BY CRICKETT KEETH

One of my responsibilities as the Women’s Ministry Director at my church is to decide which Bible studies we use each year. With so many to pick from, I want to make sure I am choosing one that will equip women to dig into God’s Word on their own instead of just reading someone else’s commentary on the passages. Just because it’s a popular study doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right fit for my women. To help determine which Bible study to use with our Women’s Ministry, we ask these five questions.

1. IS IT DOCTRINALLY SOLID?

Does the study consistently direct them to the Bible? Does it stay true to the Word or use today’s culture to interpret the meaning? Research the author and publisher to be sure their doctrine lines up with that of your church.

2. IS IT TOO INFORMATIONAL?

I have found that my women like being guided to think on their own instead of just reading the author’s answers in the next paragraph. They want a guide that leads them through studying God’s Word for themselves, not a book that does the study for them.

3. IS IT THOUGHT-PROVOKING?

Do the questions make them wrestle with the Scripture, or are the answers straightforward? We need observation questions, but we also need questions that make us think and would promote rich small group discussion.

4. IS IT THE RIGHT FIT AND FORMAT?

Is it the right difficulty level, the right amount of homework each day, the right length? Will it encourage consistency in the Word daily?

5. IS IT PRACTICAL?

They want to dig into the Word and study the meaning of a passage, but they want more than head knowledge. Does the study guide them to apply the Scripture to daily life?

“I WANT TO DO THE WORK HE SENT ME HERE ON EARTH TO DO. I DON’T WANT TO BE ROBBED OF ONE SINGLE STEP I CAN WALK WITH CHRIST WHILE ON EARTH.”

ERICA WIGGENHORN, An Unexplainable Life

Women’s ministry leaders across the country have told us they are seeking in-depth, no-fluff Bible studies—and we have listened.

Following are biblically rich resources that get women into God’s Word for real transformation. These studies aren’t about the author or even the student, but about God Himself. Dig into the Scriptures using these studies, ideal for groups and individuals.

IF GOD IS FOR US: THE EVERLASTING TRUTH OF OUR GREAT SALVATION

BY TRILLIA NEWBELL

If God Is For Us is a devotional Bible study on Romans 8 designed to cement in your soul the great truths of our salvation and an understanding of how the Holy Spirit guides our new life in the Spirit, all found in this beloved chapter of Scripture. If you’re ready to live a life that shouts: “God is for me! Who can be against me?” this is the Bible study for you.

HE IS ENOUGH: LIVING IN THE FULLNESS OF JESUS

BY ASHERITAH CIUCIU

Discover the secret to a full life. The Bible says Jesus is enough. And we believe it. But how in the world do we convince our stubborn hearts to live it out? In this 6-week study of Colossians, Asheritah Ciuciu leads readers to discover the life-altering importance of Jesus’ sufficiency and sovereignty.

INCLUDED IN CHRIST: LIVING A NEW STORY FROM EPHESIANS

BY HEATHER HOLLEMAN

Included in Christ is a narrative-driven study where you can bring your life before Scripture in the context of community. Together, women will discern their personal shadow narratives—ways they are living outside of their identity in Christ—and then rewrite those narratives according to biblical truth.

This in-depth, 8-week study on Ephesians will equip women with six “signature stories” of God’s work in their lives—helping them combat exclusion, loneliness, weakness, decay, emptiness, and silence.

AN UNEXPLAINABLE LIFE: RECOVERING THE WONDER & DEVOTION OF THE EARLY CHURCH

BY ERICA WIGGENHORN

An Unexplainable Life is a call to reignite the mission and movement of the early church, individually and collectively. This 10-week, verse-by-verse Bible study of Acts 1–12 transports readers back to the early days of the Christian church, challenging our modern-day assumptions and inviting us to join Jesus in His work today.

THE UNEXPLAINABLE CHURCH: REIGNITING THE MISSION OF THE EARLY BELIEVERS

BY ERICA WIGGENHORN

The message of The Unexplainable Church is that the early church didn’t grow because Peter and Paul were so amazing but because average people were transformed by God and brought together in His work. This 10-week, inductive study of Acts 13–28 will sweep readers into the great drama of the Kingdom, inspiring them to live together in the power of the Spirit and accomplish what could never be done alone.

