Books/Bible Studies/Leadership Materials

Book of the Month: The Smart Stepfamily Marriage: Keys to Success in the Blended Family by Ron L. Deal and David H. Olson

Description:  Make This Marriage Last a Lifetime
Leading blended family authority Ron Deal and marriage and family expert David Olson show you how to build on your relationship strengths and improve your weaknesses. Whether you're dating, engaged, a young stepfamily, or an empty-nest couple, The Smart Stepfamily Marriage gives you the tools you need at any stage to create a remarriage that will last.

Each chapter of this book explores one of the key qualities of happy remarriages as identified by research. Like a GPS for your relationship, this book has built-in discussion questions that can help you and your partner discover where you are, where you'd like to be, and how to get there. The online survey gives you a report with personalized results for your relationship.
Note: All of these books/resources were either read by Kris Swiatocho or other pastors/leaders before posting.
Building Leaders for your Singles Ministry
• Leadership Curriculum by Kris Swiatocho [$59.99 doc (editable); 6 weeks)]
• 7 Reason's Your Church Needs More Men by Nate Blackaby
​• Single and The Church by Aukelien Van Abbema
• Goliath Must Fall online and book study by Louie Giglio
• The Necessary Nine: ​Things Effective Pastors Do Differently by Bob Farr
• Sticky Teams by Larry Osborne
• An Ordinary Guy...With The Extraordinary God, by Dick Snavely
• One Plus One Discipleship Material by Pastor Arthur Keeley
• Everyone Knows a Single Adult: The FAQS of Single Adult Ministry by Kris Swiatocho, Dennis Franck (New)
• The Single Adult Ministry How To Guide by Max Holt and Doug Stephens, Ebook (New)
• Developing a Single Adult Ministry by Dennis Franck
​• Strength Finders
• Reaching Single Adults by Dennis Franck
• Outflow by Steve Sjogren
• Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow
• Micro-Messaging by Stephen Young
• Reaching Boomers and Beyond by Amy Hanson
• Generation Ex-Christian: Why Young Adults Are Leaving the Faith. . .and How to Bring Them Back by Drew Dyck
• How to Start a Single Mom's Ministry Kit by Jennifer Maggio
• College Ministry from Scratch by Chuck Bomar
• The Ways of the Alongsider by the Navigators
• Correspondance College Course on How to Start Singles Ministry by Dennis Franck
• Troublesome Bible Passages by David Watson (leaders guide)
• Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing by Geoff Surratt
• Growing Your Single Adult Ministry: 60 Leaders Tell You How, compiled by Jerry Jones, editor of SAM Journal
• The Idea Catalog for Single Adult Ministries, compiled by Jerry Jones, editor of Single Adult Ministries Journal
• Creative Weekends: 23 1/2 Ready-To-Use Events for Single Adult Ministry by Paul Petersen
• Giving the Ministry Away: Empowering Single Adults for Effective Leadership by Terry Hershey
• Building Your Leadership Team: 200 Practical Ideas for Single Adult Ministry by Ed Weising
• Jesus on Leadership: Becoming a Servant Leader by C. Gene Wilkes
• Developing a Divorce Recovery Ministry by Bill Flanagan
• Single and Gifted by Brown
• Baker Handbook of Single Adult Ministry by Douglas L. Fagerstrom
• Spiritual Leadership by Henry and Richard Blackaby
• John C. Maxwell- Any book is great for leaders.
• Understanding and Ministering to Step-families (DVD's) by Ron Deal
• Comforting the Bereaved: For Pastors and Others Who Minister by Warren W. Wiersbe, David W. Wiersbe
• Pastoral Care for Singles Parents plus many more books on grief by Harold Ivan Smith
• More than "I do", A Pastor's Resource book for Pre-Marital Counseling by Harold Ivan Smith
• Grief Care Kit for Pastors/Churches by Harold Ivan Smith
• Pre-marriage/Relationship Building Kit by Within Reach
• Discovering Intimacy: Experiencing Great Commandment Love in Single Adult Relationships:
   Leader's Guide by David Ferguson (workbook, video, and CD)

