or modifications to the request.

If you are interested in having Dr. Joel LeMon teach your class or group, you may contact him directly without prior approval. However, once you have booked Dr. LeMon, please let the Director of Biblical and Theological Studies know the details – i.e., when and how many sessions he is leading.

It is the best practice to offer any guest speaker an honorarium. The following guidelines should be kept in mind.

•

• • • • •

We generally offer $200 for seminary/university professors and anywhere between $100-­‐$150 for other professionals. We offer $110 for seminary-­‐ or PhD-­‐level students.

Arrangements for honoraria can be made through the Director of Biblical and Theological Studies.

On occasion, guest speakers may decline an honorarium or may elect to donate it back to the church or to another charity.

Honoraria are not offered to FPC staff, including its pastors or ministry directors.

Classes are NOT expected to solicit funds from their members in order to provide for an honorarium.

The 2016-­‐2017 Stembler budget has money set aside for 20-­‐25 guest speaker sessions, apart from those taught by Dr. Joel LeMon (separate arrangements are made in his case).

12

Guest speakers need not be Presbyterian, nor even confessing Christians. However, we expect that every guest speaker would be committed to the following: • • • • • •

Encouraging open and honest dialogue Recognizing that diverse perspectives exist within this church, especially when it comes to difficult issues in theology and biblical interpretation Exhibiting sensitivity when addressing issues related to death, divorce, grief, addiction, abuse, racism, sexism, and any number of controversial topics Avoiding polemical attacks against this church, its members and leaders, other denominations, or other religious traditions Affirming the intrinsic equality of men and women, including in their role in the church, in the work place, and at home Refraining from any overt attempt to solicit financial donations

When guest speakers are brought in for Sunday School, we strongly encourage classes to combine together so that the greatest number of people can benefit from the speaker. If you are interested in help with promoting a guest speaker, please contact the Administrative Coordinator for Discipleship & Emerging Generations.

13

List of “in-­‐house” FPC Teachers Here is a list of in-­‐house FPC teachers (mostly members) who might be available to guest teach an Adult Sunday School class. The list is not complete, so please feel free to contact Ryan Bonfiglio for more possibilities or to volunteer.

Margaret Blackmon, margaretblackmon@gmail.com • Topics include presentations on Susan Cain’s “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” (2012) and Barbara Strauch’s “The Secret Life of the Grown-­‐Up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-­‐Aged Mind” (2010)

Harilee Cheshire, hcheshire1@gmail.com • Can present on the work of the Women’s Transition Center, aka The Women’s Shelter

Moncure Crowder, mgcrowder@aol.com • Various topics, including those related to the development of the early church, the Gospel of John, the image of God, and climate change.

David Drake, daviddrake@westminister.net • Subjects related to history (David is a history teacher at Westminster high school)

Bill Earnest, williamearnest@yahoo.com • Can present on the work of Habitat for Humanity

Florida Ellis, floridaellis@gmail.com • Topics include cultivating gratitude, spirituality, and spiritual formation

Alison Fussell, Alison@chilspringintl.org • Executive Director of Childspring International, could visit your class and give an update on what they are doing.

Wayne Hyatt, wsh@hspclegal.com • Teaches on a variety of topics but specializes in C. S. Lewis

Tom (and Ginny) Munger, tom.munger@mungerandstone.com • Various topics including Early Irish Christianity, Christianity in South Africa before and after Apartheid, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Book of James

Charlotte Shields, shields.charlotte@paideiaschool.org • Can present on the work of Midtown Assistance Center (MAC)

Bill Sumner, wmsumner@att.net • Can present on the work of Redemption After Prison (RAP)

14

Policies for Selecting Curriculum FPC is a diverse theological community that exhibits a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and interests when it comes to studying the Bible and living out the Christian faith. Our goal is to honor and preserve this diversity in small groups and Sunday School classes by fostering learning environments that are hospitable, open to questions, accepting of differences, and affirming of each individual’s gifts, identity, background, and beliefs.

Thus, while small groups and Sunday School class leaders are free to choose books or curriculum that best fit the needs and interests of their classes, these materials should, broadly speaking, reflect the following values:

• Promote Christ-­‐centered worldviews and values even if the subject addressed is not explicitly theological or biblical; • Uphold Christ’s love and mercy for all people, regardless of their age, occupation, economic means, marriage status, cultural background, sexual orientation, etc.; • Honor (though not necessarily teach) Reformed theological perspectives as an important heritage in the life of this church; • Avoid polemical attacks against other churches, denominations, and/or religions; • Encourage open and honest dialogue; • Recognize that diverse perspectives exist among faithful believers, especially when it comes to difficult issues in theology and biblical interpretation; • Affirm the intrinsic equality of men and women, including in their roles in church, in the work place, and at home; • Exhibit pastoral sensitivity when addressing issues related to death, divorce, grief, addiction, abuse, the challenges of parenting, etc.