UNEXPLAINABLE JESUS: REDISCOVERING THE GOD YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW

BY ERICA WIGGENHORN

Step into the streets of Jerusalem and encounter the Jewish Rabbi who turned the world upside down. After rediscovering Jesus on the pages of the book of Luke—or maybe discovering Him for the very first time—readers will see there is no other plan, goal, ambition, or Person worth following than Jesus.

HIS LAST WORDS: WHAT JESUS TAUGHT AND PRAYED IN HIS FINAL HOURS

BY KIM ERICKSON

His Last Words will draw you into just what you need: the Word of God. This 7-week, verse-by-verse Bible study of John 13–17 plumbs the depths of Jesus’ final teachings to the disciples, revealing what was most important to Him. When we study those words and prayers today, we enter deep into the heart of Jesus and we come away changed.

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?: A FRESH ENCOUNTER FOR DEEPER FAITH

BY BECKY HARLING

We can speak in abstracts all day long. We can ponder who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. But He wants our confession. He wants to know, “Who do you say that I AM?” How we answer defines our lives both now and forever. This 8-week study in the “I AM” statements of Jesus will help women move from knowing about Him to knowing Him personally.

ON BENDED KNEE: PRAYING LIKE PROPHETS, WARRIORS, AND KINGS

BY CRICKETT KEETH

Breathe fresh life into your relationship with God by studying how people in the Bible prayed in this new 8-week Bible study! What can the prayers of eight biblical characters teach us about our own relationship with God? Discover for yourself in this new Bible study from Crickett Keeth.

I AM FOUND: QUITTING THE GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK WITH GOD AND OTHERS

BY LAURA DINGMAN

I Am Found summons us from the shadows into the light. This 6-week Bible study on shame and freedom explores: why we hide from God and others, why God’s love frees us to come out of hiding, what it looks like to live like we’ve been found, and how to cultivate relationships that encourage vulnerability.

THIS I KNOW: TRUSTING YOUR UNKNOWN FUTURE TO A KNOWN GOD

BY LAURA DINGMAN

This I Know is a 6-week Bible study that guides women to biblical truths about the character of God so they can step faithfully into the unknown, confident in the God they do know. Learn how to trust God more as you dwell in this Scripture-based study.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NEW FAVORITE BIBLE STUDIES, VISIT MOODYPUBLISHERSWOMEN.COM

Real Impact

Our prayer is that God will use these Bible studies for lasting transformation. We hope these new resources will help start a ripple effect of women growing in their understanding of God’s Word, becoming more like Him, and inspiring others to do likewise.

SEE THE BACK OF THIS RESOURCE FOR ORDERING INFORMATION

SIMPLE STEPS TO START A BIBLE STUDY

BY ERICA WIGGENHORN

My neighbor Starr insisted I meet her downtown for lunch on Thursday. As I slid into the booth at the corner café, she slid a spiral bound booklet across the table. “You need to start a Bible study. In the neighborhood. For young moms.”

I could tell she wasn’t going to take “No!” for an answer but I sputtered off a litany of excuses anyway.

“Me? I can’t lead a Bible study!”

“What will I do with my kids? I can’t depend on my husband to get home from work on time.”

“Who will come? I barely moved into the neighborhood six months ago. Nobody knows me.”

She just sat there smiling, waiting for me to finish.

I sighed and consented, “Only if you’ll lead it with me. There’s no way I’m doing this alone!”

Within three weeks, we had thirty moms from nine different churches packed into my living room. We laughed, we cried, we prayed, we ate lots of pie, and it was glorious.

Leading a Bible study isn’t hard, but taking that first step can be intimidating, so here are five simple steps to get you going.

1. PRAY FOR A MINISTRY PARTNER. There is great power in a pair.

2. PRAY OVER PEOPLE. Are you being called to reach your neighborhood, a particular age group or season of life within your church family, a community group like school moms, a sports team, an assisted living center, etc.?

3. CHOOSE YOUR CURRICULUM. Moody Publishers Women offers topical studies as well as books of the Bible—literally something for everyone!

4. DETERMINE THE DETAILS. At moodypublisherswomen.com you’ll find invitation cards, presentation slides, church bulletin inserts, posters, social media shareables, and even video clips to help get the word out to those you’d like to invite!