Bible Study/Sunday School Curriculum/Small Group
• Intentional Relationships for Singles 12-week Study by Kris Swiatocho and Dan Houk
• Crown the Sword by Genna Stotts
• Jesus, Single Like Me by Kris Swiatocho, includes leadership guide and study questions.
​• Leadership Training Study by Kris Swiatocho
​• The Naked Truth by Dr. E. Marcel Jones
• What If, Questions for Brave Women by Pam Kanaly, Arise Ministries
​• If Not Now, When? by Fernando De Paula 
• 40 Verses to Ignite your Faith by Laurie Polich Short (Video/Book)
​• The Bible Project
• Young Adult Study by The Porches Jonathan Pokluda
​• Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
• 2:7 Series for Discipleship by the Navigators
• Navpress Resource list [doc]
• Experiencing God for Young Adults by Henry Blackaby
• Bible Studies for Life for Young Adults (Lifeway)
• 20/30 Bible Study for Young Adults Faith by Clifton Guthrie and Barbara K Mittman 
• Living Single by Tony Evans
• When I Became a Man by James Daughtry
• Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman
• Follow Me by David Platt
• 1 is a Whole Number by Robert Tauber
• Singles & Relationships by Kris Swiatocho, Dick Purnell (downloadable small group outline)
• Lies Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss
• Before You Plan Your Wedding, Plan Your Marriage by Dr. Greg an Erin Smalley
• Any study by Beth Moore
• Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver
• He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer
• Crazy Love by Francis Chen (DVD's available)
• From the Manger to the Cross, The Single Women in Jesus's Life by Kris Swiatocho
• Anything by Tommy Nelson (specific Songs of Solomon)
• The Parable of Jesus Serendipity Bible Study
• Walk on Water by John Ortberg
• Several Studies by Andy Stanley
• Thirsty Thursday's by Marcus King
• Lessons in Christian Singleness by Ernest Jefferson
• Single Identity by Ernest Jefferson
• Being Single and the Spiritual Quest by Lifeway
• Leading from your Strengths by John Trent, Rodney Cox
• Lady In Waiting by Debbie Jones, Jackie Kendall (Journal/ Study Guide Available)
• Dating with Pure Passion by Rob Eagar (DVD/Study Kit available)
• Divorce Care Bible Study
• Divorce Care for Kids Bible Study

Bible Study/Personal Devotion
• 39 Stories of Devotion by Prague Christian Fellowship (Free PDF) 
• Insightful Tips for the Unique Mature Single By Andrea Best
• Love Does by Bob Goff
• Singles & Relationships by Kris Swiatocho and Dick Purnell
• Jesus, Single Like Me by Kris Swiatocho, includes leadership guide and study questions.
• 1 is a Whole Number by Robert Tauber
• Random Thoughts: Get Real with God, Others, and Yourself: A Devotional for Young Adults by Steve Russo
• Single Supplement by Margaret Ann Howie
• From the Manger to the Cross, The Single Women in Jesus's Life by Kris Swiatocho
• The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
• When God doesn't Answer Your Prayer by Jerry Sittser
• How Jesus Became Christian by Barrie Wilson
• The Allure of Hope by Jan Meyers
• Crazy Love by Francis Chan (book/DVD)
• Women Home Alone by Patrician Houck Sprinkle
• One Like Jesus by Debra Farrington
• Single to God: Personal Prayers by Single Adults Through Everyday Life by Douglas L. Fagerstrom
• Single Purpose: A Devotion for Singles by H. Norman Wright
• The Single Journey by Peter Nadeau
• Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton
• 5 Languages of Apology by Gary Chapman
• Latte for One and Loving It by Tosha Williams, Melanie Dobson
• Joyfully Single in a Couples World by Harold Sala
• A Singular Devotion: 366 Portraits of Singles Who Have Changed the World by Harold Ivan Smith
• They Were Single Too: 8 Biblical Role Models by David Hoffeditz

Relationships (General)
• 5 Love Languages for Singles by Gary Chapmen
• Love Junkies by Christy Johnson (Book/DVD)
• Straight Talk to Christian Singles by Kevin Paterson
• Safe People by Townsend and Cloud
• Singles and Lonely: Finding the Intimacy You Desire by Jayne V. Clark
• Safe People by Dr. Henry Club and Dr. John Townsend
• Lady In Waiting by Debbie Jones, Jackie Kendall (Journal/ Study Guide Available)