If, in the judgment of the Discipleship Council, a given book or curriculum fails to embody one or more of these values, the Sunday School or small group leaders may be asked to choose another option for their group.

If you have any questions about a book or curriculum and/or would like help in assessing whether a particular resource is a good fit, please contact Ryan Bonfiglio.

15

Recommended Resources and Curriculum

*many of these resources are now available in the Christian Education Suite at FPC.

Study Bibles There are numerous study Bibles that can guide your reading of the biblical text with brief notes, essays, charts, and maps. The following are among the best.

The Harper Collins Study Bible (NRSV). A wonderful reference Bible that offers the full text of the NRSV as well as in-­‐depth articles, introductions, and comprehensive notes by today's leading biblical scholars. This edition incorporates the latest scholarship and findings as well as incorporating new diagrams, charts, and maps. Especially helpful when it comes to gaining quick insight into the cultural and historical background of biblical literature.

The Discipleship Study Bible (NRSV). Rather than just providing helpful background information about the Bible, this study Bible offers guidance concerning the personal and theological implications of the Scriptures for Christian living. Compiled by prominent biblical scholars from leading PCUSA, Methodist, and Lutheran seminaries.

The CEB Study Bible. This study Bible offers the full text of the new and highly recommended translation called the Common English Bible (CEB). The notes on the text are reliable and relevant. In addition to photographs, maps, and charts, this study Bible offers over 300 sidebars and general articles, most of which are compiled by leading professors at PCUSA, Methodist, Episcopalian, and Lutheran seminaries.

General Bible Commentaries

Interested in doing a focused study on a specific book of the Bible or on a larger section of Scripture? These commentaries would be an excellent guide for leaders and/or the class as a whole.

Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. One of the best multi-­‐volume commentaries available, this series bridges the gap between critical historical and theological study and thoughtful reflection on the meaning of the Bible for the church today. Geared toward educated lay audiences. Contributors include Walter Brueggemann (Genesis; 1-­‐2 Samuel), Terrence Fretheim (Exodus), Will Willimon (Acts), Fred Craddock (Luke; Philippians) and Tom Long (Hebrews).

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Feasting on the Word. This 12-­‐volume series offers commentary on the selected Scriptural texts for every Sunday in the three-­‐year cycle of the Revised Common Lectionary (used by the PCUSA and many other denominations). For each text, there are four brief essays that explore the theological, pastoral, exegetical, and homiletical challenges of the text.

Canon-­‐Specific Bible Commentaries

If you’re looking for a more focused introduction to either the Old Testament or New Testament, these books are a great place to start.

A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament. An accessible and engaging one-­‐volume introduction to the OT. It offers a critically informed exploration of the OT as Christian Scripture, with an emphasis on how these Scriptures are an important resource for the life of the church today.

Written by four prominent and now-­‐retired seminary professors: David Petersen (Candler), Walter Brueggemann (Columbia), Terence Fretheim (Luther), and Bruce Birch (Wesley). The book could be studied as a whole, or one of its chapters could accompany a more focused study.

A Study Companion to the Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Written by Ryan Bonfiglio, First Presbyterian Church’s Stembler Scholar, this volume offers brief introductions to each book of the Hebrew Bible, profiles of important characters, definitions of key terms, and notes and discussion questions for selected biblical texts. This book could be studied on its own or used as a study guide for John Collins’ (Yale Divinity School) lengthier and more technical Introduction to the Hebrew Bible.

This Strange and Sacred Scripture. Matthew Schlimm, OT professor at Dubuque Theological Seminary, recognizes that the OT can seem strange to contemporary readers. What should Christians make of Genesis 1-­‐3, seemingly at odds with modern scientific accounts? Why does the Old Testament contain so much violence? How should Christians handle texts that give women a second-­‐class status? Does the Old Testament contradict itself? Why are so many Psalms filled with anger and sorrow? What should we make of texts that portray God as filled with wrath? Written for lay audiences, this book would make for a great semester-­‐ or year-­‐long study.

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The Writings of the New Testament: An Interpretation. Luke Timothy Johnson (Candler School of Theology) organizes his survey of the NT into six major sections: 1. The Symbolic World of the New Testament; 2. The Christian Experience; 3. The Synoptic Tradition; 4. Pauline Traditions; 5.

