Creed: What Christians Believe and Why - Hamilton, Adam Review & Synopsis

 Synopsis

We're all searching. Sometimes the search is easy: simply type a question and the answer pops up. But sometimes our questions are complicated, and the answers are difficult to see and harder to articulate. How do we discover and examine the truths that give meaning and purpose to life? Adam Hamilton believes that some powerful answers are contained in the Apostles' Creed, an early statement of foundational Christian beliefs. 

 

 In this book, Hamilton considers important questions of life, reality, and truth. He explores not only what Christians believe, but also why they believe it and why it matters. 

 

Chapters include:

 <ol> 

>> God 

>> Jesus Christ 

>> The Holy Spirit 

>> The Church at the Communion of Saints 

>> The Forgiveness of Sins 

>> The Resurrection of the Body </ol> 

Creed: What Christians Believe and Why is also part of a six-week church-wide program that includes a Leader Guide, DVD, and youth and children resources.

Review

Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country. The Church Report named Hamilton's congregation the most influential mainline church in America, and he preached at the National Prayer Service as part of the presidential inauguration festivities in 2013.

Hamilton is the best-selling and award-winning author of Creed, Half Truths, The Call, The Journey, The Way, 24 Hours That Changed the World, John, Revival, Not a Silent Night, Enough, When Christians Get It Wrong, and Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White, all published by Abingdon Press. Learn more about Adam Hamilton at AdamHamilton.com.

Creed

Explores what Christians believe, why they believe, and why it matters through the Apostles Creed. We're all searching. Sometimes the search is easy: simply type a question and the answer pops up. But sometimes our questions are complicated, and the answers are difficult to see and harder to articulate. How do we discover and examine the truths that give meaning and purpose to life? Adam Hamilton believes that some powerful answers are contained in the Apostles' Creed, an early statement of foundational Christian beliefs. In this book, Hamilton considers important questions of life, reality, and truth. He explores not only what Christians believe, but also why they believe it and why it matters. Chapters include: God Jesus Christ The Holy Spirit The Church at the Communion of Saints The Forgiveness of Sins The Resurrection of the Body Creed: What Christians Believe and Why is also part of a six-week church-wide program that includes a Leader Guide, DVD, and youth and children resources.

In this compelling book, Adam Hamilton explores what we believe and why&quot;--"

Creed Leader Guide

Explores what Christians believe, why they believe, and why it matters through the Apostles Creed.

Explores what Christians believe, why they believe, and why it matters through the Apostles Creed."

Creed Children's Leader Guide

Explores what Christians believe, why they believe, and why it matters through the Apostles Creed.

Explores what Christians believe, why they believe, and why it matters through the Apostles Creed."

Leading Beyond the Walls

Good pastoral leadership is not a "by the numbers" proposition. It is a matter of heart and soul, of devoting the whole self to the vision God gives for the congregation in which one serves. Yet neither is it purely intuitive; it requires hard, careful thinking about the directions and details of the path down which God calls. When Adam Hamilton became pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, its membership consisted of himself and his family. Ten years later the church averages between five and six thousand worshipers per weekend. Throughout this remarkable period, Hamilton learned many serious lessons about both the broad visions and the specific details of pastoral leadership. Bringing a depth of analytical skills often lacking in visionary leaders, in this book he goes beyond simply telling the story of Church of the Resurrection. He shares the questions that he learned to ask about the largely unchurched population to which Church of the Resurrection has reached out. Further, he demonstrates what he learned by listening to the answers to these questions, and how doing so has made possible a number of strategically crucial decisions the church has made. One of those crucial decisions was to make more traditional forms of worship and praise the center of the congregation's life. The result is that the example of Church of the Resurrection offers pastors and church leaders (especially those in mainline denominations) the realization that they need not completely change their liturgical and theological identity in order to reach out to the unchurched. Drawing on his own experience, as well as the detailed research on the characteristics of highly successful congregations he undertook during a sabbatical leave, Hamilton offers pastors and other church leaders solid, substantive thinking on steps that congregations can take to become centers of vibrant outreach and mission. Also available in: Adobe Ebook 9780687026753 Microsoft Ebook 9780687027491

Bringing a depth of analytical skills often lacking in visionary leaders, in this book he goes beyond simply telling the story of Church of the Resurrection."

