Has this Lenten season got you wanting to develop the spiritual practices in your life? The Media Center offers many studies and books that provide an overview of spiritual disciplines for groups and individuals.
DVD Studies for Small Groups
Most of these DVD studies are based on a book that could be read by an individual not participating in a small group.
Five Means of Grace: Experience God’s Love the Wesleyan Way by Elaine A. Heath
John Wesley referred to spiritual practices as the “means of grace” that provide us with opportunities to receive God’s grace. In this study, Heath looks at prayer, searching scripture, receiving the Lord’s Supper, fasting, and conferencing. A DVD, leader guide, and book are available.
The Means of Grace: Traditioned Practice in Today’s World by Andrew C. Thompson
This longer study on even more means of grace covers baptism, searching the scriptures, prayer, The Lord’s Supper, fasting, fellowship, accountability, works of mercy, and exercising the presence of God. A DVD and book are available.
A Disciple’s Path: A Guide for United Methodists by James A. Harnish with Justin LaRosa
This study creates a discipleship path for church members that includes focus upon our membership vows of prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. This is a revised and updated edition. A DVD, leader guide, daily workbook, and companion reader are available.
Opening Ourselves to Grace: Basic Christian Practices
This is an older study, but it is a deep dive into what it means to live as a United Methodist and practice a Wesleyan faith. A DVD and a CD-ROM are included to show video content and print written resources.
From the Animate series, this study covers prayer, eating, worship, sacraments, money, service, and community. Each session is led by a different presenter including Brian McLaren, Sara Miles, Mike Slaughter, Phyllis Tickle, and Shane Claiborne. A DVD, facilitator guide, and student journal are available.
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster
Based on Foster’s classic work, this study covers meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, and celebration. A DVD and participant guide are available.
Mudhouse Sabbath: Seven Ways of Christian Formation Inspired by the Jewishness of Jesus by Lauren F. Winner
Explore the spiritual practices that Jesus would have practiced as a Jew: Sabbath-keeping, hospitality, mindful eating, prayer, fasting, and mourning. A DVD, book, and study companion to the book are available.
Books for Group or Individual Study
Spiritual Practices in Community: Drawing Groups Into the Heart of God by Diana Shiflett
In this personal, hands-on guide, Shiflett walks us through a wide array of spiritual practices, from communal silence and Scripture meditation to active prayer and corporate discernment. She proves a reliable guide, offering step-by-step instructions, pointing out hazards and pitfalls, and sharing her own experiences with honesty and humor.
Foundations: An Introduction to Christian Practices by Phil Maynard
Growth as a disciple begins with a good foundation. We need to learn how to pray, how to begin reading the Bible, how to live in authentic relationships, how to have a devotional time, how to use the resources God has provided, how to discern our call to serve, and how to share our faith. These basic foundational spiritual disciplines are presented in an easy to understand and very practical format.
Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition: A Workbook by Phil Maynard
Divided into 7 weekly sessions, this workbook is structured around John Wesley’s “means of grace” and covers prayer, scripture, the Lord’s Supper, and fasting, among other topics. Developed for individual or group study, the workbook also offers suggestions for organizing an initial group meeting and developing a successful group study.
Additional Resources
For more DVD studies and books on spiritual disciplines, view our Spiritual Disciplines pathfinder. Resources for adults and youth are included.
Request These Resources
These resources can be borrowed for free by anyone involved with a United Methodist Church in the North Carolina Conference. We will mail them to your home! All you need to do is fill out the Resource Request Form.