Other Canonical Witnesses; and 6. The Johannine Tradition. Each of these sections could be studied on its own or may be combined together to give a larger overview of the NT.

An Introduction to the New Testament: Witness to God’s New Work.

Written by Charles Cousar, an NT professor who spent most of his career at Columbia Theological Seminary, this book provides a concise overview of the content and purpose of the books of the New Testament within the context of the church's early development. This cogent introduction gives serious attention to the history of earliest Christianity but always returns to the texts' theological meaning and significance, highlighting the relevance of these books for the church today.

Paul: An Apostle to the Nations. Written by Walter Taylor, NT professor at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH, this book offers a wonderful introduction to the Apostle Paul and his various letters. Taylor answers questions about Paul’s cultural and historical background, his theological perspectives, and the circumstances surrounding his letters to early Church communities. An appendix presents a clear summary of issues related to Paul's thought on gender and sexuality.

Specific-­‐Focus Bible Commentaries

These Bible commentaries offer readers an overview of biblical literature but are focused on particular topics in or approaches to Scripture.

Global Bible Commentary. Edited by Daniel Patte, a NT professor at Vanderbilt, this single-­‐volume commentary invites pastors, lay persons, and students to expand their horizon by reading the Bible with scholars from all over the world and from different religious and theological persuasions. Great for an international class or a small group looking to engage diverse theological and cultural perspectives on the Bible.

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Women’s Bible Commentary. This volume offers commentaries on every book of the Bible as well essays on the history of interpretation of specific women (Eve, Sarah, Deborah, Mary, etc.). The contributors raise important questions concerning how women are portrayed in biblical texts, looking specifically at gender roles, sexuality, political power, and family life.

Edited by Carol Newsom (OT at Cander School of Theology), Jacqueline Lapsley (OT at Princeton Theological Seminary), and Sharon Ringe (NT at Wesley Theological Seminary).

The Literary Guide to the Bible. This volume offers a book-­‐by-­‐book guide through the Old and New Testaments. It specifically focuses on the literary features of the Bible, including its use of poetry, metaphors, stories, characterization, rhetoric, etc. This volume would nicely complement a more standard commentary, especially for those interested in engaging the literary richness of biblical texts.

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General Reference Materials These resources will help you dig deeper into specific biblical and theological topics.

Anchor Bible Dictionary. This six-­‐volume set is the most extensive Bible dictionary available. It includes more than 6,000 entries, each of which offers an in-­‐depth but still accessible treatment of key topics in biblical history and theology. Short bibliographies are provided for further reading as well as maps, illustrations, charts, etc. Entries are written by leading scholars in the field of biblical studies.

Harper Collins Bible Dictionary. One of the best single-­‐volume guides for the study of the Bible. With more than 4,000 lively, informative, and reader-­‐friendly entries, this essential reference book is intended for pastors, laypersons, and students of scripture. Entries focus on key biblical figures, events, themes, and ideas. Contributors represent an a wide range of ecumenical backgrounds and perspectives.

Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology.

Written by Daniel Migliore, a long-­‐time professor of theology at Princeton Seminary, this concise book explores all of the major Christian doctrines in freshly contemporary ways. This third edition offers new FOR FURTHER READING suggestions at the end of each chapter, a substantial expansion of the glossary, and new material incorporated throughout, including a section on Christians and Muslims.

Reverberations of Faith: A Theological Handbook of Old Testament Themes. In this book, Brueggemann explores more than one hundred key themes from the Old Testament with more interpretive and theological reflection than most Bible dictionaries. Each entry states the consensus view, identifies what is at issue in the interpretive question, and discusses the practical significance of the issue for the church today.

The New Handbook of the Christian Year. This reference book offers background information on the Revised Common Lectionary, prayers, responses, and Communion services, updated for consistency with books of worship from several denominations. It includes a glossary of Christian symbols, a glossary of liturgical terms, annotated bibliography, index of Scripture readings, index of Psalms, and an ecumenical service for the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

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Topical Books for Discussion Interested in discussing a book in your small group or Sunday School class? There are countless options, but below are 8 excellent books you might consider that touch upon a range of topics and perspectives.

Marilynne Robinson, Gilead: A Novel. This 2006 Pulitzer Prize winner is a novel about three generations from the Civil War to the twentieth century, focusing on the spiritual battles that still rage at America's heart.

Writing in the tradition of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman, Marilynne Robinson's beautiful, sparse, and spiritual prose allows "even the faithless reader to feel the possibility of transcendent order" (Slate). In the luminous and unforgettable voice of Congregationalist minister John Ames, Gilead reveals the human condition and the often unbearable beauty of an ordinary life.

