Bible Study Recommendations for a New Neighborhood Cafe

“Do you have suggestions on books or studies that work well when a group is first getting established? If the group gels, I figure the group can help decide on the next study, but choosing the first topic is up to me.”

Julie

Hostesses like Julie understand that choosing a topic for your Neighborhood Cafe is different than choosing a topic for your Bible Study at church. Most Bible studies are written by Christians, for Christians, about how to be a better Christian. But… only one in five of your neighbors goes to church, and those who do attend many different denominations. The typical home on your street owns three Bibles, but its pages are rarely cracked open. Your neighbors probably don’t speak “Christianese” around their dinner tables, so phrases like “the Lord laid it on my heart” or “having my devotions” or “intercede in prayer” sound foreign.

But don’t worry, there are countless amazing resources that will engage your neighbors!

Check out some of my favorites below! I know each of these authors personally and can recommend any of their books confidently. I’m a huge fan of Kathi Lipp because her books are practical for daily life and appealing to all women, regardless of their faith in God (or lack thereof).

Tips for Choosing a Topic

  • Choose a topic and format that has “meat” as well as “milk.” There are resources that offer life-impacting truth and solid Biblical teaching, yet are explained in such a down-to-earth and practical way that new believers or non-believers can grasp the meaning and apply it to their lives.
  • Avoid any resource that takes an unyielding stand on “disputable matters.” Don’t attempt to resolve dogmatic dilemmas about topics such as speaking in tongues, pre- or post- millennialism or the role of women in ministry. Save these debates for your church crowd, if you must.
  • Try to avoid hot button political issues that will lead to division instead of discussion. While these topics may come up naturally in your conversation, they shouldn’t be the primary focus of your Neighborhood Cafe.
  • Ask the Women’s Ministry director at your church for recommendations (and support!).

Other factors to consider:

  • Format: is it a book, workbook, DVD or online Bible study? Ensure you have the technical resources necessary to show DVD’s or online videos.
  • Length: How long does each session last? How long is the entire Bible study?
  • Homework: Is there homework? Is it daily or by chapter? If someone hasn’t done the homework, will she be lost?
  • Cost: How much does it cost each participant? How much is the leader’s guide or DVD’s?

What are your favorite topics, resources, or authors? Let us know in the comments!

Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope?

How to Find Faith for Hard Times in 1 Peter

by Amy Lively

Are you facing the end of the world as you know it? The apostle Peter knows what it’s like when all your hope is gone. He watched as his hope was arrested, crucified, and buried, and Peter publicly failed every test of his faith. Peter—and his elusive, unnamed wife—also show us how God relieves our harshest suffering and redeems our heaviest regret. Working sequentially through the tiny but mighty book of 1 Peter, you will discover:

  • How to express what you feel, identify what is real through the filter of God’s Word, then wisely determine how to deal with life’s challenges.
  • A prayer that never fails to reframe anxiety and uncertainty into hope and purpose.
  • How to make sense of pain that seems endless and pointless by understanding God’s timing and intention.
  • Ways to react to chaos and confusion with a calm, clear-headed, Christlike response.
  • Five simple and effective coping strategies to survive for the end of the world as you know it.
  • If you can really shed the shame of past mistakes and share your story for God’s glory.

A ton of free Small Group Resources make it easy and fun to lead a group of neighbors through this book (after all, it was written for my own Neighborhood Cafe!).

When Making Others Happy is Making You Miserable

When Making Others Happy is Making You Miserable

When Making Others Happy is Making You MiserableBy Karen Ehman Feeling overwhelmed, burned out, and pulled in too many directions by the needs of others? Break the pattern of people pleasing and confidently live your life. Author and speaker Karen Ehman knows...

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Control Girl

Control Girl

Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bibleby Shannon Popkin Little fights with your husband and kids. Unhappiness when things don't match your version of perfect. Tension, anger, fear, anxiety--it all begins with a heart...

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Sacred Work

Sacred Work

Sacred WorkBy Peggy Bodde It’s possible for women to be strong Christians and confident leaders. Does your work matter to God? Peggy Bodde thinks so! God lives in us, and we carry the sacredness that comes from Him everywhere we go, including the workplace. But while...

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Online Book Club

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Online Book ClubLet's fill our cups together. You're invited to join a private Facebook group to read Can I Borrow a Cup of Hope? with me! As I was writing this book I imagined us reading it together, sharing insights God provides and filling our cups with Living...

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A New Excuse Not to Love My Neighbor

A New Excuse Not to Love My Neighbor

In my continual quest to find an exception clause or asterisk to Christ’s Second Greatest Command, I have a new excuse I’m sure the Lord has never heard before: “My neighborhood is a ghost town.” Literally. I live on a guest ranch in Colorado where the cabins are...

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Cutest Book Cover Ever!

Cutest Book Cover Ever!

A cup of sugar? Sure. A ladder or tool? All the time. But chances are, a neighbor has never knocked on your door asking to borrow a cup of hope. Or have they? Sometimes we're too busy to notice the need right next door, but it's there. My new book was written for you...

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2 Comments

  1. Toni Sprouse

    I’m a huge fan of Kathi Lipp, but I was unaware of Ready For Anything!! I’m adding that one to my wishlist!!

    Reply
    • Amy Lively

      She actually started writing it before the pandemic – a real Godsend! Let me know if you decide to use it in a Cafe, I’d love a testimonial.

      Reply

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