Connect Group Facilitators have access to a variety of resources they can use for their connect group.
Some resources are available in the Bayside Church library and can be borrowed. Others may need to be purchased by all connect group members. If you come across a great study please let us know.
Video Studies
There are many video studies available, that range from 5-30 minute videos followed by discussion.
The Bible Project provides short five minute Bible Study videos that discuss different themes concerning God, Jesus and the Bible. The videos provide a great launching pad for small groups to discuss and raise questions.
In this small group video-based study, Craig Groeschel shows how we can stay engaged with social media while still keeping our eyes focused on Jesus. In five sessions, Groeschel reveals how we can rediscover our understanding of the biblical principles of life with Christ brings-contentment, intimacy, authenticity, compassion, and rest-and put God first in our social media-saturated world.
Season 1 and 2 now available.
A 10-part documentary series on how the life and teaching of Jesus changed the world and why it matters. Karl Faase travels to the US, UK, Australia, Singapore and India interviewing over 30 authors, speakers and modern-day game-changers.
This six-week study will help to revitalize and strengthen one’s prayer life. This course has been compiled by Alpha and is available online.
NOOMA
Rob Bell presents engaging video content on some core Christian themes. Each video roughly runs for 10 minutes. The Bayside Church library has a range of DVDs available for borrowing.
SOCIAL JUSTICE STUDIES
- Be Love – God’s call to love the poor and vulnerable is heard throughout the Bible… but how do we do that? Through this book and bible study series, you will explore five ways that you and your church family can truly “be love” to communities living in poverty.
- Australians Together – Forging relationships with indigenous Australians. A video Bible Study is available.
- Syrian Refugees Small Group Guide – Request a copy at Church office
- The Miracle of Mercy DVD study – Rick Warren looks at God’s number one characteristic.
WOMEN STUDIES
- Breathe, Priscilla Shirer
- Present Over Perfect, Shauna Niequist
- Girls With Swords, Lisa Bevere
SHANE WILLARD
- Bringing Heaven Here
- Living Free
- The Pressure’s Off
- Living with Emotional Control
- How To Read The Bible Like a Hebrew
- History & The Bible, Part 1 & Part 2
- The Jewish Roots of Easter
OTHER VIDEO STUDIES
- Honor’s Reward, John Bevere
- Bait of Satan, John Bevere
- Under Cover, John Bevere
- Crazy Love, Francis Chan
- Walk Across The Room, Bill Hybels (Topic: Evangelism)
- Present Over Perfect, Shauna Niequist
- Breathe, Priscilla Shirer
- Resilient, Sheridan Voysey
- God’s Answers to Life’s Difficult Questions, Rick Warren
BAYSIDE TEACHING SERIES
Go to Teaching Series. Some popular series:
- Answers to Searching Questions
- Real Christianity
- Contending with the Supernatural
- Church without Walls
Bible Studies
Sustainability and God’s Creation
This four-week discipleship group guide produced by Tear Australia and Renew Our World Campaign touches on money, care for creation, vocation and God’s view of the good life. It will lead people into fresh insights and reflections as to how we can practice living Jesus’ way in our everyday lives.
Baptist World Aid Australia has released a book and Bible study series called “The End of Greed”. These will help you discover how consumerism can be damaging to your relationship with God, can sap your capacity to be generous, exploits people in poorer countries, wreaks havoc on the planet and inflicts suffering on animals. You’ll also identify simple, practical steps towards a new, Christ-shaped way of consuming.
Books
Read a book over a period of time. Some suggestions:
- Experiencing God, Henry T Blackaby
- Jesus: Pure & Simple, Wayne Cordeiro
- The Five Love Languages, Dr Gary Chapman
- Discovering Your Heart with the Flag Page, Mark Gungor
- Before Amen, Max Lucado
- Be Anxious For Nothing, Joyce Meyer
- Create Vs Copy, Ken Wystma
- Too Busy Not To Pray, Bill Hybels
- Make Your Mark, Margie Warrell
Testimonies
Each week someone in the group shares a testimony and this be the focus of the group coming together and getting to know each. This is a great opportunity for the group to get to know the person and their story.
SOAP
SOAP is a powerful tool that can be used in Connect Groups as each person focuses on one scripture that they believe God is highlighting to them. Connect members can follow The Story Bible Reading Plan 2018, read it together and speak of what they believe God is saying to them personally.
Scripture – what scripture is God highlighting to you?
Observation – what do you observe about this scripture?
Application – how does it apply to you?
Prayer – what is your prayer based on this scripture?
Movies
Pick movies and discuss Christian values and themes in the movie. For some Christian movie ideas:
- War Room
- Power of One
- The Shack
The Exchange
Half an hour talk show, pick a topic for your group and discuss. Go to the Youtube channel.
Courses
Alpha
Alpha is a great foundational course that explains the basic truths of the Christian faith. This is perfect for people exploring faith, new to Christianity or any mature Christian wanting to get back to basics. Great to run in connect groups also.
