Mission Studies for 2021
2021 Spiritual Growth Mission Study
In Jesus’ own words, he came to bring good news to the poor, release the captives, restore sight to the blind, and to let the oppressed go free. What is the responsibility of the church to follow Christ’s example in word and deed? While these times might feel particularly turbulent, society has always confronted the church with challenging issues where she has had to discern how God was calling her. The church’s track record in these moments is far from perfect. The purpose of this study is to help the church and its members discern our call and bear witness to the will of God for a more just world.
Written by Darryl W. Stephens.
Purchase on the e-store ($10)
Purchase Kindle Edition ($5.95)
Resources for Study Leaders:
2021 Youth Mission Study
This mission study is written for those interested in working alongside youth on issues of violence. Throughout this study, the goal is to take time to have deeper conversations about how we define violence, what the root causes of violence are, and ultimately, how God is calling us to respond. At the same time, the study seeks to guide young people to develop their capacity as peacemakers as an expression of their faith.
Written by Jay Godfrey
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Resources for Study Leaders
2021 Children’s Mission Study
This study provides the opportunity to reach children, their parents and guardians with information and techniques that will help prepare them for the violence that they will unfortunately encounter over the course of their lives. This study will give them resources using scripture, role-play and discussion to draw upon when they face situations similar to the ones that we will be looking at.
Written by Sue Raymond
Purchase on the e-store ($10)
Resources for Study Leaders:
2021 Spiritual Growth Mission Study
Finding Peace in an Anxious World, the 2021 Spiritual Growth Study by staff of the Urban Village Church, uses the book of Proverbs and “The Serenity Prayer” as a guide to help Christians find their way through anxiety, worry, and fear and move towards God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. Using “The Serenity Prayer” as a scaf-fold, Finding Peace in an Anxious World explores ways to discover peace through scriptural and spiritual disciplines so that we can be rooted in God and energized to live fully as disciples of Christ.
“The Serenity Prayer” shaped a 2015 four-part sermon series at the Urban Village Church in Chicago. It was through that series that the church was able to address the tumultuous events of that summer and present a framework for how to approach a God who desires peace for the hearts of God’s people in times of anxiety. These sermons are the basis for this book.
The four chapters, each written by a different Urban Village Church leader, focus on different aspects of the prayer—serenity, acceptance, courage, and wisdom—and each concludes with a spiritual practice to help further develop the featured char-acteristic in your life.
2021 Mission u Alternatives
These resources help individuals and small groups remotely engage in Mission u.
Companion Study Guide:
Finding Peace in an Anxious World - Companion Study Guide for Individuals and Small Groups
Video Supplements:
Overview of Chapter 1: Serenity
Overview of Chapter 2: Acceptance
Overview of Chapter 3: Courage
Overview of Chapter 4: Wisdom
Theological Frameworks in Chapter 1: Serenity
Theological Frameworks in Chapter 2: Acceptance
Theological Frameworks in Chapter 3: Courage
Theological Frameworks in Chapter 4: Wisdom
Resources for Virtual Meetings:
Leading Mission u Studies on Zoom
If It Is Not Possible to Have a Face-to-Face Program
How to Host a Virtual Event Using Zoom
Purchase on the e-store ($10)
Purchase Kindle Edition ($5.95)
Resources for Study Leaders:
Requirements for Certification and Resources
Leader's Guide in English
Leader's Guide in Spanish
Leader's Guide in Korean
Leader's Guide Permissions and Credits
Download the Cover
Spanish Front Cover
Spanish Rear Cover
Korean Front Cover
Korean Rear Cover
2021 Issue Mission Study
Despite increased attention to the mass and over-incarceration of black men, the plight of criminalized black women and girls is overlooked, underreported and under analyzed. Monique W. Morris' Pushout shows how even with obstacles, stigmas, stereotypes and despair, black girls still find ways to breathe remarkable dignity into their lives in classrooms, juvenile facilities and beyond, and challenges the rest of us to do the same.