Curriculum for Adults

Bible studies

Adult Bible Study
Adult Bible Study is designed to be read at home and then studied and discussed at Sunday School.  Use the daily Bible readings for your at-home devotional. It provides in-depth, challenging Bible study from and Anabaptist perspective, written by an intercultural group of pastors, teachers, professors and leaders from the United States and Canada.  Sessions include daily Bible readings, resources for additional study and free downloadable resources. 

​Estudios Bíblicos para Adultos
Estudios Bíblicos para Adultos es un cursillo en lengua española, traducido por un profesional, del currículo Anabautista/Menonita Adult Bible Study. El cursillo es útil para las clases de escuela dominical y otros grupos de estudio bíblico.

Rediscovering the Bible
Invite your class to this video series featuring Meghan Good teaching all about the Bible: what it is, how it was formed, why we read it and how we interpret it. Don’t miss the Bible reading guide.

The Upside-Down King Bible study – New
The Upside-Down King musical by Doug and Jude Krehbiel and Carol Duerksen was presented in a number of venues in 2008 and 2009, including the Mennonite Church USA convention in Columbus, Ohio.  Duerksen has now written a Bible study for high school youth and adults, based on the gospel of Luke and featuring one song from The Upside-Down King in each of the 12 sessions.  The cost for this online curriculum is $10 and available through the mennowdc.org/the-upside-down-bible-study/Western District Conference website, and the CD is $15.
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With the Word book studies
We draw closer to God when we spend time with the Word. This Bible study and devotional series explores specific books of the Bible from an Anabaptist perspective. Each session takes adult groups or individuals through study, discussion, and reflection before ending with seven short devotionals. Also included are leader suggestions if used in a group setting. Spend time With the Word today!  Eight sessions per study.

Bible study guides from Mennonite Women
Every year, Mennonite Women produces a 12-session Bible study ideal for Bible study groups, women’s groups, retreats, or for personal use and reflection. The 2017 title is Live Your Call: Embracing God’s Mission by Anna Liechty Sawatzky. Find them here. 

A Guide for Biblical Studies
Written from a Church of the Brethren perspective, A Guide for Biblical Studies is issued quarterly and contains daily NRSV scriptures, lessons, and questions for both individual preparation and classroom use. Follows the International Sunday School Lessons/Uniform Series. Adult level. Purchase one copy per student, per quarter.

Covenant Bible Studies
Also from the Church of the Brethren, Covenant Bible Studies includes almost fifty titles, some of which focus on a book of the Bible and others on a specific topic.

Free videos and podcasts

The Bible Project
The Bible Project makes free videos and podcasts that present and interpret the Bible as “a unified narrative that leads to Jesus and has profound wisdom for the modern world.” Check out their many series of videos and also their podcast. The videos are great teaching tools for youth and adults, and are compatible with Anabaptist thought.  You’ve got to check them out!

Topical studies

Every Creature Singing: Embracing the Good News for Planet Earth
A free curriculum for followers of Jesus who want to connect their faith with their place. Starts with biblical and theological foundations, moves to applications in today’s context, then focuses on choosing a simple lifestyle. Mennonite Creation Care Network created this 12-session study in response to a resolution on creation care passed by Mennonite Church USA delegates.​

Upside Down Living series
Each compelling six-session Upside-Down Living Bible study helps us encounter the teachings of Jesus and wrestle with living out the kingdom here and now. This study explores how we can age faithfully and gracefully, embracing ourselves through each phase of life. Ideal for Sunday school or Bible study sessions, each topical study covers a specific theme or issue, and comes with thought-provoking discussion questions and activities. Be inspired and transformed in your faith. Live upside down. Topics in the series include: Sabbath, Technology, Identity and Aging, Money, Violence, and Sharing Faith Stories.

Stewardship curricula from Everence
Everence offers a number of good, free study options for adults on this page of their web site.

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Herald Press book studies
When you are looking for an adult elective, check out the free, downloadable study guides that accompany Herald Press books.

Peace studies
Returning Veterans, Returning Hope: Seeking Peace Together consists of six Sunday school lessons designed to help congregations think both theologically and practically about healing from the trauma of war and learning the meaning of Jesus’ way of peace.  See also Ben’s Story, in which Iraq War veteran Benjamin Peters reflects on war, peace and the call to follow Jesus. This set of six videos and free discussion guides was designed for youth but is relevant to adults, particularly those who struggle with a theology of peace and nonviolence. From Mennonite Central Committee. ​

Related resources

Sing the Story and Sing the Journey songbooks
Sing the Journey song book highlights themes of the missional church. Sing the Story song book uses the seasons of the year from Advent to Pentecost to tell the story of the life, ministry, death, resurrection and reign of Jesus Christ. There are two CDs from each songbook; use the songbooks or CDs to bring a worship element into your group study.  Singing together stimulates our brains and spirits in ways that intellectual activities do not.  Find the music here.
Hymnal: A Worship Book
The hymnal is another resource for worship and learning.