5. GATHER THE GOODS. Most authors have additional resources on their individual websites such as leader guides, tips to lead Bible studies, testimonials to share what other readers took away from the study, video teaching, etc., to help you structure your group time.

Five simple steps. Now it’s my turn to sit across the table smiling as you finish rattling off your excuses. Stop worrying about how you’re going to bake a pie—that’s entirely optional.

You can start a Bible study.

I promise, you’ll be glad you did.

The Essentials to Lead a Vibrant Small Group Discussion

BY LAURA DINGMAN

SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUR GROUP.

In order to create a safe place for vulnerable conversations, take time to set clear expectations with your group. Talk through confidentiality, giving room for every voice to be heard, taking time to do the study ahead of time, etc. Have the group sign a covenant together, giving you a common language and a common goal.

ASK OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS.

Jesus used the Socratic method to help teach the disciples. He would ask open-ended questions that required more than just one-word answers, drilling down below the surface. Look for opportunities to discuss the introspective questions in the study, inviting the women in your group to process and share what the Holy Spirit stirred in their own lives.

MODEL VULNERABILITY.

It is tempting to believe the lie that we cannot share vulnerably with a group we are leading. With wisdom and humility, we can choose to share where we question or struggle, leveling the ground a bit with those we lead. Every follower of Christ is continually being formed into His image, so there is still work for us all to do. When we model vulnerability, others will follow.

MAKE TRANSFORMATION THE GOAL.

Studying the Word of God should transform us! The Bible is living and active, changing each of us as we encounter it. Make it clear that everyone should be different at the end of the study than when they began. Talk about how the study is making you all more like Jesus. We don’t just want cerebral knowledge of the Scriptures. We want life change!

TRUST THE HOLY SPIRIT TO DO THE HEAVY LIFTING.

Give room for the Holy Spirit to do the hard work of that transformation. It is not up to us to change anyone. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead and guide every group discussion. Ask Him to make the difference among you and then watch Him do it!

BY KIM ERICKSON

Could we get seekers to join a Bible study? The answer lies not in you, but in what they seek.

Before I found Christ at age 38, I was wandering through life with no anchor. There was an emptiness that never left me despite outward signs of a good life. Something was missing.

We know the seeker’s missing piece is Jesus, but we fear we can’t convince them. But even if they don’t want Jesus, seekers usually do want more peace, hope, joy, love, and a sense of belonging. Their minds are open to these things.

As educators know, learning can’t be pushed into someone’s brain; it must be pulled in by a willing mind. Hearts are the same.

When seekers experience how our groups gather together, share concerns, struggle through trials, show where our faith falters, and hold each other up, they will become willing participants in this thing we call Bible study.

You might feel hesitant to invite a non-believer into your Bible study because you fear answering their questions. But remember, it’s not the Word they seek. It’s you. It’s the ladies in your group as the Holy Spirit flows through them. It’s the laughter, the joy, the caring, and the coming together that will draw them.

Let the Holy Spirit and the power of God’s Word do the work of softening hearts and minds in the direction of Christ.

All you need to do to prepare your Bible study for a seeker is abide in Him:

But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

1 JOHN 2:27

COMPARING OUR STUDIES

TITLE: If God Is For Us

AUTHOR: Trilla Newbell

LENGTH: 6 weeks

BOOK OF THE BIBLE/TOPIC: Romans 8

DESCRIPTION: Cement in your soul the great truths of our salvation and an understanding of how the Holy Spirit guides our new life in the Spirit

PRICE: $12.99

DVD: Not Available

TITLE: He Is Enough

AUTHOR: Asheritah Ciuciu

LENGTH: 6 weeks

BOOK OF THE BIBLE/TOPIC: Colossians

DESCRIPTION: Discover the life-altering importance of Jesus’ sufficiency and sovereignty

PRICE: $12.99

DVD: Not Available

TITLE: Included in Christ

AUTHOR: Heather Holleman

LENGTH: 8 weeks

BOOK OF THE BIBLE/TOPIC: Ephesians

DESCRIPTION: Discern personal shadow narratives—ways you are living outside of your identity in Christ—and then rewrite those narratives according to biblical truth

