Sessions Include:

Twelve Ordinary Men, Lesson #1
Common Men; Uncommon Results

Twelve Ordinary Men, Lesson #2
Peter — The Apostle with the Foot-shaped Mouth

Twelve Ordinary Men, Lesson #3
Andrew — The Apostle of Small Things

Twelve Ordinary Men, Lesson #4
James — The Apostle of Passion

Twelve Ordinary Men, Lesson #5
John — The Apostle of Love

Twelve Ordinary Men, Lesson #6
Philip — The Bean Counter

Twelve Ordinary Men, Lesson #7
Nathanael — The Guileless One

Twelve Ordinary Men, Lesson #8
Matthew — The Party Guy

Twelve Ordinary Men, Lesson #9
James—The Less; Simon—The Zealot; and Judas (Not Iscariot)

Twelve Ordinary Men, Lesson #10
Judas — The Traitor

Why Study Books?

My life has been profoundly impacted by books. Books are great source of supplementary, background material for Bible Study. (The Bible is always the main source of study.) Here are five reasons books make great curriculum.

1. Depth and Richness of Content

Books by Christian authors often delve deeply into theological topics, practical discipleship, and spiritual challenges. Unlike some lesson plans that skim the surface, books allow for a deeper exploration of issues that resonate with adults. Authors like John Ortberg (The Life You’ve Always Wanted), Dallas Willard (The Divine Conspiracy), or Francis Chan (Crazy Love) provide rich, thought-provoking content that sparks deeper conversations.

2. . Can Be Targeted to the Specific Needs of the Group

Books provide an opportunity to address the unique needs of your group. Whether your class is navigating grief, exploring discipleship, or seeking practical ways to live out their faith, there’s a book tailored to meet those needs. This targeted approach makes the material more relevant, ensuring the group engages deeply and personally.. This variety helps everyone engage at their own pace and comfort level.

3. Encourages Personal Growth Between Meetings

A book-centered curriculum encourages participants to reflect during the week. Reading a chapter before class helps them wrestle with the ideas personally before coming together for group discussion. This individual engagement fosters deeper transformation and accountability.

4. Great for Discussion-Based Learning

Books naturally lend themselves to a question-and-answer format, making them perfect for discussion-based classes. This approach encourages participation, allowing everyone to share insights and apply the content to their lives.

5. Accessible and Affordable

Books are easy to access and often budget-friendly. Many Christian titles are available in print, e-book, or audiobook formats, making them accessible to everyone in your group. Some authors even provide free study guides or discussion questions, making preparation even simpler.

Conclusion

Using books as curriculum for adult Sunday School blends the best of personal reflection, group discussion, and spiritual growth. It equips participants to think deeply, wrestle with real-life applications, and engage with Scripture in fresh ways. If you’re looking to spark lively, life-changing conversations in your class, start with a great book—you might be surprised at how it transforms your group.

What can we learn from twelve ordinary men who followed an extraordinary Savior? In Twelve Ordinary Men: A Study of the Twelve Disciples, your small group or Sunday School class will dive into the lives of the apostles—fishermen, tax collectors, skeptics, and revolutionaries—handpicked by Jesus to change the world.

Though these men were flawed and imperfect, Jesus saw their potential, transforming them into pillars of the early Church. This study will help your group uncover the profound truth that God calls ordinary people—like you and me—to do extraordinary things for His Kingdom.

Explore the Lives of the Disciples

This Bible study offers a closer look at each of the twelve disciples, their unique personalities, and their roles in Jesus’ ministry. From impulsive Peter to the doubting Thomas and the tender-hearted John, you’ll see how Jesus molded their weaknesses into strengths. Learn how their stories mirror our own struggles with doubt, fear, ambition, and faithfulness—and how God’s grace can work through it all.

What Your Group Will Gain

• Deeper Understanding of God’s Grace
  This study reveals how God’s grace can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Discover how God used men who were far from perfect to advance His mission—and how He’s calling you to do the same.
• Practical Life Lessons
  Each session offers practical applications for daily life. Whether it’s learning to trust like Andrew, to persevere like James, or to lead like Peter, your group will walk away with actionable steps to grow in faith.
• Stronger Sense of Calling
  By studying the disciples’ journeys, your group will be inspired to embrace their unique calling to follow Jesus, serve others, and share the gospel boldly.

How the Study Works

Twelve Ordinary Men is designed to be flexible and engaging for any group, whether you’re a small group, Sunday School class, or discipleship team. Each session includes:

• Scripture-Based Lessons: Explore key passages that highlight the disciples’ interactions with Jesus and their growth over time.
• Discussion Questions: Thought-provoking questions spark meaningful conversations, helping participants connect the lessons to their own lives.
• Practical Applications: Each study session concludes with personal challenges and group activities to live out what you’ve learned.
• Optional Homework: Enoucourage the group the read a chapter a week from the book. While encouraged, this preparation is optional.

Who Is This Study For?

This study is perfect for anyone longing to grow in faith, learn from biblical examples, and discover how God can use them despite their imperfections. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or just beginning your faith journey, Twelve Ordinary Men offers lessons of hope, transformation, and purpose.

Why This Study Matters

Jesus didn’t choose the wealthy, the famous, or the powerful. He chose the willing. Twelve Ordinary Men reminds us that God is not looking for extraordinary qualifications—He’s looking for hearts ready to follow Him. If you’ve ever felt too unworthy, too ordinary, or too broken to make a difference, this study will encourage you to see yourself as God sees you: chosen, called, and capable of extraordinary impact.

Start your journey today and discover how God can use ordinary people to achieve His extraordinary purpose. Your group won’t just study the disciples; they’ll be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

If you would like to explore this new study, it is available on Amazon, as well as part of Good Questions Have Groups Talking