Christianity's Family Tree

Adam Hamilton presents a welcoming, inspiring vision of eight Christian denominations and faith traditions, contending that each tradition has a unique, valuable perspective to offer on the Christian faith.

Adam Hamilton presents a welcoming, inspiring vision of eight Christian denominations and faith traditions, contending that each tradition has a unique, valuable perspective to offer on the Christian faith."

Creed Youth Study Book

Explores what Christians believe, why they believe, and why it matters through the Apostles Creed.

Explores what Christians believe, why they believe, and why it matters through the Apostles Creed."

Unleashing the Word

Imagine announcing a new series of sermons and seeing worship attendance increase by 1,000 people on the first Sunday of the new series. Or consider a pastor developing sermon plans two to three years out. What kind of pastor sits in a bar with a notepad just looking for ideas for sermons? Or has as his aim to preach the best prepared, best researched sermons his congregation has ever heard? All of these and more explain part of the reason the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people to over 10,000 in just thirteen years.In Unleashing the Word, Adam Hamilton helps pastors and church leaders consider the purpose, planning, and execution of excellent preaching. He offers detailed descriptions of the sermon planning, writing and preaching process behind one of the fastest growing churches in the United States. He includes numerous personal anecdotes and enough sermon ideas to keep the average pastor busy for years Finally, after you have read how sermons are planned and prepared at the Church of the Resurrection you can watch the included DVD which features four full-length sermons and other resources to help you apply what you've read in the book. If you only buy one book on preaching this year, this is the book you must buy

If you only buy one book on preaching this year, this is the book you must buy"

When Christians Get It Wrong

Following Jesus can be more about serving others rather than judging them.

Following Jesus can be more about serving others rather than judging them."

Confronting the Controversies

Examines euthanasia, abortion, prayer in schools, homosexuality, and other issues in terms of faithful Christian responses.

Examines euthanasia, abortion, prayer in schools, homosexuality, and other issues in terms of faithful Christian responses."

Final Words From the Cross

In life and in death, Jesus’ words were powerful and meaningful. Despite the serious effort and increased pain required for Jesus to speak as he hung on the cross, Jesus spoke seven “final words”—statements that have much to teach us about Jesus, his Father, and ourselves: Father Forgive Them Behold Your Son…Behold Your Mother My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise I Thirst It Is Finished Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit In 24 Hours That Changed the World, Adam Hamilton took us on a Lenten journey through the last day of Jesus' life. Now in this inspiring follow-up book, Hamilton explores these final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross. Each chapter begins with the biblical account followed by a first-person story as might have been told from the viewpoint of one of the characters at the cross. Then the chapter explores the meaning of Jesus’ dying words for our lives today. Following the last statement, a postscript recounts the words Jesus spoke following his resurrection, including what truly were the final words Jesus spoke while walking this earth. Join the crowd now and experience the final words from the cross. Final Words from the Cross offers six chapters/sessions plus a postscript chapter/session, so that classes have the option of a seventh session on Easter Sunday.

Join the crowd now and experience the final words from the cross. Final Words from the Cross offers six chapters/sessions plus a postscript chapter/session, so that classes have the option of a seventh session on Easter Sunday."

