Ideas for Couple’s Studies
Fall is definitely in the air. I love this time of year…college football, leaves changing colors, cooler temperatures, and a new study begins in my Small Group. One of the many questions that I get is, “What study would you recommend for couple’s?” Well, here are a few of my favorites for couple’s:
·For Better or For Worse
Mark Whelchel discusses the promise of lifelong love and commitment fall prey to human frailties as we struggle with sin and fail each other. No wonder there’s so much divorce. But God’s plan is that marriage be a demonstration of His grace and love to the world around us. By His grace, He restores our relationships and shows us how to live them out to His glory. Discover God’s design for marriage, ways to avoid the downward spirals, guidelines to repair and restore your marriage, and how to glorify God through your marriage. (7 Sessions and can be purchased here.)
·Guard Your Heart and Guarding Love Workbook
Dr. Gary & Barbara Rosberg will walk you through 8 group session for your small group discussing how to guard your heart and protect your marriage. Day 1 is for personal reflection. Day 2 is for couple discussion. Day 3 is for application. (For more information or to order this study, click here.)
·Love and Respect
This revolutionary message based on Ephesians cracks the communication code between husband and wife: that unconditional respect is as powerful for him as unconditional love is for her. This is a powerful study for every couple. Due to the high cost, this DVD series can be used on loan from the Small Groups Ministry office upon availability. Workbooks still required.
·Parental Guidance Required
While the culture around you may offer many suggestions about parenting; God has much to say about how to navigate the road ahead of you. Through this six-session study written by Andy Stanley and Reggie Joiner, God may give you clarity and insight into your relationship with your children as well as your children’s relationships with others. Click HERE to purchase the Small Group Study.
·The Five Love Languages
In the Five Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman talks about how different people express love in different ways. Some people are verbal, expressing their love in words. Others may never speak their affection, yet they show it by the things they do. Click here to purchase.
These are just a few of my many favorite studies for Couple’s. You can always check out the studies we have listed in the Life Path Brochure or you can go to the Two 42 Bookstore at the Henderson Campus. If you have one that you enjoy or if you have any reviews for the studies that I mentioned, please leave a comment and let us know what some of your favorites are.
“That Crazy Little Thing Called Love”
Our Senior Pastor’s wife Lori Wilhite has a great blog called “Leading and Loving It.” Lori is currently highlighting “Marriage” on her blog and is using Jud’s book “That Crazy Little Thing Called Love” as a launching point. Here is one excerpt from her recent blog telling about how she and Jud met:
“Here is the fifty cent version of how our history together began. The first time Jud saw me, he was speaking and I was in the audience. I thought he was looking at me … then decided that I was crazy. But he was. He figured out who I was and called me with what might be one of the worst pick up lines in history: “I just, uh, wanted to see if I could take you to coffee and encourage you.” Maybe not the smoothest line, but it worked. And I was crazy about him from our first lunch. Five months later we were engaged. Four months after that we were married. That was 12 years ago. I love him more now than then. I’m the luckiest girl ever!”
Lori and Jud are wonderful people and I know we will enjoy learning from their marriage and from the marriages of those who post comments. Check it out at http://leadingandlovingit.wordpress.com/
Upcoming Events for Married Couple’s Small Groups
Fall is definitely in the air and I am so thankful for the cooler temperatures. Can you believe that there are only FIVE more weeks until Thanksgiving? I want to say a special “Thank you” to all of you who attended our last Leadership Gathering, “Techno Small Groups”. It is so exciting to see how God is using technology in many of our Small Groups as a tool to accomplish the mission of “connecting the unconnected and together growing to full devotion to Christ”.
There are many new exciting opportunities for our Married Couples Small Groups. If you know of someone who is not connected or are having difficulties in their marriage, please let them know what Central Couples has to offer:
Married Couples Connection Group: Looking to connect with other Married Couples in the Vegas Valley? Haven’t been able to find a Married Couple’s Group that works for you? Need a Marriage Tune-Up? Know of a Couple who needs a Small Group? Please join us at the Couple’s Connection Group! This Group is designed for Married Couples who have not connected with a Small Group and will meet every Saturday beginning October 25-December 6 at 4:30-5:30 pm at the Henderson Campus in Room #227. Free Childcare will be provided! For more information or to register, please call the Small Group Ministry office at (702) 735-4004 or email tracey.smith@centralchristian.com
Relationships 911: Are you in a relationship that is struggling and needs a little “911” help? Help is on the way! Relationships 911 is designed for couples who are struggling and want to find encouragement! This group meets at the Henderson Campus every Tuesday from 7:00-8:30 pm in Room #227. For more information call our CARE Ministries at (702) 735-4004.
