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!).
Giveaway: Twelve Inches (my friend’s book!)
This book is special to me for several reasons. First, the author is a friend of mine! I met Patricia Holbrook at the She Speaks Conference by Proverbs 31 Ministries. This conference is like Christmas to me - it's one of the most wonderful times of the year! The...
Book Review: “Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl” by Lysa TerKeurst
One of the things Amy and I are passionate about is studying the Word of God. Combine that with this ministry's obvious love of community and what do you get? Communities of people studying the Word of God. It has been my experience, though, that finding good studies...
A Place to Belong by Lisa Troyer
Review & Recommendation So many women today are searching for a place to belong....for that true circle of friends that provides companionship, encouragement, and acceptance without the fear of being judged or losing a friend. Lisa Troyer challenges the reader...
Deeper Still… and another giveaway!
Spend some time with Lisa Meiners, and you'll want to go "Deeper Still" in your faith and friendships. In this guest post, Lisa shares how God gave her a do over in her neighborhood - and she's also sharing a generous gift with you. Leave a comment or tag The...
Red Hot Faith… and a giveaway!
Being introduced to Cindy Bultema added some sparkle to my life. Now it's my turn to introduce her to you, and what better way than a free giveaway and guest post! Leave a comment or tag The Neighborhood Cafe when you share this post, and you could win a leader's...
I’m a huge fan of Kathi Lipp, but I was unaware of Ready For Anything!! I’m adding that one to my wishlist!!
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.