Resources and Materials

The DVD of the one-hour documentary film, THE BETTER HOUR, can be purchased at this link: Click here to purchase the DVD from Shop PBS

THE BETTER HOUR: The Legacy of William Wilberforce is the story of a man who, inspired by faith, used his political and social influence to change the world for the better. At the beginning of the 19th century, almost a third of the British economy depended on the trade of human beings. William Wilberforce was determined to end this horrific practice, by persuading both Parliament and British society to abolish slavery in the British Empire.

This documentary film will air nationally on public television beginning in February 2008.  Check your newspaper for public television listings: or visit this link, http://www.pbs.org/tvschedules, and insert your zip code and search for THE BETTER HOUR.
 

Question and Discussion Guidelines for your First Meeting.

FREE!

A two-page guide for your first meeting.

GatheringQuestions.pdf

CREATING THE BETTER HOUR: Lessons from William Wilberforce
With foreword by Rick Warren
ISBN: 978-0-9796462-1-B

A collection of scholarly reflections on Wilberforce, the Clapham Circle, the unfinished business of slavery, and the transformation of culture. 360-page book with group discussion questions. Contributors include Os Guinness, Chuck Colson, Baroness Caroline Cox, Joe Califano, and Kevin Belmonte. Great for small groups!  If you have trouble with the online ordering system please call (866)-388-7687. -- $24.95  + $4 S&H

Leader's Manual

The Leaders Manual provides guidance and resources for starting and sustaining a Better Hour Gathering.  -- $24.95  + $4 S&H

Topics Include:

• Chapter One: An Overview to BETTER HOUR GATHERINGS
• Chapter Two: An Initial BETTER HOUR GATHERING
  • Forming Your Team
  • Administrative Check-Off
  • List for Organized for an initial Better Hour Gathering
  • Meeting Place for the Initial Event
  • Communication
  • Agenda
  • Resources Needed:
    DVD: THE BETTER HOUR: The Legacy of William Wilberforce
  • Important to Keep in Mind: Issues in the Public Square
• Chapter Three After the Initial BETTER HOUR GATHERING
  • Forming Your Leadership Team
  • Time and Place for Next Meetings
  • Goals for a BETTER HOUR GATHERING
  • CCN DVD – BETTER HOUR GATHERINGS
  • Establishing BETTER HOUR GATHERINGS
  • Two Starters
  • Starter Resources
    • Creating The Better Hour: Lessons from William Wilberforce
    • Engaging the Culture - Changing the World: Lessons from William Wilberforce
  • Agenda for the a Better Hour Gathering
  • Design for the Leadership Team Meetings
  • Core Principles
  • After the first couple of meetings
  • Starting other Gatherings in other communities
  • Additional Resources for those who want to know more about William Wilberforce
• Chapter Four: Engaging Others
  • Starting Out
  • Great Teacher
  • Earning the Right to Speak Up
  • The Power of Personal Example
  • Listening Techniques
  • Five Ways of Responding to another person
  • How to get others to talk
  • Teaching through Socratic Logic
  • The Teaching Moment
  • Creating the Atmosphere for Engaging the Culture
  • Materials for Beyond the Basics
• Appendices
  • Supplemental Material For Christians
  • Daily Spiritual Disciplines
  • Appealing to the Church
• After Word

A Practical View of Real Christianity by William Wilberforce.

A Practical View of Real Christianity was first published in 1792. These excerpts are taken from that text and light adapted for modern spelling. Most endnotes are from the original edition; some minor explanatory note have been added along with citation for many of Wilberforce's Bible quotations.

See audio CD