Relationships (Romantic/Dating)
• #CompletelyMarried by Kenady and Damien Nash
• Dating and the Single Parent by Ron Deal 
• Dare to Date by Aukelien van Abbema 
​• True Love Dates by Debra Fileta
• Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: Navigating Life and Love in the Modern Age Book by Ben Stuart 
• Symbis (online resource for pastors for counseling singles on marriage)
• How to Attract a Godly Husband by Emmanuela P. Rodenburg
• God's Purpose in the Wait: Restarting Life with God After a Break up by Vicki L. Olton
• How 3 Women Met Their Husbands by David King
• #CompletelySingle: Learning How to Become the Right One Before Meeting the Right One by Damien K. H. Nash 
• Mingling of Souls: God's Design for Love, Marriage, Sex, and Redemption by Matt Chandler
• How to Find Your Life-Long Companion by Chuck Swindle
• Insightful Tips For The Unique, Mature Single by Andrea Best
• Let's Talk About Sex and Relationships by Tania Vaughn
• How to Marry Contentment and Singleness by Bill D. Thrasher
• True Love Dates by Debra Fileta
• 10 Great Dates Before You Say "I Do" by David Arp
• The Waiting Room by TC Spellen
• Single, Ready and Waiting by Tanika Chambers
• Hope for New Relationships by Dr. Dennis Henderson
• 101 Questions to Ask before you get Engaged by H. Norman Wright
• Matched for Marriage, Meant for Life by Nate Stevens
• We're Just Friends and Other Dating Lies by Pastor Chuck Milian
• Woman Don't Be Stupid by James Armato
• Undressed; The Naked Truth about Dating by Jason Illian
• Men Like Waffles..Women Like Spaghetti book and study guide by Bill & Pam Farell
• Love, Sex and Lasting Relationships by Chip Ingram
• 51 Good Things to Do until the Right one Comes Along by Harold Ivan Smith
• 10 Commandments of Dating by Ben Adams & Dr. Sam Young
• Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs and Thomas Nelson
• Rating Your Dating While You are Waiting by Ed Young, Jr.
• Men Like Waffles..Women Like Spaghetti book and study guide by Bill & Pam Farell
• Finding A Lasting Love by Dick Purnell
• Relationship Regret by Dick Purnell
• How to get a date worth keeping by Henry Cloud
• What to Do Until Loves Finds You by Michelle McKinney Hammond
• The UnGuide to Dating by Camerin Courtney, Todd Hertz
• Dating with Pure Passion by Rob Eagar (DVD/Study Kit available)
• Should I Get Married by M. Blaine Smith
• Secrets of an Irresistible Woman by Michelle McKinney Hammond
• Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts by Dr. Les and Leslie Parrott
• Knight in Shining Armor by PB Wilson
• A Good Man is Hard to Find by Jo Lynne Pool
• Finding the Love of Your Life by Neil Clark Warren
• Choosing God's Best by Dr. Don Raunikar
• Settling for Less Than God's Best by Elsa Kok
• Discovering Intimacy: Experiencing Great Commandment Love in Single Adult Relationships:
   Leader's Guide by David Ferguson (workbook, video, and CD)
• Reconcilable Differences by Jim Talley, Leslie H. Stobbe
• Smart Love: A Field Guide for Single Adults by Nancy L. Van Pelt
• Are We Compatible? by C. E. Rollins
• Any book by Les and Leslie Parrott
• Getting Along with People You Love: Building and Maintaining Healthy Relationships by Marilyn Moravec
• What You Need to Know Before You Fall in Love by David Nicholson
• The Secret of Loving by Josh McDowell
• Boundaries in Dating by Henry Cloud, John Townsend
• Too Close Too Soon by Jim Talley, Bobbie Reed
• Should We Get Married by William P. Smith
• Watch and Pray: Red Flags in Christian Dating by Ernest Jefferson

Engagement
• IMarriage by Andy Stanley
• Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
• Before You Get Engaged by David Gudgel and Brent Gudgel
• Before You Say "I Do": A Marriage Preparation Manual for Couples by Norman Wright, Wes Roberts
• 101 Questions to Ask before You Get Engaged by H. Norman Wright
• No Longer Two: A Christian Guide for Engagement and Marriage by Brian and Barbara Edwards
• The Marriage You've Always Dreamed Of... - The Marriage Preparation Manual for Young Christian Women by Mary Taylor Williamson

