Part 1: Great Bible Study Options!

As a women's ministry leader, I am continually looking for Bible studies that will challenge me to personally grow in my faith as well as be viable for small group study. I also have a searching eye on materials that would train up women and challenge current leaders to take the next step.

It is so important for women to come together, spend time in the Word, and grow in the truth. Finding a good study that is doable in terms of content and time commitment, and able to transcend a varied audience, is quite a challenge. And finding the time to do the research to find a great study is just as hard to come by. That being said, here is a list of some recent books and studies, as well as a few oldies but goodies, that would make for a good summer time study option or fall semester offering. I hope and pray this collection opens the door of possibilty for your ministry and personal growth.

New and Promising Options
I have not completed any of these particular studies, but after doing a thorough review, I do believe they are viable considerations for personal and corporate growth!

BE Hopeful: 1 Peter, from the BE series

This new adition to the BE series produced by David C. Cook publishers and edited by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe, an internationally known Bible teacher, former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago, and the author of more than 150 books, has a very traditional study feel. Each chapter includes commentary and questions intended for personal reflection and group discussion. It is thin book, so it seems simple at first glance. Wiersbe is anything but simple, however. He has packed this little book full of imformation that the soul must digest and chew throughout the study. Dr. Wiersbe, "skillfully weaves Scripture with historical explanations and thought-provoking questions, communicating the Word in such a way that the masses grasp its relevance for today." For women looking to grow in the Word without a lot of flowery language or an intense emotional journey, this study is perfect.

Live Relationally & Live Deeply, from the Fresh Life series

This series is enticing and refreshing. It not only looks perfect for groups or individual study, but also looks meaty. It has the "Beth Moore" daily commitment of 20 minutes a day for a meaningful contemplation of God’s Word, while using the "Kay Arthur" inductive method style.

Live Relationally offers a fresh look at the important women of Genesis. With probing questions, insightful sidebars, and meaningful life-application exercises, Live Relationally offers the vivid lessons and rich wisdom of Israel’s founding mothers.

Live Deeply is for anyone who has ever read one of Jesus’ parables and asked, “What is He talking about?” Now women—alone or with a small group—can dig deeper into the meaning of these parables to uncover their important meaning for their walks with Christ.

Pathway to Purpose for Women, by Katie Brazelton

Would you like to be renewed in your passions, refocused in your life, and walk away with practical, biblical tools? If so, than this is the study for you and your women. Katie takes her life experience and infamous life coaching skills and puts them in a digestable format for women in all stages of life. This book is full of energy, challenging women to seek their God-given purpose, right where they are in life!

Through His Eyes: God's Perspective on Women in the Bible, by Jerram Barrs

This book can't help but scream, "It is time to grow women! It is time to dig deeper." The cover art alone invites you to study what might possibly lie inside its densely filled chapters. And upon opening, you know this is "no sissy read." It is a modern-day textbook unpacking and repackaging familar Scriptures about famously known women in the Bible: Eve, Sarah, Rahab, Tamar, Ruth...to name a few. Barrs provides spiritual food for the hungry soul through the Scriptures.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I'll share another collection of Tried and True Studies! You can also visit my collection of resource recommendations.

Because of Him,