Settings
Small groups, large sessions

Styles of Learning
Video, Discussion, Reflection, Reading, Bible Study, Action

Number of sessions
13 sessions available - each stand alone

Length of sessions
30 minutes to 2 hours

Aims

• Thought provoking
• Conversation starting
• Integration of faith and life

Theological Perspective
Broad, holistic

Age Group
Adult, young adult

Specific leadership requirements
-

Country of origin
USA

Available in languages other than English
Subtitles in English, French, German, Korean, Mandarin, Portugese, Spanish

Resources provided

DVD - commentary by Rob Bell, music, text
Discussion guide in colour with DVD
Downloadable Discussion Guide

Where to purchase

Word, Koorong

Cost
$16 to $20 for each DVD/Discussion Guide

Technology needed
DV Player/TV

Web site
www.nooma.com

Uniting Church Congregations using Nooma

Leave a comment below if you’re using this resource.

Content

1. Rain - dealing with suffering
2. Flame - layers of love
3. Trees - Adam and Eve - Environment
4. Sunday - why do we go to church?
5. Noise - why is silence so hard to deal with?
6. Kickball - asking God for things…
7. Luggage - dealing with personal hurt
8. Dust - dealing with feelings of inadequacy
9. Bullhorn - working with people we disagree with
10. Lump - God’s love in response to our shame
11. Rhythm - living in sync with God
12. Matthew - facing loss
13. Rich - blessing, wealth

Settings
Small groups, large sessions

Styles of Learning
Video, Discussion, Reflection, Reading, Bible Study, Action

Number of sessions
12 sessions - best used in three series of 4

Length of sessions
90 minutes to 2 hours

Aims

• Explores how the Christian faith invites a deepers sense of connection, the careful management of our lives in the household of God
• Traces the original meaning of the steward through the Old and New Testaments and through its use in society as a whole
• Opens a cupboard on fresh resources for life inthe love and grace of Jesus, the ultimate steward
• Leads beyond thinking of stewardship as just relating to money - it’s about spirituality and discipleship, a whole way of life
• Offers resources - video, magazine-style books, quality research and art - designed to make you feel at home
• Restores the inner life of ‘being stewards’ back to where it belongs - home.

Theological Perspective

Uniting Church, broad, holistic

Age Group
Adult

Specific leadership requirements
-

Country of origin
Australia

Available in languages other than English
-

Resources provided

Video - commentary by Alister McRae

3 magazine-style books per participant

Facilitator’s Guide to Open Plan

CD Rom

Promotional Material

Where to purchase

Unichurch, Melbourne

Cost
Leaders Starter Package - video, facilitator’s guide & 1 participant box set $167 incl. GST or $150 for UC Congregations

Congregations Starter Package - video, facilitator’s guide, participant box set, CD Rom, promotional pack $220 incl. GST or $200 for UC Congregations

Working Kit 1 - Congregation Starter Pack + 10 Participant Box Sets $467.50 incl. GST or $382.50 for UC Congregations

Working Kit 2 - Congregation Starter Pack & 20 Participant Box Sets $685 incl. GST or $560.45

Technology needed
Video Player/TV

Web site
-

National/Regional Advisor
Bruce Russell, Mission & Rseource Development Unit, Synod of Victoria & Tasmania
Phone (03) 9251 0r fax 9654 4110

Uniting Church Congregations using Open Plan

Leave a comment below if you’re using this resource.

Content

Stint 1: Reconnecting - Living and Being in God’s Place
1. A Guided Tour
2. Going Home - what stewardship really means
3. Room to Move - Being and Belonging in the household of God
4. Connecting with God

Stint 2: Home and Garden - Address Your Resident Realities
5. Being Yourself
6. Opening Doors to Real Relating
7. Inhabiting Habitat - authentic living within creation
8. Bringing Home the Bacon - financing your home life

Stint 3: The Outer Space to Be: Hospitality on the Doorstep of the World
9. Heritage Households - traditions, cultures & stewards
10. Citizens and Strangers - The ins and outs of being stewards
11. Better Homes and Temples - Stewards in the household of faith
12. Where to From Here? - A house meeting about visions, plans and covenanting to care

Settings
Worship, all-age learning, adult study groups, seminars, camps, Sunday School, children’s programs, youth groups.