Divorce/Separation/Remarriage 
• The Remarriage Checkup by Ron L. Deal and David H. Olson 
• The Necessary Nine:  How to Stay Happily Married for Life by Dan Seaborn
• Gray Divorce by Steve Grissom
• The Smart Step-Family Marriage by Ron Deal
​• Suddenly Single by Kathey Batey
• Dating After Divorce by David and Lisa Frisbie
• Top 5 Books/Studies to read after you go through Divorce Recovery study
by Cloud and Townsend
1. How People Grow
2. Boundaries in general, dating, marriage again
3. Hiding From Love
4. Safe People
5. Changes that Heal
• Hope for New Relationships by Dr. Dennis Henderson 
• Dating a Widower by Abel Keogh
• Divorce and Remarriage by Dr. Tony Evans
• When "I Do" Becomes "I Don't" by Laura Petherbridge
• Divorce Care: Hope, Help and Healing During and After Your Divorce by Kathy Leonard
• Before You Remarry by H. Norman Wright (workbook)
• Growing in Remarriage: Seven Keys to a Successful Second Marriage by Jim Smoke
• Hope for the Separated: Wounded Marriages Can Be Healed by Gary D. Chapman
• When the Vow Breaks: A Survival and Recovery Guide for Christians Facing Divorce by Joseph Warren Kniskern
• The Single Again Handbook: Finding Meaning and Fulfillment When You're Single Again by Thomas Jones
• Counseling and Divorce by David A. Thompson (resources for christian counseling)
• Counseling Families After Divorce by David R. Miller
• The Fresh Start Divorce Recovery Workbook: A Step-by-Step Program for Those Who Are Divorced Or Separated by Tom Whiteman, Bob Burns
• Beginning Again by Terry Hershey
• Growing Through Divorce by Jim Smoke
• Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again: Living With Losses of the Heart by Kari West
• Help for Parents of a Divorced Son or Daughter by Harold Ivan Smith
• Starting Over by Jayne Clark

Blended/Singles Parenting Families
• Kids and the Single Mom by Jennifer Maggio
• The Smart Stepfamily Marriage: Keys to Success in the Blended Family by Ron L. Deal and David H. Olson
• Attract Families to Your Church and Keep Them Coming Back by Linda Jacobs
​• Dating and The Single Parent by Ron Deal
• The Smart Step Mom by Laura Petheridge and Ron Deal
• The Smart Step Dad by Ron Deal
• Single Mom Resource Guide (All 50 States) by The Life of a Single Mom
• Dating a Widower by Abel Keogh
• Single Mom's Toolbox by Pat Bishop
• Raising a Prince Without A King by LaVeda Jones
​• Living, Learning, Loving by Gail Showalter
• The Daddy Gap by Dawn Walker and Matt Haviland
• A Fathers Walk by Matt Haviland
• Single Parenting That Works: Six Keys to Raising Happy, Healthy Children in a Single-Parent Home by Kevin Leman
• Loving Your Step Family by Dr. Don Partridge
• The Single Mom and Her Roller Coaster Emotions by Pam Kanaly
• Any book by Kevin Leman
• Dating and the Single Parent by Ron Deal
• The Single Mom's Devotional: A Book of 52 Practical and Encouraging Devotions by Carol Finch
• Peace and the Single Mom by Jennifer Maggio (new)
• The Single Dad's Survival Guide: How to Succeed as a One-Man Parenting Team - eBook by Michael A. Klumpp
• The Smart Step Family by Ron Deal
• Financial Relief for Single Parents: A Proven Plan for Achieving the Seemingly Impossible by Brenda Armstrong
• Dating and the Single Parent by Ron Deal
• Co-Parenting Works! Working Together to Help Your Children Thrive by Tammy Daughtry
• Help, I am Raising My Kids Alone by T.D. Jakes
• New Start for Singles Mom's Starter Kit by Diane Strack
• Parenting On Your Own by Lynda Hunter
• Your Step-family Standing Strong (CD's) by Ron Deal and Dennis Rainey
• Life in a Blender: Booklet for Teens before and after their parents remarry by Ron Deal
• My Mommy is Getting Married by Pam Chambers
• When Your Parent Remarries Late in Life: Making Peace with Your Adult Stepfamily by Terri P. Smith
• Resolving Conflict in the Blended Family by Tom Frydenger, Adrienne Frydenger
• The Smart Step-Mom by Laura Petherbridge
• Singles Parents: The Hardest Job by Robert D. Jones
• From One Single Mother to Another: Heart-Lifting Encouragement and Practical Advice by Sandra P. Aldrich

Grief and Loss
• Caring for Widows: You and Your Church Can Make a Difference by Wesley M. Teterud
• Dating a Widower by Abel Keogh
• Comforting the Bereaved: For Pastors and Others Who Minister by Warren W. Wiersbe, David W. Wiersbe
• Griefshare: Bible study by Church Initiative
• Grieving the Death of a Mother by Harold Ivan Smith (Harold has a several books dealing with grief.)
• Experiencing Grief by H. Norman Wright

