Books as Curriculum

My life has been changed a thousand times by reading great Christian books—almost never by curriculum.

Books like Knowing God by J.I. Packer or The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul don’t just inform—they form. They drive steel into the soul. They shape convictions. They awaken awe. They make you want to fall on your knees and worship. That’s the kind of effect we’re after in discipleship.

I remember reading 2 Timothy 4:13 years ago: When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers (NLT). I wrote in the margin of my Bible, “Books have always been important to the people of God.”

If you want to create disciples, get your people reading books. Let them sit under the wisdom of trusted guides who have walked with God and have something to say. Let them chew on truth that doesn’t fit on a fill-in-the-blank worksheet.

We started doing this about a year ago at my church, and I don’t think we’ll ever go back. People not only read their lessons—they enjoy them. Who doesn’t enjoy a good Charles Swindoll book? And they not only enjoy it—they change and grow.

Because books change people. And changed people change the world.

At www.MyBibleStudyLessons.com you will find hundreds of Bible studies available based on your favorite books. If I have not written what you are looking for, email me at josh@joshhunt.com

Josh Hunt
writer, Good Questions Have Groups Talking

Josh Hunt believes in the power of the small group ministry in your church. And, his belief is contagious. In his new book, Make Your Group Grow, Josh presents sound application to easy to understand research that will benefit every size and style of church. Your groups and leadership will benefit from this book.

Ed Stetzer,
President of
LifeWay Research, www.edstetzer.com