Christianity and World Religions - Participant's Book

Adam Hamilton, named by PBS’s Religion and Ethics Newsweekly as one of the top “Ten People to Watch,” has created an inviting new series of video-and-book studies on love and marriage, life issues, world religions, and Christian denominations. Hamilton calls these small-group studies “fishing expeditions,” because they include tools for congregation wide and communitywide programs to draw in new members. Components include DVD, participant’s book, leader’s guide, and pastor’s guide with CD-ROM. 6-8 sessions / 60-90 minutes Christianity and World Religions: Wrestling With Questions People Ask is a video-based small-group study and outreach program that explores four major world religions- Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism – and compares the beliefs of each with those of Christianity. This six-week study deals openly and honestly with questions people ask about other religions, including why we should believe the claims of Christianity over those of other faiths. As part of the study, author and presenter Adam Hamilton interviews a religious leader from each tradition. He treats the world religions with great respect, recognizing the unique contributions of each. In examining these major world religions and the beliefs of their followers, the Reverend Hamilton urges us as Christians to build bridges with others so that we might grow in our faith, seek peace in our world, love our neighbor, and find positive ways to share the gospel. For group or individual study, the book can be used by class participants during the study group meeting or at home for additional reflection. Includes detailed content for the six sessions. For more information about Adam Hamilton's studies, go to www.adamhamilton.cokesbury.com.

For group or individual study, the book can be used by class participants during the study group meeting or at home for additional reflection. Includes detailed content for the six sessions."

Christianity's Family Tree Participant's Guide

This book is excellent for individual reading or can be used as the small group study book for the Christianity's Family Tree DVD based study. Adam Hamilton is, in my opinion, a national treasure. He embodies the kind of generous orthodoxy so many of us have been dreaming of and praying for. This book provides something truly unique—a kind of orientation to Christianity in its wide array of forms that not only educates but inspires. It’s one of the few books I wish every single Christian would read and share with their friends. - Brian McLaren, author of A New Kind of Christian In this wise and practical book, Adam Hamilton serves as a trusted guide to some of the rich diversity of Christian belief and practice. It is a rare feat to acknowledge differences and distinctiveness appreciatively, and Hamilton does it with exceptional grace and insight. - L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School I love this book. Adam Hamilton teaches us that we are far richer than we know, because the beauty and the fullness of the whole church is ours. Read, learn, and be happy. - John Ortberg, author of God Is Closer Than You Think In this book, Adam Hamilton presents a welcoming, inspiring vision of eight Christian denominations and faith traditions. Comparing the Christian family to our own extended families, he contends that each denomination has a unique, valuable perspective to offer on the Christian faith. The traditions he examines are Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Pentecostalism, and Methodism. For each group, Hamilton gives a brief history, outlines major beliefs, and describes some things we can learn from that tradition to strengthen our own Christian faith. Also available is the planning kit for this video-based small-group study Christianity’s Family Tree: What Other Christians Believe and Why. Adam Hamilton is pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country. Named by PBS’s Religion and Ethics Newsweekly as one of the top “Ten People to Watch,” Hamilton is the author of numerous video based small group studies and books from Abingdon Press.

This book is excellent for individual reading or can be used as the small group study book for the Christianity's Family Tree DVD based study. Adam Hamilton is, in my opinion, a national treasure."

The Way: Youth Study

The third volume in Adam Hamilton's Bible study trilogy on the life of Jesus.

The third volume in Adam Hamilton's Bible study trilogy on the life of Jesus."

24 Horas que cambiaron el mundo / 24 Hours That Changed the World

Guides readers through the last 24 hours of Jesus' life in complete detail and with the aim of helping readers understand the sacrifice he made.

In this book, Adam Hamilton guides us through the last twenty-four hours of Jesus' life."

The Call

Walk Beside the Great Apostle

This book is a wonderful gift for the church, and I recommend it with utmost Christian enthusiasm."

24 Hours That Changed the World, Expanded Large Print Edition

In his best-selling book, 24 Hours that Changed the World, pastor and popular author Adam Hamilton helped readers relive the one day in history that changed everything. Now, on this Special Edition Book and DVD package, Hamilton invites both readers and viewers to experience and understand the significance of Jesus’ final hours. Drawing on insights from history, archaeology, geography, and the Bible, Hamilton takes us to the Holy Land and provides a deeper understanding of the most amazing day in history. We visit the sites where those earth-shaking events took place, and we walk where Jesus walked along the road that led to the pain and triumph of the cross. Filmed on location, this 25-minute edited tour of the Holy Land video will entertain and inspire the entire family. This Special Edition Book and DVD package is an alternative to the six-session full length study and is the perfect resource for churchwide viewing nights.