Cohabitating
• Living Together: Myths, Risks & Answers by Mike McManus, Harriett McManus, Chuck Colson
• The Ring Makes All the Difference: The Hidden Consequences of Cohabitation and the Strong Benefits of Marriage by Glenn T. Stanton

Counseling
• Help for the Post-Abortion Woman by Teri K Reisser, Paul Reisser
• Life Recovery Bible
• The Emotionally Destructive Relationship by Leslie Vernick
• Boundaries by Henry Cloud
• Safe People by Cloud and Townsend
• Counseling Single Adults: A Handbook of Principles and Advice by Douglas L. Fagerstrom, Jim Smoke
• Counseling Before Marriage by Everett L. Worthington, Gary R. Collins
• Counseling and Homosexuality by Earl B. Wilson
• The Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson
• Approval Addiction by Joyce Meyer
• Weight of Grace by Paula Neall Coleman (prefer small group study)
• Bod 4 God by Pastor Steve Reynolds (individual or small group)
• A Woman Who Hurts; A God Who Heals by Elsa Kok

Sexuality
• Sex and The Single Christian by Barry Colman
• The Truth About Homosexuality by Bruce Smith, Jr. 
• Let's Talk About Sex and Relationships by Tania Vaughn
• Singled Out by Christine Colon & Bonnie Field
• Surfing for God Audio Book by Michale John Cusick
• Love is an Orientation by Andrew Marin
• Sex and The Single Purpose by Bob DeMoss
• Your Single Treasure by Rick Stedman
• The War Within by Robert Daniels
• Every Single Mans Battle (workbook) Several Authors
• Every Woman's Battle by Several Authors
• No More Sheets: The Truth About Sex by Juanita Bynum
• Sex Before Marriage by Timothy Lane

Finance
• Dollars & Uncommon Sense: Basic Training for Your Money Paperback by Steve Repak
• Every Single Cent by Larry Burkett and Brenda Armstrong - Guide/Bible study to help singles with budgeting.
• Financial Relief for Singles Parents by Brenda Armstrong - Guide to help single parents budget.
• The Everything Guide to Personal Finance for Single Mothers by Susan. Reynolds and Robert Bexton
• Crosswalk Online Magazine: Ton of great articles to help in this area of budgeting as a single.
• Anything by Dave Ramsey
• Money and Faith in Motion by ACCE - A great resource to manage, budget and use of your finances.

Single Life (Purpose, Contentment, Personal Walk)
• Welcome to Adulting by JP Pokluda
• Party of One by Joy Beth Smith
• Don't Let Someone Else Push Your Buttons by Pat Bishop
• How to Develop a Powerful Prayer Life by Dr. Gregory Frizzel
• DIS Connected: Why Men Are Unplugging In Your Church by Tim Truesdale
​• Single and Satisfied by Tony Evans (free ebook)
• Thrive: The Secret Life That God Intended by Lina AbuJama
• Living Whole Without a Better HalfBiblical Truth for the Single Life by Wendy Widder
• If Singleness Is a Gift, What's the Return Policy by Michelle McKinny Hammond, Holly VIrden
• Singled Out by Christine Colon & Bonnie Field
• Living Every Single Moment by Angela Payne
• Being Single and Satisfied by Tony Evans
• The 10 Best Decisions a Single Can Make by Bill Farrel
• Table for One by Camerin Courtney
• The Joy of Being Saved and Single by Lawrence Moore and Shelley Jones
• The Singles Christian Woman's Fight for Focus by Sherabim Allen
• Single Adults Want to Be the Church, Too by Britton Wood
• Common Mistakes Singles Make by Mary S. Whelchel
• For Single Men and Women by John Piper (online book)
• Redeeming Singleness by Barry Danylak
• The Single WomanLife, Love, and a Dash of Sassy by Mandy Hale
• God's Call to the Single Adult by Michael Cavanaugh
• Sassy, Single & Satisfied by Michelle McKinney Hammond
• Single and Loving It by Kate McVeigh
• Heloise Household Hints for Singles by Heloise
• Holy Me? The Single Adult's Guide to the Spiritual Journey by Harold Ivan Smith
• Living Whole With a Better Half by Wendy Widder
• Single but Not Alone by Jane Graver
• Singled Out For Him by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• Singles at the Crossroads by Albert Y. Hsu
• Being Single in the Church Today by Philip Wilson
• Who Has Your Heart by Emily E. Ryan
• Live Like You Mean It by Kathy Troccoli