Brian D. McLaren, We Make the Road by Walking: A Yearlong Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation. This book explores what a difference an honest, living, growing faith can make in our world today. The book is divided into fifty-­‐two weekly readings that can each be read aloud in 10 to 12 minutes and offer a simple curriculum of insightful reflections and transformative practices. Organized around the traditional church year, these readings give an overview of the whole Bible and guide an individual or a group of friends through a year of rich study, interactive learning, and personal growth.

Nadia Bolz-­‐Weber, Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Saint and Sinner. In this NY Times bestseller, Bolz-­‐Weber, a stand-­‐up comedian and alcoholic turned Lutheran minister, offers a messy, beautiful narrative about an unconventional life of faith. Using life stories – from living in a hopeful-­‐but-­‐haggard commune of slackers to surviving the wobbly chairs and war stories of a group for recovering alcoholics – Bolz-­‐Weber uses stunning narrative and poignant honesty to portray a woman who is both deeply faithful and deeply flawed.

Walter Brueggemann, Sabbath as Resistance: Saying NO to the Culture of Now. In this volume, Brueggemann shows how the Sabbath is not simply about keeping rules but rather about becoming a whole person and restoring a whole society. Brueggemann challenges our 24/7 society of consumption, a society in which we live to achieve, accomplish, perform, and possess. Keeping the Sabbath allows us to break this restless cycle and focus on what is truly important: God, other people, all life.

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Paul Knitter, Without Buddha I Could Not be a Christian. For those interested in inter-­‐faith conversations, this book offers an intriguing reflection on how specific aspects of the Buddhist worldview can enrich and enhance the Christian life. From the “petitioning” nature of Christian prayer to how Christianity views life after death, Knitter argues that a Buddhist standpoint can help inspire a more person-­‐centered conception of Christianity, where individual religious experience comes first, and liturgy and tradition second.

Matthew Skinner, Intrusive God, Disruptive Gospel. Skinner, a NT professor at Luther Seminary, guides readers through the book of Acts. The book emphasizes the disruptive character of the Christian gospel and shows how Acts repeatedly describes God as upsetting the status quo by changing people's lives, society's conventions, and our basic expectations of what's possible. Suited for individual and group study, this book by a New Testament scholar with a gift for popular communication asks serious questions and eschews pat answers, bringing Acts alive for contemporary reflection on the character of God, the challenges of faith, and the church.

Barbara Brown Taylor, Learning to Walk in the Dark. With her literary wisdom, Taylor teaches us how to find our footing in times of uncertainty.

Taylor has become increasingly uncomfortable with our tendency to associate all that is good with lightness and all that is evil and dangerous with darkness. In Learning to Walk in the Dark, Taylor asks us to put aside our fears and anxieties and to explore all that God has to teach us "in the dark."

Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son. Inspired by Rembrandt's painting, Henri Nouwen offers a penetrating reflection on this well-­‐known parable. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as the father and be loved as the son will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to Christians throughout time, and here represented with a vigor and power fresh for our times.

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Bible Study Curricula One can find plenty of Bible Study curricula online and in print – some of which are great, and some of which are quite, well, mediocre. Here are a handful of suggestions if you’re interested in published curricula for your Sunday School class or small group.

Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding. Published by the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Being Reformed is a series of biblically based studies that provide adults with a foundational understanding of key issues in theology and the Christian life. More than 40 studies are available, each of which is six sessions long and includes a leader’s and participant’s guide.

Topics include: Mission, creation, the Lord’s Prayer, Advent, Lent, faith and science, church history, social justice, church and politics, etc.

Disciple: Short Term Bible Studies. Many are familiar with the thorough and engaging year-­‐long Disciple courses (I-­‐IV). In addition to these longer courses, the Disciple curriculum also offers 6 short term classes, each of which include a leader’s guide, participant’s book, and video. Topics include the OT, NT, Genesis, Psalms, John, and Romans. These courses are about 8 weeks long, but could be extended as needed.

Feasting on the Word Curriculum: Adult. This is a lectionary based curriculum that provides intentional connections between adult Christian Education and worship. Feasting on the Word materials will engage adults in a deeper exploration of biblical texts. Participants' faith will be enhanced when the Scriptures read and proclaimed in worship are reinforced and expanded during their educational time.

The Wired Word. Each week, the Wired Word website takes up a topic from the news headlines and develops a brief curriculum that relates that topic to Scripture and Christian life. Each study comes complete with discussion questions, scriptures to reflect on, and notes – very little preparation is required by the leader. To access, go to www.thewiredword.com.

Contact Ryan Bonfiglio for username and password.

