Diocese of Portsmouth
The Church of England

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Studying together is an important part of being a Cairn

Study resources for Cairns

We want Cairns to be more than just a prayer group so an important component is to study something that will help us to grow as disciples. This might happen by agreeing to read a chapter of a book together and then asking four questions of each other when you meet: What struck you as new in the chapter that you read? What made the most sense? What was most challenging for you? What can you apply to your life as a disciple of Jesus?

The aim would be to spend about 30 minutes in this time of discussion and remember to try to find something that will help you live for Christ. Then hold one another accountable in your next meeting for the things that you decided to put into place. Find something that works for you on your level.

If you’re starting a new Cairn the two resources that we would strongly recommend are

  • Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer – as a great book about discipleship that is linked to lots of other material through the associated website.
  • Divine Renovation by James Mallon – for all in church leadership, as this is a major resource that we want to use across the diocese in the next few years. 

Our booklist for other resources is varied and rich, some you may know and want to read again together. If books are new to you we suggest that you search for a review online and see if it connects with what you’re looking for. We have started with suggestions that cover discipleship, prayer, church leadership and evangelism. We will add to this list as we move forward. If you come across a good resource please let us know at the diocesan offices by emailing neil.smart@portsmouth.anglican.org

Discipleship

  • Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
  • Lighting the Beacons by Bishop Jill Duff
  • How to Live by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
  • Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
  • Soul Keeping by John Ortberg
  • Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
  • The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
  • Less is More by Brian Draper
  • Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
  • Jesus Is by Judah Smith
  • Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton
  • What Does it Mean to be Chosen by Amanda Jenkins

Prayer

  • How to Pray by Pete Greig
  • Praying By Heart by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
  • Prayer by Richard Foster
  • Prayer by Philip Yancey
  • The Discipline of Intimacy by Charlie Cleverly

Church Leadership

  • Divine Renovation by James Mallon
  • The Church of Tomorrow by John McGinley
  • Growing Leaders by James Lawrence
  • Jesus Driven Ministry by Ajith Fernando
  • A Resilient Life by Gordon MacDonald
  • The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne
  • Builders and Fools by Derek Tidball
  • Being a Priest Today by Chris Cocksworth and Rosalind Brown

Evangelism

  • Sowing Reaping Keeping by Laurence Singlehurst
  • Honest Evangelism by Rico Tice
  • Living His Story by Hannah Steele
  • Jesus the Evangelist by Robin Gamble
  • Sharing Faith the Jesus Way by Jim Currin
  • Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels
Find out more about Cairns in our diocese here