Being the Body Resources: General

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In this general category, we recommend one activity most: knowing and using your Spiritual Gifts. Every Christ-follower has been given gifts for the good of the Body of Christ. Learn what your gifts are and how they can be used in a meaningful place of ministry.

Learn more about spiritual gifts and how you can discover yours through this exercise. If you're already familiar with spiritual gifts, you can take a Spiritual Gifts Assessment (refer to the list below). Or, you can read the descriptions of different gifts in the Spiritual Gifts Summaries page.

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Investigating the Way of Christ

Author: Gateway Church
© 2003-2007 Gateway Community Church
Notes: Learn about the way of life Jesus has planned for all of his followers. This personal study guide, written at Gateway, includes 16 individual lessons organized around each of the Way of Christ categories (Loving God, Loving People, Building Character, and Being the Body). Printed copies available for $5 at Gateway's bookstore (stop by on Sunday to pick one up) or click the "online" box below to download a free PDF version. The material is primarily geared towards the Discover or Develop seasons. Those in the Deepen season are encouraged to check it out as a way to understand the Way of Christ in general.
Resource Access: Check the Gateway bookstore or download PDF
Growth Level: All

No Perfect People Allowed

Author: John Burke
© 2005 Zondervan ISBN 0310256550
Notes: This book is subtitled, "Creating a Come as You Are Culture in the Church," but in many ways, it should be subtitled, "The Story of Gateway." Though it was written by lead pastor John Burke primarily for church leaders, those wanting to better understand what Gateway is all about, or to hear some great stories of God at work will find this book interesting.
Growth Level: Deepen

Inside the Mind of Unchurched Harry & Mary

Author: Lee Strobel
© 1993 Zondervan ISBN 0310375614
Notes: Subtitled "How to Reach Friends and Family who Avoid God and the Church." This is an active book about how you relate the message of Christ to the people you interact with every day. It may help the reader understand the "unchurched" portion of Gateway's mission statement.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore: order online
Growth Level: Develop

Church Planting Info

Author: Emerging Leadership Initiative
(NA) ISBN ELI
Notes: If you're interested in learning more about starting a church like Gateway in another city, please check out the website for ELI (Emerging Leadership Initiative). ELI, through which Gateway was founded, has helped launch several churches throughout the country.
Resource Access: Visit http://www.elichurchplanting.com/
Growth Level: Deepen

Memorize a key verse - Matthew 28:19-20

Author: Matthew 28:19-20
(NA)
Notes: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV).
Resource Access: Look up the verses in your Bible or access at BibleGateway
Growth Level: Develop

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Group Study

1 Corinthians: The Challenges of Life Together

Author / Series: Paul Stevens & Dan Williams / Life Guide
© 2001 InterVarsity Press ISBN 083083009X
Bible Section: NT-1 Corinthians
Notes: Living in community with others in the church can be the best thing you'll ever experience. Unfortunately, it can also be tough when issues become arguments and friendship becomes fighting. Early Christians had the same questions about how the church is to function, and Paul wrote the letter of 1 Corinthians as a response. Use this study guide to consider the lessons Paul had for the church in Corinth.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore: order online
Leader Notes: 13 sessions. The Life Guide series is usually written well for even new leaders. Note the length of the study and the subject of the material before choosing for a new group, however.
Growth Level: Deepen

Acts: Model for Todays Church

Author / Series: Serendipity House / Life Connections
© 2003 Serendipity House Publishers ISBN 1574940732
Bible Section: NT-Acts
Notes: Most of us have asked ourselves this question at some point -- Why attend church services? We can also ask a more important question -- Why be part of the church at all? Study the early church from the book of Acts and think about the lives of these early believers, the challenges they face, and what it says to you today.
Resource Access: Not readily availble in bookstores, but can be ordered online
Leader Notes: 13 sessions. There are two editions for each of the Life Connections books -- look for the leader's guide.
Growth Level: Develop

Nehemiah: The Courage to Face Opposition

Author / Series: Don Fields / Life Guide
© 2002 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830332
Bible Section: OT-Nehemiah
Notes: The Old Testament book of Nehemiah is named for it's principle prophet -- Nehemiah was a leader of Israel during a time of great opposition. The book tells the story of his character, trusting God with courage and faith.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstore: order online
Leader Notes: 13 sessions. The Life Guide books are usually very easy to lead. Note the number of studies and the book of the Bible being studied before choosing this for your group.
Growth Level: Deepen

Hope: Never Beyond Hope

Bible Section: Topical study
Notes: By helping the reader understand the lives of several Bible characters, this study guide shows how God can use us -- even with our imperfections. Our lives are never beyond hope, no matter how we may have failed in the past.
Resource Access: Available at Gateway's bookstre: order online
Leader Notes: 13 sessions. The Christian Basics series studies are based on other books by the same author (in this case, "Never Beyond Hope" by J.I. Packer). The study book can be used as a stand-alone.
Growth Level: Develop