Preparing to Lead: Bible Study Resources
Every leader has go-to resources when preparing to teach or when tackling tough questions, but there are always a few hidden gems you might not have discovered yet. With that in mind, we're sharing some of our favorite reference books, websites, and apps. As always, we encourage you to begin with Scripture itself as your primary source in study and preparation.

• Study Bibles - A good study Bible has minimal notes, but these notes typically address the most critical questions someone might ask. Consider the ESV Study Bible or the Life Application Study Bible.
• YouVersion Bible - YouVersion, one of the most popular Bible apps, allows you to highlight any verse and compare a variety of translations using a button at the bottom of the screen. Be sure to include a more conversational translation (NLT), some middle-of-the-road translations (CSB, NIV, ESV), and a word-for-word translation (NASB).
• Single Volume Commentaries - This type of commentary is a helpful next step, offering more information; however, it remains limited, as it condenses commentary on the entire Bible into a single volume. Consider the New Bible Commentary.
• Single Book Commentaries - One of our top recommendations for Small Groups is the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series. Pastor Matt contributed to the version for Psalms 51-100. We have a few loaners in the Small Groups Office. Pastor Matt also recommends the Let's Study series as another great resource.
• Online Commentaries - A good, free online commentary is Enduring Word. It's a very down-to-earth commentary that isn't too academic. Another option, not free but still inexpensive, is Bible Gateway Plus. There, you can view Greek and Hebrew words and study their meanings and backgrounds. If you are willing to invest time and more money, consider Logos, which contains an extensive selection of commentaries and Bible-study tools. 
• Other Bible Apps - Consider exploring the Blue Letter Bible, a Bible Dictionary app, a Bible map app, Bible Gateway, and Strong's Concordance.
• Systematic Theology - For a more in-depth exploration of a topic, we recommend Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. It's a big book, but you'll find complete explanations and some alternate ways people may interpret passages. 

Curriculum for Small Groups
We encourage small groups to use the Small Groups Guide in their weekly meetings. However, groups are welcome to explore other options, such as studying a book of the Bible, engaging in a topical study, or following a Bible reading plan. To support groups choosing a topical study, the Small Groups Team has curated a list of recommended resources. If your group is considering a study outside of the Small Group Guide or the provided list, please consult with Jay, Dawn, Ashley, or Parker.