PRICE: $12.99

DVD: Not Available

TITLE: An Unexplainable Life

AUTHOR: Erica Wiggenhorn

LENGTH: 10 weeks

BOOK OF THE BIBLE/TOPIC: Acts 1–12

DESCRIPTION: Reignite a movement of the power of the Holy Spirit in each of us individually and in our churches collectively

PRICE: $12.99

DVD: Not Available

TITLE: The Unexplainable Church

AUTHOR: Erica Wiggenhorn

LENGTH: 10 weeks

BOOK OF THE BIBLE/TOPIC: Acts 13–28

DESCRIPTION: Be inspired to live in the power of the Spirit and accomplish what could never be done alone

PRICE: $12.99

DVD: Available

TITLE: Unexplainable Jesus

AUTHOR: Erica Wiggenhorn

LENGTH: 8 weeks

BOOK OF THE BIBLE/TOPIC: Luke

DESCRIPTION: Step into the streets of Jerusalem and encounter the Jewish Rabbi who turned the world upside down

PRICE: $12.99

DVD: Available

TITLE: His Last Words

AUTHOR: Kim Erickson

LENGTH: 7 weeks

BOOK OF THE BIBLE/TOPIC: John 13–17

DESCRIPTION: John 13–17 records Jesus’ last words to the disciples before His death, revealing what was most important to Him

PRICE: $12.99

DVD: Not Available

TITLE: Who Do You Say That I AM?

AUTHOR: Becky Harling

LENGTH: 8 weeks

BOOK OF THE BIBLE/TOPIC: I AM statements of Jesus

DESCRIPTION: This study in the “I AM” statements of Jesus will help women move from knowing about Him to knowing Him personally

PRICE: $12.99

DVD: Available

TITLE: On Bended Knee

AUTHOR: Crickett Keeth

LENGTH: 8 weeks

BOOK OF THE BIBLE/TOPIC: Prayer

DESCRIPTION: Reinvigorate your own relationship with God by exploring the prayer lives of biblical heroes

PRICE: $12.99

DVD: Not Available

TITLE: I Am Found

AUTHOR: Laura Dingman

LENGTH: 6 weeks

BOOK OF THE BIBLE/TOPIC: Shame and identity in Christ

DESCRIPTION: Explore how we can own our stories, trust God’s affections, and relate honestly with Him and others

PRICE: $12.99

DVD: Not Available

TITLE: This I Know

AUTHOR: Laura Dingman

LENGTH: 6 weeks

BOOK OF THE BIBLE/TOPIC: Unchanging character of God and truth of His Word

DESCRIPTION: Dive into subjects like abundance in Jesus, the goodness of God during our trials, and the value of remembering God’s past faithfulness

PRICE: $12.99

DVD: Available

In 1886, eight years before launching what became Moody Publishers, D. L. Moody founded a Bible school in Chicago, now known as Moody Bible Institute. Today, Moody is one of the most well-known evangelical institutions in the world, training thousands of students for pastoral ministry, cross-cultural missions work, media ministry, and more. Currently, there are more than 40,000 Moody graduates serving God around the globe.

With every book you buy from Moody Publishers, not only do you grow in your faith, but you help fund the training of students who will carry the gospel to every corner of the world. In this way, you partner not just with Moody Bible Institute, but with the work of our founder, D. L. Moody, who prayed that “the work would go on till every knee is bowed!”

AS A CHRISTIAN PUBLISHER, WE EXIST TO RESOURCE THE CHURCH’S WORK OF DISCIPLING ALL PEOPLE.

CHURCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM

To serve you, we have established a generous church discount program that includes:

• 40% off + free shipping

• Additional special discounts for large bulk buys and to give away

(Some churches may be eligible for additional retail terms.)

HOW TO ORDER

To place your order, please call 800.678.8812.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about our extensive discipleship resources for women, visit moodypublisherswomen.com.

To explore all that Moody Publishers has to offer, visit moodypublishers.com.

For questions about our church resource program or to learn about additional discounts for bulk buys, please contact Mark Chase at churchdirect@moody.edu.

FIND THESE BIBLE STUDIES AND OTHER HELPFUL MOODY PUBLISHERS RESOURCES WHEREVER GOOD BOOKS ARE SOLD!