Styles of Learning
Interactive, Sermon ideas, stories, activity projects, computer software, Bible study, small group discussion.

Number of sessions
A session for every week of the year

Length of sessions
30 minutes to 2 hours

Aims
To provide God’s people with lectionary-based, ecumenical resources that empower all ages to be transformed in Christ as they:

• explore meaning and mystery in the Bible;
• celebrate in worship, sacraments, education, and service;
• engage in ministries of love, justice, and witness;
• live in inclusive communities of faith, shaped and led by the Holy Spirit.

Theological Perspective
Ecumenical, broad, liturgical

Age Group
Birth-Age 2, 3-5, 6- 8, 9 - 11, 12-14, 15-18, Adult, Complete Congregational Life, Multi-age (5-12 yrs)

Specific leadership requirements
-

Country of origin
Australia/USA/Canada/UK

Available in languages other than English
-

Resources provided
Photocopiable resources for participants $160 per year
Session Plans/Team Teaching Resources $54.50 per year
Behold: Art Book extra copies $33.50 (4 per year)
Music on CD & Songbook $8.50 - $30
Poster Set $87 per year

Where to purchase
Mediacom Education

Technology needed
-

Web site
www.spiritseasons.com
includes ‘Action Zone’ with ideas for interactive activities, ‘Library’ with articles and resource sheets, ‘Spirit Sightings’ with reflections on current events and media, ‘Bible Study’ provides access to international Bible study community that shapes future curriculum, and access to email discussion groups on learning, worship and serving.

National/Regional Advisors
Paul Yarrow, Queensland
Amelia Koh Butler, NSW
Mark Hillis, NSW
Mark Lawrence, Victoria
Bec Wilson Victoria
Sue Clarkson Victoria
Sam Charlesworth Victoria
Elizabeth Nolan
Helen Phillips, Tasmania
Ian Price, South Australia
John Atkinson, Western Australia
Steve & Kim Francis, Western Australia

Uniting Church Congregations using Seasons of the Spirit

…

Settings
At home, in small groups or individually

Styles of Learning
Self-directed study, Reading, writing, discussion (when in small groups).

Aims
Through Distance Theological Education people can be helped, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to develop their own understanding of God, the world, the church and themselves in a way that draws on the rich tradition of thought and experience through which God has been revealed through the centuries. By means of Distance Theological Education we aim to increase people’s understandings of the Christian faith, deepen their spiritual lives and enhance their competence in ministry.

Theological Perspective
Broad, Uniting Church in Australia

Age Group
Adult

Specific leadership requirements
-

Country of origin
Australia

Available in languages other than English
In some cases Korean, Indonesian, Fijian

Resources provided
Workbook, Readings

Where to purchase
Online or over the phone

Cost
Discover Stream: $40 (no assessment) or $60 (assessment)
Explore Stream: $170 per unit
Deepen Stream: From $373 - $642 per degree level topic.

Three Streams

Discover Stream
Ideal for work in a small group. 8 sessions of 90 minutes plus time for individual study. Assessment based on completing the tasks in the workbook.

Explore Stream
Aimed at self study at Certificate and Diploma Levels. Can be used toward UCA Lay Preacher’s Certificate (6 topics) Certificate IV in Ministry (10 topics) or Diploma in Pastoral Ministry (20 topics).

Deepen Stream
Aimed at self study at higher education sector accreditation, continuing education for ministers and others, available for BMin, BTh and higher degree students, coursework and research through to PhD.

Web site
http://coolamon.org/

National/Regional Advisors
Lee Levett-Olson, Jo-Anne Fulton, Margaret Wyatt.