First Wednesday: This upcoming First Wednesday we will be having a LIVE recording for the next Central Worship CD! So invite your Small Group to sit together and come ready to sing, dance, shout, and have fun. The next First Wednesday is November 5 @ 6:30 pm in the main auditorium of the Henderson Campus.
Adding New Married Couples to Your Small Group: Do you have room for more married couples in your Small Group? Please let me know ASAP! Also, include some additional information about your Small Group: where and when you meet, what are you studying, what is the median age of your group, do you have children in your group?
Couple’s Connection Online: Go online and connect with leaders and members, share ideas, encourage one another, and keep up with what is happening next. Central Couple’s has launched not only the Facebook Group but also our own Central Couple’s blog. Please email your Small Group members and let them know that they can join the group and comment on the topics from the blog. Your Small Group can also post pictures of cookouts, game nights, hanging out, or even doing somethingtogether in the community. Take just a moment to go by both of the sites and add comments and share ideas so that others may learn from your experiences. www.centralcouples.wordpress.com
Thanks again for all you do! Your leadership matters! If you have any questions or if I can be of any help to you, please let me know! Have a wonderful week! Doing the journey together!
Central Couple’s Connection Group
Looking to connect with other Married Couples in the Vegas Valley? Haven’t been able to find a Married Couple’s Group that works for you? Need a Marriage Tune-Up? Please join us at the Couple’s Connection Group! This Group is designed for Married Couples who have not connected with a Small Group and will meet every Saturday beginning October 25-December 6 at 4:30-5:30 P.M. at the Henderson Campus in Room #227. Free Childcare will be provided! For more information or to register, please call the Small Group Ministry office at (702) 735-4004 or email tracey.smith@centralchristian.com
Friday Football Report
Yep, it is that time again…the Friday Football Report. Many of you know I am a die-hard BAMA fan so it was not easy this week to see Texas take the #1 spot. But I am over it and I would just like to say that it will keep us motivated if we are not in the #1 spot this early in the season. (Even though all of you already know and believe that BAMA should have been there…anyway…No Respect!) Okay, back to the predictions for this weekend.
(11) Missouri at (1) Texas (Texas, of course) Texas’ defense showed a strong hold last week against #1 Oklahoma as they held them to 48 yards and only three first downs. Missouri is coming off of a bad loss to Oklahoma State, so watch out…it could be closer than we think. The higher up you are…the easier the fall. Another fact to consider is that Missouri is winless in 10 previous games against a #1 ranked opponent. Why have an upset…Texas will come up on top!
Mississippi at (2) Alabama (BAMA…Roll Tide Roll!) Thank God we are playing in Tuscaloosa. Some of you rememberlast years game in Rebel territory. Mississippi almost came away withthe upset with a score of 27-24. Let’s hope that it is not that close this time. BAMA’sdefense is impressive only allowing 50.8 rushing yards per game. The rebels will have to come out with a strong passing game if they are going to complete any mileage against the #2 ranked Crimson Tide.
Kansas at (4) Oklahoma (Oklahoma) I pick Oklahoma mainly because they are upset that they lost the #1 spot and also because Jayhawks Coach Mangino is 0-2 against his mentor. It will be a great game!
(22) Vanderbilt at (10) Georgia (Georgia..but close) Following the SEC Conference has been part of my life. I am always watching Vandy. The Commodores always seem to find the perfect time for the upsets. I think Georgia will pull this one out but keep an eye out for RB Jared Hawkins. If he has a good game, then Georgia may be in trouble. It will also be fun to watch the new starting QB for Vandy Mackenzie Adams. Adams will have to face the best defense that Vandyhas faced all year. It could get ugly if he doesn’t come out with strong leadership and a great passing game.