This Special Edition Book and DVD package is an alternative to the six-session full length study and is the perfect resource for churchwide viewing nights."

Enough Stewardship Program Guide

Church leaders are struggling to help their congregations respond to the violent ebb and flow of the economy. While their members are simply trying to stay afloat financially, the budget of their church is suffering as well. In the midst of all of this, though, there is God and a divine calling for each of us. With Enough Stewardship Program Guide, Adam Hamilton offers a simple campaign that will transform how the church and individuals view the role of money in connection with their life’s purpose and the positive impact that transformation will have on the world. This program, based on Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity, is designed for church-wide and small-group studies and includes a DVD. Leaders will be equipped with: A campaign timeline Sample communication pieces Sermon series notes Artwork for PowerPoint and signage "Enough comes like an antidote in the middle of a pandemic. I hope that classes, groups, couples, and individuals will use this book—and the economic crisis it addresses—as a challenge to get healthy again by deepening our discipleship in the vital area of money and possessions." —Brian McLaren, Author of The Secret Message of Jesus Click here to watch the introduction from Adam Click here to view a clip from the Stewardship Program DVD Click here to view a clip from the Enough DVD Click here to view a webinar on how to use the Stewardship Program with your church! Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country. Hamilton is the author of Confronting the Controversies, Making Love Last a Lifetime, Unleashing the Word, Leading Beyond the Walls, Selling Swimsuits in the Arctic, Christianity and World Religions, and Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White, all published by Abingdon Press.

With Enough Stewardship Program Guide, Adam Hamilton offers a simple campaign that will transform how the church and individuals view the role of money in connection with their life’s purpose and the positive impact that transformation ..."

Why?

Where is God when tragedy and suffering strike? Bestselling author Hamilton brings fresh insight to the age-old question of how to understand the will of God.

When the ground shakes, and a poor nation's economy is destroyed; when the waters rise, washing away a community's hopes and dreams; when a child suffers neglect and abuse; when violence tears apart nations; where is God? If God is all"

Making Sense of the Bible

Denominations from evangelical to mainline continue to experience deep divisions over universal social issues. The underlying debate isn’t about a particular social issue, but instead it is about how we understand the nature of scripture and how we should interpret it. The world’s bestselling, most-read, and most-loved book is also one of the most confusing. In Making Sense of the Bible, Adam Hamilton, one of the country’s leading pastors and Christian authors, addresses the hot-button issues that plague the church and cultural debate, and answers many of the questions frequently asked by Christians and non-Christians alike. Did God really command Moses to put gay people to death? Did Jesus really teach that everyone who is not a Christian will be assigned to hell? Why would Paul command women to “keep silent in the church?” Were Adam and Eve real people? Is the book of Revelation really about the end times? Who decided which books made it into the scriptures and why? Is the Bible ever wrong? In approachable and inviting language, Hamilton addresses these often misunderstood biblical themes leading readers to a deeper appreciation of the Bible so that we might hear God speak through it and find its words to be life-changing and life-giving.

In Making Sense of the Bible, Adam Hamilton invites us into an honest conversation about the Bible. The book begins with foundational questions such as, How and when was the Bible written?"

Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White

Everyone agrees that America is polarized, with ever-hardening positions held by people less and less willing to listen to one another. No one agrees on what to do about it. One solution that hasn’t yet been tried, says Adam Hamilton, is for thinking persons of faith to model for the rest of the country a richer, more thoughtful conversation on the political, moral, and religious issues that divide us. Hamilton rejects the easy assumptions and sloppy analysis of black and white thinking, seeking instead the truth that resides on all sides of the issues, and offering a faithful and compassionate way forward. He writes, "I don't expect you to agree with everything I've written. I expect that in the future even I won't agree with everything I've written here. The point is not to get you to agree with me, but to encourage you to think about what you believe. In the end I will be inviting those of you who find this book resonates with what you feel is true, to join the movement to pursue a middle way between the left and the right - to make your voices heard - and to model for our nation and for the church, how we can listen, learn, see truth as multi-sided, and love those with whom we disagree." Read more about this title Adam Hamilton's Seeing Gray Blog Now available! Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White - DVD UPC: 843504001902 A five-session video resource featuring Adam Hamilton teaching these concepts on DVD for group or individual study. Includes leader's guide as well as bonus video. Click below to view a preview of each video session. Where Faith and Politics Meet Christ Christians and the Culture Wars How should we live, The Ethics of Jesus Spiritual Maturity and Seeing Gray What Would Jesus Say to America?

