Grounded in Creed Participant and Leader Book
What Christians believe.
Since the fourth century after the resurrection of Jesus, a basic statement of Trinitarian faith circulated and continues to guide Christians across most traditions and denominations. The Apostles Creed stands the test of time because each article of the creed draws from New Testament teaching and symbolizes the essentials of our faith. These beliefs help bind and unify followers of Christ into a shared life of grace and love together.This six-session study based on the Apostles Creed is intended for small groups throughout a congregation or where happening at home, at work, or at school in the community. Anyone in the group can host and facilitate a session. Follow the format in the guide and play the brief video teaching from the companion DVD.
As participants strengthen their faith by learning more about essential Christian beliefs and commitments, they will enjoy opportunities to connect with others and build relationships. This growth is accomplished when changes in belief come through turning away from the habits and desires that separate us from God, and (2) by reflecting upon our life-giving relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while we learn how to think theologically.
The six sessions are:
Session 1: I believe
Session 2: In God
Session 3: In Jesus
Session 4: In the Spirit
Session 5: In the Church
Session 6: In the Promise
Grounded in Creed consists of a Participant/Leader Guide and DVD with 6 video sessions.
About the Authors
Jim Cowart
Jim Cowart is the lead and founding pastor of Harvest Church in middle Georgia, a congregation that he and his wife, Jennifer, began in 2001 and that has twice been named among the nation’s fastest-growing congregations. Jim has authored and coauthored numerous books including Leading from Horseback, Grab Gather Grow, and Start This, Stop That. Whenever life allows, Jim escapes to enjoy the outdoors on horseback, hunting, and traveling with his family.
Jennifer Cowart
Jennifer Cowart is the executive and teaching pastor at Harvest Church in Warner Robins, Georgia, which she and her husband, Jim, began in 2001. With degrees in Christian education, counseling, and business, Jen oversees a wide variety of ministries and enjoys doing life and ministry with others. As a gifted Bible teacher, Jen brings biblical truth to life through humor, authenticity, and everyday application. She is the author of four women’s Bible studies (Thrive, Pursued, Fierce, and Messy People) and several small group studies coauthored with her husband, Jim, including The One, Grounded in Prayer, and Living the Five. They love doing life with their kids, Alyssa, Josh, Andrew, Hannah, and the newest addition, their grandson, Jordi.
Jorge Acevedo
Jorge Acevedo is the Lead Pastor at Grace Church, a multi-site United Methodist congregation in Southwest Florida. Jorge led a group of young clergy in the creation of the book and Bible study Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas and is author of Vital: Churches Changing Communities and the World. He is a contributor to Circuit Rider magazine, Good News magazine, and Our Faith Today.
Matthew Hartsfield
Matthew Hartsfield is the lead pastor of Bay Hope church in Tampa, Florida, where he has served since 1993. His ministry at Bay Hope focuses on connecting the church to the community in meaningful ways to make disciples for Jesus Christ, particularly children and youth.