Formations uses the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible as its base translation. This translation is widely considered to be one of the most faithful translations of the original Hebrew and Greek texts. It is widely used in seminaries, in many Protestant denominations, and in the Catholic Church.

Formations Resources

Formations Teaching Guide
In traditional curriculums, the teacher is given a large, content-filled guide, while learners are provided a distilled version of the session material. In this conventional approach, the teacher functions as the expert and dispenser of knowledge. Consequently, classroom sessions are lecture-oriented as the teacher bestows knowledge and then assists students in exploring various applications of their newly acquired wisdom.

Based on recent developments in adult education theory, Formations uses a different approach—provide teachers and learners with the same information.

In Formations, teachers are freed from the added pressure of being “the experts” and instead function as facilitators. The motto of Formations is “Let’s learn about this together.” In fact, Formations strongly encourages teachers to read the Learner’s Study Guide before reading the Teaching Guide.

With this approach, the Teaching Guide gives teachers

• ideas and tools for focusing the session on the content in the Learner’s Study Guide.
• a variety of options and hints for leading an insightful group discussion.

Formations Study Guide
The Formations Study Guide provides resources for learners that range from Bible background information to helpful insights from the theological, ethical, and historical disciplines. Ideas for taking the experience beyond the classroom and applying it to various life situations help learners identity areas for change, renewed commitment, and positive action.

Each guide also contains encouraging articles written with a sense of personal warmth from talented authors. These offer additional guidance and reflections that bring added meaning to that trimester’s study.

A Large Print version of the Formations Study Guide is available in an easy-to-read 6x9 layout.

Formations Commentary
Penned by gifted writers, the Formations Commentary allows teachers and learners to benefit from well-written commentary that is supplemented with professional illustrations. In addition to the context information and textual analysis one expects to find in a good commentary, Formations Commentary also provides interpretative observations not normally found in others series. These observations allow readers to enjoy the writers’ personal warmth and easy-to-understand approach to Bible study.

Formations Resource Kit
The Formations Resource Kit enhances the classroom experience with colorful unit banners, vibrant posters, team worksheets, and individual participant handouts.

Formations Online Resources
Maximize your teaching resources and classroom options with Smyth & Helwys Premium. It is now included with every teaching guide. Detailed maps, colorful photos, Bible background insights, and relevant current events for each week’s topic are all just a click away!

Visit www.helwys.com/premium or call 800-747-3016 for more information.