In the end I will be inviting those of you who find this book resonates with what you feel is true, to join the movement to pursue a middle way between the left and the right - to make your voices heard - and to model for our nation and for ..."

The Journey, Expanded Large Print Edition

Journey with Adam Hamilton as he travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem in this fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. As he did with Jesus' crucifixion in24 Hours That Changed the World, Hamilton once again approaches a world-changing event with thoughtfulness. Using historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth, the most amazing moment in history will become more real and heart-felt as you walk along this road. Read The Journey on your own or, for a more in-depth study, enjoy it with a small group. Also available: The Journey: A Season of Reflections The Journey: DVD with Leader Guide The Journey: Youth Edition The Journey: Children's Edition “This book may be the greatest Christmas present of the year. Adam thoughtfully, movingly walks us through what really happened when God touched this planet. The richness of the full story will touch your life as well.” John Ortberg, author of The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God’s Best Version of You “If you think you know the story of Jesus’ birth, think again! This wonderful book sets us on a journey to the times and characters of Christmas so that we experience the birth of Christ in our lives in a new way.” Joel C. Hunter, author of Church Distributed “Adam is a pastor who has clearly walked in the footsteps of the Master. This is a timely Christmas gift for a friend no matter where he or she is along ‘the journey.’” Rich Nathan, coauthor of Empowered Evangelicals

This is a timely Christmas gift for a friend no matter where he or she is along ‘the journey.’” Rich Nathan, coauthor of Empowered Evangelicals"

Unafraid

Learn how to face and overcome the fears we feel about loneliness, illness, financial insecurity, disappointing others, failure, insignificance, and aging “A thoughtful, literate, faith-filled guide to reclaiming our minds and our lives.”—John Ortberg, senior pastor of Menlo Church and author of I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me You’d be hard-pressed to overstate the extent to which fear, anxiety, and worry permeate our lives today. Fear wreaks havoc on our relationships and communities. It leads us into making bad decisions. It holds us back from the very pursuits that promise fulfillment and joy. As the senior pastor of a large, diverse church in America’s heartland, Adam Hamilton has seen the cost of fear up close. When he surveyed his congregation on how fear affects them, 2,400 people responded—and what they said was eye-opening. Eighty percent admitted to living with moderate or significant levels of fear. Unafraid is Hamilton's insightful and impassioned response. Drawing on recent research, inspiring real-life examples, and fresh biblical insight, Hamilton uses a mixture of facts and faith to help readers understand and counter fears related to such outsize perils as death and illness, as well as the everyday anxieties all of us encounter. He invites us to: Face our fears with a bias of hope Examine our fears in light of the facts Attack our anxieties with action Release our cares to God Writing with generosity and intelligence, Hamilton shows how believer and unbeliever alike can develop sustaining spiritual practices and embrace Jesus’s recurring counsel: “Do not be afraid.” For anyone struggling with fear or wondering how families and communities can thrive in troubled times, Unafraid offers an informed and inspiring message full of practical solutions.

Eighty percent admitted to living with moderate or significant levels of fear. Unafraid is Hamilton's insightful and impassioned response."

John

The Mac Arthur Study Guide Series provides a twelve week, verse-by-verse examination of the books of the New Testament. This revised and updated series continues to be one of the best-selling study guides currently available for individuals or small groups.

The Mac Arthur Study Guide Series provides a twelve week, verse-by-verse examination of the books of the New Testament."

Seeing Gray

A companion piece to Adam Hamilton's bestselling title Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White

A companion piece to Adam Hamilton's bestselling title Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White"

Half Truths Youth Study Book

Join Adam Hamilton in Exploring Popular Sayings that Miss the Point

Join Adam Hamilton in Exploring Popular Sayings that Miss the Point"

Half Truths

Join Adam Hamilton in Exploring Popular Sayings that Miss the Point.