(7) Texas Tech at Texas A&M (Texas Tech…it is a must) Red Raiders Coach Leach has a 6-2 record against the Aggies. What is an amazing fact is the #5 Coaches ranking for the Red Raiders is the highest ranking in any poll in the school’s history. For the Aggies, Johnson is not doing too bad as the backup for injured QB McGee. Johnson has actually set A&M records for total offense and passing.
(13) LSU at South Carolina (LSU) Stephen Garcia will get his first starting position as QB for the Gamecocks this week and the Tigers will have something to prove after their humble demise in Gainesville last week. South Carolina could surprise us this week and they could end up continuing their winning streak which is now…four in a row!
(6) Southern Cal at Washington State (Southern Cal) This game should be a breeze for Southern Cal. Washington State has given up 41.5 points to the opposing team per game. Sanchez is recovering from a knee injury but will be back on the field after throwing three interceptions against the ASU team.
(12) Ohio State at (20) Michigan State (Sorry guys…I have to go with Michigan State) Okay here are the reasons why: Terrell Pryor is struggling to make things happen. The Buckeyes have dropped from 95th to 108 in passing. Bennie Wells also struggled last week being held to less than 100 yards. I believe it will be within 7 points but the Spartans will outplay them.
Michigan at (3) Penn State (Penn State) This is going to be fun because the Nitty Lions have not beat the Wolverines in the last 12 years and nine games. This will be a Homecoming crowd for Penn State and I think that Michigan will be humbled again this weekend. Toledo last week…Nitty Lions this week.
If you have any predictions or maybe I did not mention your team, please feel free to add. Also, sports is a great way to get your Small Group together. You can start the Bar B Q and relax and have a great time getting to know one another. Have Fun and thanks for stopping by!
Peppermint-Filled Pinatas: An Interview with Eric Michael Bryant
One of the great things about Social Networking and Blogging is being able to connect with so many cool friends around the world doing ministry. One of my new friends is Eric Michael Bryant. Eric oversees the leadership team at Mosaic in Los Angeles, a church known for its diversity and creativity. Eric is also the author of Peppermint-Filled Piñatas and one of the coauthors of The Uprising Experience, based on Erwin McManus’s book Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul. I had an opportunity to read his latest book entitled Peppermint-Filled Piñatas. I highly recommend this book for you personally and also for a Small Group Study. I asked Eric if he would do a brief Q/A with us and he was gracious enough to accept. Here’s what he had to say:
TRACEY: For those who may not be familiar with your story, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Eric: After growing up in Texas, I moved to Seattle to help plant a church where I stayed for 4 years. My wife Debbie and I then moved to Los Angeles where we have been at Mosaic for the past 10 years. As a bald white guy in a world of color, I have been discovering God’s love for all people – even those with whom I differ, disagree, or dislike. Debbie and I live in the middle of L.A. County with our two kids, Caleb and Trevi.
TRACEY: When did you decide to write Peppermint-Filled Piñatas and why?
ERIC: So many people were asking us about how we became such a diverse community at Mosaic, that I began writing this book as a response. As I began writing the book, I realized we are diverse in so many other ways beyond just ethnicity. We connect with people who are diverse socioeconomically, or in their understanding of God, or in their view of sexuality, and so on. In the end, the book became my attempt to help people who follow Jesus learn how to love, serve, and even reach those who are too often rejected or overlooked by the church.
TRACEY: How can people use this book as a Small Group Study?
ERIC: Churches who have used the books in their small groups have said they have been able to have really lively discussion which has led to very practical ways to engage our quickly-changing pluralistic and globalizing world. The small groups read through a chapter each week and use the small group questions at the end of the book to facilitate their discussion.
TRACEY: Any plans for another book in the future?
ERIC: I am always writing something at least for those wanting to discuss innovation and outreach at www.ericbryant.org! After completing my dissertation, I hope to have more books to offer people. Thanks for asking!
