Description
Young adults have questions — “What does the Bible say about sex?” “What power do I have to make a difference in the world?” “Am I made in God’s image?” and more.
Fresh Outlook Bible Studies introduces each question, examines it from various perspectives, and finally asks, “So what?” Each four-session study is full of compelling stories, interpretive angles, accessible media links, and encouragement to contemplate God’s word maybe for the first time.
Testimonials
“Young people yearn for real conversations, strong Bible study and relevant faith practices. Fresh Outlook Bible Studies does just that, essential for our faith formation in the church.”
— Michelle Thomas-Bush, associate pastor for youth and their families at Myers Park Presbyterian Church
“Every once in a while, something comes along that I can use immediately and completely. The units in the Fresh Outlook spring 2024 series fall into this category; they are superbly written, highly engaging, easy to use, and deep.
Yes, these units would make spring planning a breeze for your youth and young adult faith formation time. They are excellent. But don’t silo them just to your traditional Sunday School hour! These would be a wonderful choice to use in midweek enrichment classes … Imagine the power of a weekend-long family retreat using one of these units. … I’d also love to see church councils spend time with these lessons. Working together through some of the issues that matter most to our youth and young adults, learning new resources for these types of conversations, and acquiring knowledge to help make ministry decisions would all be invaluable. Get these. You won’t regret it.”
— Elizabeth Christie, Practical Resources for Churches resource center
“When you are in ministry with college students, you can spend hours looking for a good curriculum you can use for Bible study. Is the topic interesting? How much time will you have to spend editing it to work in your own context — and do you have that time? Do you have the materials you will need? Can you hand it to a student leader?
Look no further because the Fresh Outlook Bible Studies curriculum is here! Published by the Presbyterian Outlook, they are resources that can be trusted to combine an awareness of the spiritual lives of young adults with theological and biblical integrity. I highly recommend these easy-to-use resources.”
— Gini Norris-Lane, executive director of UKirk Campus Ministries in the Presbyterian Mission Agency
Format
Each Fresh Outlook Bible Study includes four sessions. Each session offers:
- Tips for preparation
- A supply list
- Suggestions for opening and closing prayers
- An introduction to the topic at hand and how Christians have understood it
- Opportunities to “try on” aspects of the topic
- Key takeaways
- Suggestions for inviting participants as co-leaders
Topics
When you purchase the bundle, you will receive three four-session Bible studies.
“God in the Mirror” by Catherine Knott
Session 1: Reflecting God’s Expansiveness
Session 2: Reflecting God’s Dominion
Session 3: Reflecting God’s Rest
Session 4: Reflecting God’s Grace
The Bible says that humans are created in the image of God, reflecting God’s character and loving the world the way God wants the world to be loved. If our perception of God is small, exclusive and stingy, we will reflect a small, exclusive and stingy God. If our concept of God is big, expansive and generous, we will reflect God’s expansive hospitality. Which God do you see in your mirror?
Want to purchase “God in the Mirror” by itself? Click here.
“What’s Your Superpower?” by Sarah Leer
Session 1: Dominion Is Your Superpower
Session 2: Koinonia Is Your Superpower
Session 3: Paradox Is Your Superpower
Session 4: The Spirit Is Your Superpower
We live in a world where it is easy to be overwhelmed by evil systems and actions. Yet, we have great God-given power. These four sessions explore the power granted to us through God in the Holy Spirit and how these gifts can translate to making a difference in our world. As it has been said, with great power comes great responsibility.
Want to purchase “What’s Your Superpower?” by itself? Click here.
“Sex and the Bible” by Maggie Alsup
Session 1: The Language of Sex
Session 2: Identity and Expression
Session 3: Intimacy and Desire
Session 4: Love
What’s the relationship between the Bible and sex? This study demystifies Scripture to look honestly at what it has to say about our bodies, physical intimacy, identity and expression, intimacy and desire, and love. There is no shame, only a safe space and structure to explore these relevant topics within the context of God’s Holy Word.
Want to purchase “Sex and the Bible” by itself? Click here.
What do I get when I purchase?
When you purchase the spring 2024 bundle, you will receive “God in the Mirror,” “What’s Your Superpower?” and “Sex and the Bible.” This is a $75 value available for $60. Each four-session Bible study will arrive in your inbox as a digital download.
Sample
Want a sample? You can view one here.
I want to learn more before I commit…
Learn about the thought process behind Fresh Outlook by watching our Facebook Live conversation with the spring 2024 Fresh Outlook authors: Maggie Alsup, Catherine Knott and Sarah Leer. This conversation demonstrates our goals for the curriculum, the topics we hope to address, and how some of the ideas can be applied. It is a great conversation to listen to if you want to know more about Fresh Outlook. It is also a helpful resource to share with any parents or other stakeholders.
More Fresh Outlook
Did you know that Fresh Outlook Bible Studies is a limited series from the Outlook? Our previous bundle, released in June 2023, explored the topics of badass women in the Bible, the devil, and spiritual practices.
We plan to release another bundle in June 2024. Developed from real questions asked by young adults, such as campus ministry groups, young adult groups, and high school youth, we hope this offering makes planning for high school, college, and young adult ministries easy and fruitful.
Mark D. Hinds, Ed.D., the Fresh Outlook Bible Studies series editor, is a retired writer, editor and publisher for Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) curriculum development. He has degrees from Trinity University, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union Presbyterian Seminary). His 1994 dissertation was titled The Book of Proverbs: Toward Alternative Pedagogical Principles for Confirmation in the PC(USA). He is the writer of Presbyterian Outlook’s best-selling Changing the World confirmation curriculum. In retirement, he enjoys writing for the church. Mark lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with his partner and spouse, Rev. Dr. Peggy C. Hinds.