Join Adam Hamilton in Exploring Popular Sayings that Miss the Point."

The Way: Children's Leader Guide

The third volume in Adam Hamilton's Bible study trilogy on the life of Jesus.

The third volume in Adam Hamilton's Bible study trilogy on the life of Jesus."

John Youth Study Book

Join Adam Hamilton in exploring the major themes of the Gospel of John.

Join Adam Hamilton in exploring the major themes of the Gospel of John."

John - Children's Leader Guide

Join Adam Hamilton in exploring the major themes of the Gospel of John.

Join Adam Hamilton in exploring the major themes of the Gospel of John."

The Way: Leader Guide

The third volume in Adam Hamilton's Bible study trilogy on the life of Jesus.

The third volume in Adam Hamilton's Bible study trilogy on the life of Jesus."

24 Hours That Changed the World for Younger Children

Explores the profound, life-changing impact the last day of Jesus' life had on human history.

Explores the profound, life-changing impact the last day of Jesus' life had on human history."

Half Truths Youth Leader Guide

They are simple phrases. They sound Christian—like something you might find in the Bible. We’ve all heard these words. Maybe we’ve said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways. Join Adam Hamilton in this 5-week Bible study to search for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichés with the wisdom found in Scripture. The clichés include: Everything happens for a reason. God helps those who help themselves. God won’t give you more than you can handle. God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Love the sinner, hate the sin. Contains everything needed to conduct a 5-session study, including discussion questions, activities, and suggestions for organizing and facilitating a group. Can be used with the adult-level DVD.

They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways. Join Adam Hamilton in this 5-week Bible study to search for the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichés with the wisdom found in Scripture."

Love to Stay

"Hamilton draws on an extensive survey of thousands of couples and singles, the latest research in the field, wisdom from the Bible, and stories from his own ministry and marriage to explore what it takes to create and sustain healthy, meaningful romantic relationships across the course of a lifetime" -- Inside cover.

&quot;Hamilton draws on an extensive survey of thousands of couples and singles, the latest research in the field, wisdom from the Bible, and stories from his own ministry and marriage to explore what it takes to create and sustain healthy, ..."

Making Love Last a Life Time

DVD of the 8 sessions in the study, packaged in the kits and available for purchase separately.

Eight segments--each approximately 15 minutes in length--featuring Adam Hamilton delivering his message about marriage with key Scriptures and points. For more information about Adam Hamilton's studies, go to www.adamhamilton.cokesbury.com."

Making Love Last a Life Time/Getting Started Kit

DO NOT USE THIS COPY FOR LOVE TO STAY 2013************************************************* This small-group study is more than a small-group study. It provides the components to create a powerful small-group experience, including video presentations, a leader's guide with activities for class sessions and home use, and a thoughtful, inspiring participant's book written by Adam Hamilton, the dynamic young pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. But it is more than that. A Pastor's Guide with CD-ROM provides the information and tools needed to create a congregation-wide event that will reach beyond the classroom, beyond the sanctuary, and into the community, bringing young people and families into the church who ordinarily might only stop by on Christmas or Easter. Making Love Last a Lifetime is a comprehensive program for reaching new people, creating excitement, launching new small groups, and strengthening existing classes. It includes sermon starters and illustrations, marketing materials, and outreach tools built around an eight-week study on a topic that holds great interest for singles and married persons, both inside and outside the church. Designed for use in 60-90-minute sessions. For more information about Adam Hamilton's studies, go to www.adamhamilton.cokesbury.com.

Designed for use in 60-90-minute sessions. For more information about Adam Hamilton's studies, go to www.adamhamilton.cokesbury.com."

Making Love Last a Lifetime Participant's Book

This small-group study provides the components to create a powerful small-group experience, including video presentations and a leader's guide with activities for class sessions and home use.

This small-group study provides the components to create a powerful small-group experience, including video presentations and a leader's guide with activities for class sessions and home use."