Uniting Church Congregations using Coolamon College courses

Study Topics

Discover Stream

• Story of the Old Testament (English, Indonesian, Fijian, Korean)
• New Testament (English, Fijian, Korean)
• How shall we worship? (1 & 2)
• Introducing the Uniting Church in Australia
• Discipleship 1
• Being an elder in the UCA

Explore Stream

• Introduction to New Testament
• Introduction to Interpreting the Bible
• Discovering the Hebrew Scriptures
• Promise and Fulfilment in the Pentateuch
• Letters of Paul
• Life Now - Gospel of John
• Doing Theology - an introduction
• Introduction to Christology
• Uniting Church Sacraments for Lay Presiders
• Theology - Uniting Church Perspectives
• The Christian Life - Protestant Perspectives
• Church History
• Western Church in Middle Ages
• Reformation: Protestant Perspectives
• Australian Church History
• Eldership in the UCA
• Introduction to Christian Mission
• Preaching - God’s word in human speech
• Religious Education in Schools
• Youth Ministry 1 & 2
• Global Discipleship: Mission, Justice, Development
• Worship in the UCA
• Evangelism: Reaching People through the local church
• Leadership in a church setting
• Establishing New Congregations
• Christian Mentoring
• Practicums in Educational Ministry,
  Pastoral Care, Worship and Preaching,
  and Mission
• Practical Prophets: Christians and Social Justice
• Christian Prayer: Practice of Spirituality
• Following Jesus Today: Intro to Discipleship

Deepen Stream

• Interpreting the Old Testament
• New Testament Studies
• Introduction to Exegesis: Old & New Testaments
• Spirit, Grace & Humanity
• Christian Beginnings: Early Church to 500 AD
• Sociology for Ministry
• Pentateuch via Genesis
• Matthew
• 1 & 2 Corinthians
• Romans
• Person and Work of Christ
• Christian Life: Protestant Perspective
• Orientation to UCA
• Creation Spirituality
• Fathers and Heretics
• Introduction to Feminist Studies in Theology
• Medieval Church History
• Soul Stirrings: History of Christian Spirituality
• Service as Good News: History of Diaconate
• Exploring Cross-Cultural Ministry
• Towards Reconciliation: Theological Understanding
• Pastoral Care in Hospital Setting 1 & 2
• New Testament Greek
• Biblical Hebrew
• Biblical Hermeneutics
• Biblical & Philosophical Hermeneutics
• Study Tour: Lands of the Bible
• The Trinity
• Leadership in the Christian Church
• Mission of the Church
• Jesus Christ Today: Introduction to Theological Studies
• Practicums in educational ministry, congregational ministry, pastoral care, worship & preaching, mission

Settings
Bible Study groups, retreats, youth groups, Church Councils, preparation for baptism and communion, classrooms, families, workplace, non-profit organisations.

Styles of Learning
Reading material from the book, small group discussion, engagement in shared and individual practices of faith.

Number of sessions
There are 12 practices outlined in the book. The study guide provides questions and activities for each chapter, along with introductory and concluding sessions.

Length of sessions
1 to 2 hours

Aims
Exploration of 12 time-honored practices shaped by the Christian community over the centuries, yet richly relevant to contemporary experience. These Christian practices are shared activities that address fundamental human needs and that, when woven together, form a way of life that is faithful and has integrity.

Theological Perspective
Broad, incarnational, sacramental, Reformed, Catholic, Methodist, Anglican, Disciples of Christ, Lutheran

Age Group
Adult. A youth-oriented version, “Way to Live” is available.

Specific leadership requirements
-

Country of origin
USA

Available in languages other than English
-

Resources provided
Book, “Practicing Our Faith”, edited by Dorothy Bass
Supporting website
Study Guide: free 55 page document - downloadable pdf file

Where to purchase
Koorong, Rainbow Books

Cost
Between $28 and $36

Technology needed
-

Web site
www.practicingourfaith.com

www.waytolive.com

National/Regional Advisors
-

Uniting Church Congregations using Practicing Our Faith
Kippax Uniting, Canberra

Content

• Times of Yearning
• Practices of Faith
• Honoring the Body
• Hospitality
• Household Economics
• Saying Yes and Saying No
• Keeping Sabbath
• Testimony
• Discernment
• Shaping Communities
• Forgiveness
• Healing
• Dying Well
• Singing Our Lives
• Growing in the Practices of Faith

The study guide provides support for practicing faith in specific life settings: at home, in teen and young adult groups and classes, in our churches, with colleagues and coworkers and in small groups.

