GROWTH RESOURCES

These are the resources from a variety of organizations and ministies that I use to learn and grow in my relationship with Christ. ​Some have low costs, but most are free!  When my faith became my own as an adult, separate from my parents, I could pretty much only afford my car payment and groceries. I wish I had known about all the resources out there they I did not have to pay for. I hope you find these recommendations useful, as I have!
(Neither For His Will nor Payton Pope are sponsored by any of the resources below)
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."   John 15:4-5 ESV
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Information and Learning
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The Gospel Coalition | Articles, Videos, Podcasts, Courses, Church Directory, and more! Website and phone App formats available.
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The Bible Project | Videos summarizing books of the Bible and other themes/concepts! They also have free courses, podcasts, articles, and study guides. Website and phone App formats available.
Got Questions | Answers to almost every question about the Christian faith! I use this when I read something difficult or confusing in scripture. Website and phone App formats available.
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Desiring God | Articles, sermons, podcasts, and free book pdf downloads on theological topics! Website and phone App formats available.
Bible Ref | A website and an app - a free (solid) Bible commentary! At the time that I'm writing this, it is still being updated with new commentary articles and information, regularly.
Bibles
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YouVersion Bible App | Contains most translations of the Bible, audio bible, devotional plans, and more!
ESV Bible App | Currently $2.99-3.99/month or free Bible App, and all access to their study bibles and commentaries with monthly payment. Website and phone App formats available.
Dwell App | My husband and I love this app, even though we use it for completely different reasons. My husband uses it for his personal reading time. It helps him to listen to God's Word after studying for hours during sermon prep. I struggle with focus, so listening to the Dwell app while having my physical Bible in front of me helps me stay on track.
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The Jesus Bible | I adore this Bible. Each article, written by a variety of authors, points to Christ as being the main purpose of scripture. This is especially helpful in the Old Testament where references to the coming of Christ might not be as obvious. There is a free plan on YouVersion to go along with this Bible!
ESV Women's Bible | I use this Bible along with my Jesus Bible. This has more academic study notes on the context, history, etc of the scripture. It has been extremely helpful in my understanding of the Word in the way God originally intended it to mean.
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Study Supplies and Tools
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Goodnotes App | Free notes app for iPad/tablet - for use with the pdf downloads on this site. Not as much space with the free version, but the paid version is amazing!
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Notability App | Free notes app for iPad/tablet - for use with the pdf downloads on this site. 
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Zebra Midliner Highlighters | I use these highlighters in my Bible and my notebooks all the time. They don't bleed through the delicate Bible pages, but they're still vibrant with lots of colorful options!
Outreach
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The Loved Bible Project | So simple, yet so powerful. Let me badly summarize - 1) Pick a person 2) Buy a Bible 3) Write in the Bible, add notes, add quotes, highlight verses 4) Give that "loved" Bible to the person you picked 5) Walk alongside that person. Fortunately, this site has a whole guide on what this is and how to do it since they're the experts! But how awesome is it to gift someone a Bible that you've "loved" and then love them like Jesus?
Bible Studies
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Better | A study on Hebrews by Jen Wilkin. Has an individual book, optional audio/video lessons, and resources to do the study with a small group. Any Bible study by Jen is wonderful!
Living Hope in a Hard World | A study on 1-2 Peter by Lydia Brownback. Very thorough and applicable. I enjoyed how the questions were structured in a way where a video or audio guide was not needed. Any Bible study by Lydia is wonderful!
Books
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She Works HIS Way | A book for working women discussing "a gospel-centered approach to work and womanhood, for the glory of God and the good of others." - description from She Works His Way.
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Hoping for Happiness | Extremely helpful through my struggles with sorting through my new career path while my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It is about ​realistically and practically ​having happiness as a Christian in a broken world. ​
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry | A life changing book. Jesus had time for it all. But He was God, right? So, how can we follow Him by living our lives in a peaceful and non-hurried way when culture demands a life of "go, go, go"? A must-read!
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Every Moment Holy | Liturgies for the "ordinary events of daily life." Absolutely love it. Multiple volumes, and they also have an app! It also makes a great gift.
Sermons
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Canvas Church is my home church and their teaching pastor is my favorite preacher to listen to. I might be biased though, ​since I married him. :)​
Another bias - the lead pastor is a great friends of ours and pastors us through our personal and ministry  struggles. Who is your pastor's pastor?
No connection to this Texas church at all! Matt Chandler is one of my favorite preachers to learn from. Pretty much anyone they put in their pulpit is theologically solid.
Podcasts
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Answers to many of life's questions as a Christian. Also available in article format.
My favorite podcast! I also may be biased, because one of the co-host is my husband :) This podcast is relevant to everyone who leads in ministry - volunteer, part-time, full-time, direct, pastor, etc!
"Being a ministry wife is a vocation without a job description… and let’s be honest — sometimes it seems like ministry might be easier if we did have one. If you are a ministry wife like me and are looking for hope, perspective, and a little bit of practical advice regarding your role, you’re in the right place..." -description from podcast website
Terminal: The Dying Church Planter. A year-long project of interviews about my husband and our church plant...and how God has done it all.
"You're invited into a conversation about how to navigate the tension between what God says and what culture wants you to believe, both Biblically and practically." - description from She Works His Way
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"​Candid conversations & stories around the topics of faith, grief, Christian living, and more." - description from podcast website
Playlists
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The Garden Church, Cambridge, MD | Pre-Service Playlist
​Spotify
vibey, mellow (not instrumentals, has lyrics)
Apple Music
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Great for prayer gatherings, personal prayer, or falling asleep
​Spotify