The Thoughtful Christian, www.thethoughtfulchristian.com. This

website has a wealth of short but engaging studies on a wide variety of issues, ranging from topical studies to Bible studies. Our church has an account, which gives you free access to almost 600 downloadable studies. Each features a participant’s handout and a leader’s guide. Designed for about 45min.

Contact Ryan Bonfiglio for username and password.

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Theology Matters Theology Matters is a unique Christian Education curriculum developed at the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. These short courses offer seminary level education in a format that is accessible, engaging, and relevant to a lay audience. Theology Matters courses are offered in two formats: 1) a live, four-­‐week long course offered on Wednesday evenings here at First Pres; and 2) a standalone digital course.

Theology Matters: Digital Courses. Each digital course consists of eight 30-­‐35 minute video lectures as well as an accompanying podcast, lesson outlines, and discussion questions. The digital course is especialy designed to be utilized in a Sunday School class or small group environment. To access the videos and other materials, visit: www.firstpresatl.org/learn/theology-­‐matters. At present, three digital courses are available:

The Bible Says It, That Settles It?

Re-­‐Discovering the Ten Commandments

Roadside Religion

Texts of Terror

Half Truths Five Pillars of the Reformation

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Procedures for Promoting Events/Speakers There are a variety of ways individual Sunday School classes and Small Groups can promote their events and speakers. See the list below for specific details:

The Chimes. One whole page of the Chimes is dedicated to events and opportunities in the area of Adult Discipleship (including SS classes, small groups, Men’s and Women’s ministries, etc.). If you wish to advertise a special speaker or event, please email the information to Administrative Coordinator for Discipleship and Emerging Generations by the 5th and the 20th of the month (the former being the deadline for the mid-­‐month Chimes and the latter being the deadline for the beginning of the month Chimes). Due to space constraints, not every request can be honored, but we’ll do the best we can to promote a diversity of events and opportunities! Please note that in addition to these special ads, a small summary chart of all of FPC’s Sunday School classes will appear in each edition of the chimes.

The Adult Discipleship eblast. Another outlet to promote your events, speakers, and curriculum is the weekly eblast sent from Adult Discipleship on Thursday afternoons. If you would like to include information here, please let the Administrative Coordinator for Discipleship and Emerging Generations known by Tuesday of that week. The eblast is the place to include information about the topic of your Sunday School class for the upcoming Sunday.

The Web and App. With the redesign of the website and the launch of the app, it now will be easier than ever to get the word out about your Sunday School class schedules or special events and speakers. Please email information you would like to display to the Administrative Coordinator for Discipleship and Emerging Generations. For questions about what can or cannot be displayed on these digital platforms, ask Kia Smith (ksmith@firstpresatl.org). The web is also the place to include information about the topic of your Sunday School class for the upcoming month.

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Procedures for Attendance

For Sunday School Classes Each week you will find a roster of members in your class. Please pass around this sheet and ask participants to place a check mark next to their name and associated bar code. If a participant is new to your class, please have them write their names onto the roster; have them include their email address if they wish to be added to our weekly eblast about Sunday School classes.

At the end of your Sunday School, completed rosters can be dropped off in one of three places:

a. The attendance sheet box on Captain Oates’ desk, outside of the bookstore. b. The attendance sheet box at the main greeting kiosk, near the name tags and coffee. c. The mail slot for Christian Education in the mailroom, right outside of room 156.

For Small Groups (including Men’s groups and PW circles) In August and January, please send Anne Carpenter (acarpenter@firstpresatl.org) an updated roster of members (even if they only come occasionally) who attend your group.

Please send the list in Excel if possible.

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Questions and Info

For questions or information about: • curriculum • Sunday School guest teachers (recommendations, honoraria) • special Christian Education programs • Theology Matters • men’s ministry • leadership training and resources • opportunities at local seminaries • retreats and educational trips • Discipleship Council

Contact Ryan Bonfiglio, Stembler Scholar and Director of Biblical & Theological Studies

rbonfiglio@firstpresatl.org

For questions or information about: • weekday small groups or Bible Studies • Presbyterian Women circles • Women at the Well events and speakers • book discussion groups • planning a new small group or small group event • Lent and Advent events and resources

Contact Allison Cochran, Director of Small Groups and Adult Bible Studies

acochran@firstpresatl.org

For questions or information about: • ads in the Chimes or Discipleship eblast • updating information on the web or app • arrangements for guest teachers (parking, W-­‐9 forms, etc.)

• Sunday School room set up • A/V needs • catering

Contact Anne Carpenter, Administrative Coordinator for Discipleship and Emerging Generations

acarpenter@firstpresatl.org

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