Settings
Small groups, seminars

Styles of Learning

Video interviews, Discussion, Individual reading

Number of sessions
10

Length of sessions
90 minutes to 2 hours

Aims
To explore the meaning of grace in gut-level real-life situations. Yancey offers intimate glimpses of God’s power to forgive the most horrible deeds, love the unloving, and redeem the seemingly unredeemable. Yancey considers the disturbing impact on human hearts when the actions of Christians deny the grace they proclaim.

Theological Perspective
Evangelical

Age Group
Adult

Specific leadership requirements
-

Country of origin
USA

Available in languages other than English
Spanish (book) available from Word.

Resources provided
Book $12.95 - $36.95 (Spanish $17.95)
Leader’s Guide
Participant’s Guide $11.95
DVD/Video $19.95
Also available on cassette or downloadable audio file from Amazon.com
Also available: Visual Edition -
designed to appeal to spiritual seekers
and visually oriented readers.

Where to purchase
Koorong, Word

Technology needed
DVD/Video player

Web site
-

National/Regional Advisors
-

Uniting Church Congregations using What’s So Amazing About Grace
Pacific Parks Uniting, Gold Coast

Contents of book

1. The Last Best Word (Click here to read as pdf)
Part I: How Sweet the Sound
2. Babette’s Feast: A Story
3. A World Without Grace
4. Lovesick Father
5. The New Math of Grace
Part II: Breaking the Cycle of Ungrace
6. Unbroken Chain: A Story
7. An Unnatural Act
8. Why Forgive?
9. Getting Even
10. The Arsenal of Grace
Part III: Scent of Scandal
11. A Home for Bastards: A Story
12. No Oddballs Allowed
13. Grace-Healed Eyes
14. Loopholes
15. Grace Avoidance
Part IV: Grace Notes for a Deaf World
16. Big Harold: A Story
17. Mixed Aroma
18. Serpent Wisdom
19. Patches of Green
20. Gravity and Grace

Settings
Seminar, small group, with a friend

Styles of Learning
DVD, Live talks, Interviews, Discussion,

Number of sessions
Seven or eight sessions, with or without the weekend away.

Length of sessions
2 hours

Aims
To introduce friends to God with a presentation of the ‘Biblical Metanarrative’ in a relaxed culturally appropriate way, starting with who God is and finishing with the person of Jesus.

Theological Perspective
Conservative Evangelical

Age Group
Student, Adult

Specific leadership requirements
Training is recommended for hosts

Country of origin
Christians in the Media, Sydney, Australia

Available in languages other than English
-

Resources provided
Presenter’s pack ($149 AU) includes 12 talks on 2 DVDs or VHS videos, training DVD or video, talk scripts and PowerPoint, five participants’ handbooks, a poster pack, a course driver’s manual, and 100 invitation cards. Special features include dramas, testimonials, quicktime film clips and a promotional quicktime video.

Audio CDs $29.95
Participant’s Handbook $6
Course Driver’s Manual $20
Introducing God DVD or Video $79.
Explanation DVD or Video $35
Postcard Pack $20
Poster Pack $10

Where to purchase
Online at www.introducinggod.org

Technology needed
DVD or Video player, Computer, Projector/TV

Web site
http://www.introducinggod.org/

National/Regional Advisors
Dominic Steele, a Moore College graduate who has worked in commercial radio news and now works with Christians in the Media and Anglican Evangelism Ministries, Sydney Diocese.