Thanks to Eric for taking the time to answer a few questions and giving us a little insight on Peppermint-Filled Piñatas. If you would like more information about his book, www.ericbryant.org
HELP!!! I NEED Small Group Resources
One of the most popular questions I get from Small Group Leaders is “What resources would you recommend for our Small Group?” or “Where can I get resources to help me as a Small Group Leader?” Here are a few places that I would recommend to Small Group Leaders:
- Small Group Leaders Website: www.centralsmallgroups.com This is a great resource to find curriculum, read reviews, watch training videos, download forms, and many other resources just for Small Group Leaders.
- Small Group Leaders Exchange: www.smallgroupexchange.com Read reviews for curriculum, gain insight from other Small Group Leaders and read articles written by several leading pastors and leaders from around the world.
- Need to find a Bible verse quickly? www.Biblegateway.com
- Central Christian Church LV Couples Connection Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=36117351496&ref=mf Connect with over 80 different Small Group Leaders and use the discussion boards to share ideas, advertise your group to add more members, give and read personal group reviews of particular studies, find curriculum on loan from other leaders, post and find service projects in the community, encourage other leaders with creative ideas, exchange Small Group stories, be alerted for upcoming events, and so many other ways to be a part of a Leadership Network.
- Keep up on current trends in the emergent church: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/
These are only a few of the resources available to Small Group Leaders. I am going to add my top ten favorite books and “hot” curriculum ideas in the near future. Stay tuned to centralcouple’s Blog Spot. What are some resources that you have found to be helpful? If you find one of these resources mentioned in this post to be helpful, please let us know!
Leadership Gathering: “Techno Small Groups”
Come join in the Small Group Leadership Gathering as we discuss the different opportunities with Technology and Small Groups. All Small Group Leaders are encouraged to come and interact with other leaders from all over the Vegas Valley. If you have someone in your Small Group who takes care of all of your communication, please bring them with you! Don’t miss out! We have provided two different times to make it convenient for you to attend. Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:20 a.m. in room #227 at the Henderson Campus. Pizza and Pop on Saturday evening and Fruit and Breakfast Casserole on Sunday! Childcare provided. After you attend, please come back and let us know your thoughts! See you there!A GIFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS: FIREPROOF YOUR MARRIAGE STUDY
“Inside burning buildings, Captain Caleb Holt lives by the firefighter’s adage: Never leave your partner.
Yet at home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules.
Growing up, his wife Catherine always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter . . . just like her father. Now, after seven years of marriage, she wonders when she stopped being “good enough.” Countless arguments and anger have them wanting to move on to something with more sparks.
As they prepare for divorce, Caleb’s father challenges him to commit to a 40-day experiment: “The Love Dare.” Wondering if it’s even worth the effort, Caleb agrees, for his father’s sake more than for his marriage.
Surprised by what he discovers about the meaning of love, Caleb realizes that his wife and marriage are worth fighting for. His job is to rescue others. Now Captain Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever . . . rescuing his wife’s heart.”
You too can FIREPROOF YOUR MARRIAGE and take the FORTY DAY EXPERIMENT! If you would like to know more about integrating this study into your Small Group or if you know of a couple who is not connected to a Married Couple’s Small Group, please go to http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com to order your Small Group material or call me at the Small Group’s Ministry office. Call or email for more information on the Married Couple’s Small Groups that will be hosting this study. Groups will be starting as soon as October 23, 2008.
(702) 735-4004 ext. 8347 or tracey.smith@centralchristian.com
A Gift before Christmas: Fireproof Your Marriage
Fireproof was created to help build and strengthen marriages using biblical principles. Movie clips will be integrated into the discussion.Week One: He Said, She Said
Week Two: He First Loved Us
Week Three: Love for a Lifetime
Week Four: Breaking Free
Week Five: Forgiveness
Week Six: A Better Way of Loving
PUZZLED? New Series At Central
Ever feel puzzled by life-like things just don’t line up? Do you struggle with tough questions of faith? Questions like: “If God is so good, why is there so much suffering?” or “How can a loving God send people to hell?” This week Jud is kicking off a new series entitled “PUZZLED?” which will explore those challenging questions of faith. Check it out at one of Central’s campuses. For more information go to www.CentralChristian.com. Don’t forget, you can also join us at the on-line campus. Just click on this link www.centralonlinecampus.com .
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