Uniting Church Congregations using Introducing God

Content

Introductory Night (Acts 17) - Stand alone session
Session 1: God, us and the meaning of life (Genesis 1)
Session 2: Our declaration of autonomy (Genesis 3)
Session 3: What will God do about our autonomy problem? (Psalm 2)
Session 4: God’s competent king (Luke
Session 5: The death that changes everything (Luke 23)
Session 6: God made Jesus Lord and Christ (Acts 2)
Session 7: Remember our future (2 Peter 3)

The difference Jesus makes Weekend
Weekend A: The difference Jesus makes to life now (Luke 14)
Weekend B: The difference Jesus makes to relationship with God (Luke 15)
Weekend C: The difference Jesus makes to our futures (Luke 16)
Session 8: Drinking from the water of life! (Revelation 21-22)

Settings
Seminars, Small Groups

Styles of Learning

DVD, Reading, Discussion

Number of sessions
12

Length of sessions
2 hours

Aims
The course is designed to help participants engage with issues at the heart of Christianity today, including the Bible, God, Jesus, sin and how to live in a multi-faith pluralistic society

Theological Perspective
Progressive

Age Group
Adult, Student

Specific leadership requirements
-
Country of origin
Tim Scorer is a minister at Penticton United Church in Canada. Marcus Borg is Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture in the Department of Philosophy at Oregon State University.

Available in languages other than English
-

Resources provided
DVD with talks by Borg and Scorer along with art works to be used with sessions.
The guide book provides detailed outlines for 12 sessions.
Reproducible resource sheets promote personal and group engagement with material.

Where to purchase in Australia
Mediacom

Cost
$52.45 for Experiencing the Heart of Christianity (course)
$26.95 for The Heart of Christianity (book)

Technology needed
DVD player

Web site
-

Uniting Church Congregations using Experiencing the Heart of Christianity
Kippax Uniting, Canberra
West End Uniting, Brisbane

Content

From the HarperCollins summary:

World-renowned Jesus scholar Marcus J. Borg shows how we can live passionately as Christians in today’s world by practicing the vital elements of Christian faith.
For the millions of people who have turned away from many traditional beliefs about God, Jesus, and the Bible, but still long for a relevant, nourishing faith, Borg shows why the Christian life can remain a transforming relationship with God. Emphasizing the critical role of daily practice in living the Christian life, he explores how prayer, worship, Sabbath, pilgrimage, and more can be experienced as authentically life-giving practices.
Borg reclaims terms and ideas once thought to be the sole province of evangelicals and fundamentalists: he shows that terms such as “born again” have real meaning for all Christians; that the “Kingdom of God” is not a bulwark against secularism but is a means of transforming society into a world that values justice and love; and that the Christian life is essentially about opening one’s heart to God and to others.

Chapters in the Book:

1. The heart of Christianity in a time of change
2. Faith - the way of the heart
3 The Bible - the heart of the Tradition
4. God - the Heart of reality
5. Jesus - the Heart of God
6. Born Again - a new heart
7. The Kingdom of God - the heart of justice
8. Thin Places - Opening the heart
9. Sin and Salvation - Transforming the heart
10. The heart of the matter - practice
11. Heart and home - Being Christian in an age of pluralism

John Emmett, in his review, writes:

“Essentially, Marucs Borg’s thesis is that a former paradgim of Christianity - which he simply names as ‘The Earlier Paradigm’ - is no longer convincing, valid or useful. A new paradigm is emerging - which he simply names as ‘The Emerging Paradigm’. Borg then develops his awareness and experience of the emerging paradigm into a broad conceptual framework, exploring the ideas and practices that are determining its style and vitality and persausiveness.”

Settings
Seminar, Individual study (book), Small group discussion, gathered worship, ministry fair, Youth Groups, Sunday School, Adult Bible Studies.

Styles of Learning
Reading material (a chapter a day), Discussion, Sermons, Worship.

Number of sessions
Resources for seven Sundays and six small group sessions.

Length of sessions
Opening Seminar two hours
Fifteen to thirty minutes reading each day
90 - 120 minutes in small groups
Teaching sessions - designed for 20 - 40 minutes

Aims
The course is designed to
1. Resource individuals and families as they explore their sense of God-given purpose
2. Resource small groups as they explore together the five purposes given to the church (and individuals)
3. Resource congregations as they build God’s purposes into their rhythms.

Theological Perspective
Conservative Evangelical. Rick Warren comes from a Baptist background. At times his Calvinist approach becomes evident.

Age Group
Adult, Youth, Children

Specific leadership requirements
Churches are required to register with Purpose Driven Life and run their program at the same time as other churches around the world. Registration may be required four months in advance.

Country of origin
USA

Available in languages other than English
Chinese, Spanish

Resources provided
Each participant has a pack with the book, Purpose Driven Life, a small group curriculum workbook, and a memory verse key ring. Each small group has a set of small group curriculum on video or DVD. Set of ten is $120 Australian.
Seven Weekend service plans include suggested sermons by Rick Warren and access to Saddleback’s campaign services on the internet.
Youth and Children’s Ministry Curriculum is available on CD. The youth ministry resource includes messages by Youth Pastor Doug Fields along with study guides. Children’s curriculum, in-class actitivities and take-home materials for preschool through to end of primary school.

Where to purchase
The books can be purchased from any Christian bookstore. However the overall course is only available from Purpose Driven Australia at Church Resource Specialties.
Ministry Partners AustraliaTOLL FREE 1800 010 446Fax: (03) 5241 3290 Email: 40days at purposedriven.com.au
Mail: PO Box 519, Belmont VIC 3216

Cost
Campaign Cost ranges from $360 (congregation less than 200 members), to $440 (200-500 members), and $570 (over 500 members).

Technology needed
Video/DVD player required if using the Rick Warren or Doug Fields talks.

Web sites
www.purposedriven.com.au (Australia)
www.purposedriven.com (USA)
www.purposedriven.co.nz (NZ)
www.purposedrivenlife.com (The book)

National/Regional Advisors
See the Australian list of churches and leaders available to provide advice in preparing the 40 Days of Purpose campaign. Email addresses are provided there.

Uniting Churches
In Queensland, these include Vic Caplick at Fassifern Valley Uniting and Bob Miles at Pine Mountain Uniting. In South Australia these include Don Purdey at Glenunga and Gordon Cooksey at Golden Grove Uniting. In NSW these include Neville Faggotter at Gymea-Miranda, Paul & Miriam Edgar at Kincumber, Mick Brown at Menai-Illawong, Graeme Odgers at Panania, and Deborah Crosley at Terrigal Uniting.

Uniting Church Congregations using 40 Days of Purpose

NSW
Blacktown, Coleambally, Dapto, Grenfell, Gymea-Miranda, Liverpool, Maclean, Oatley, Port Macquarie, St Andrews, Sutherland, Turramurra, Yamba.
QLD
Bald Hills, Bracken Ridge, Innisfail, Oakey & District. Sunnybank, The Gap, Wavell Heights, Wulguru
SA
Nuriootpa, Seacombe, Tusmore, Woodville
VIC
Seymour, South Camberwell, St Luke’s, St Philips

Content
Introduction - What on Earth am I here for?
Worship - You were planned for God’s pleasure
Fellowship - You were Planned for God’s Family
Discipleship - You were Created to Become Like Christ
Ministry - You were Shaped for Serving God
Evangelism - You were Made for a Mission

Settings
Small Groups, Seminars

Styles of Learning

Video presentation, Bible Study, Discussion, Practical Exercises

Number of sessions
13

Length of sessions
90 - 120 minutes

Aims
Help Christians experience authentic transformation through engagement with classic Christian spiritual disciplines.

Theological Perspective
Evangelical, Contemplative

Age Group
Adult

Specific leadership requirements
-

Country of origin
USA

Available in languages other than English
-

Resources provided
13-session DVD (total run time approx. 300 minutes) with motivating presentations by Richard J. Foster, practical exercises that bring the disciplines to life, conversations among such experts as Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Margaret Campbell, and Glandion Carney and the inspirational music of George Skramstad and Jim Stewart.
Leader’s Guide
Participant’s Guides include discussion questions, Bible studies, and exercises
CD-ROM contains transcripts of conversations between Richard J. Foster and Dallas Willard.

Where to purchase
Online from Renovare Online.

The Study Guide Book is available separately and can be purchased from Christian bookshops in Australia.

Cost $125 (USA)

Technology needed
DVD Player (with multi-code capacity)

Web site
www.renovare.org

National/Regional Advisors

Uniting Church Congregations using Celebration of Discipline

Content

Inward Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study
Outward Disciplines: Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service
Corporate Disciplines: Confession, Worship, Guidance, Celebration