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Discipleship Resources and Course Materials Some of these are more appropriate for those exploring faith whilst others are for those who desire to grow in their faith journey. We have omitted any costs involved as these are constantly changing. The explanations below come from the various producers' own materials and are not those of HEBA. If you have used other materials and would like to commend them for other churches to consider using, then please let us know and we will add them to this resources sheet.
Christian Life and Work The Black Country Urban Industrial Mission (BCUIM) has the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity course “Christian Life and Work” available to loan to churches. This is a six session DVD based course which “draws together a host of experts to bring in-depth teaching and biblical wisdom to bear on the everyday issues we face wherever we work… in the office, at the checkout, in the classroom, under the car or in the home.” Call Bill Mash (Team Leader BCUIM) on 01902 710407 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details. Alpha www.alpha.org The Alpha course is described as “an opportunity to explore the meaning of life”. Aimed at those enquiring about Christian faith and those wanting a refresher course, it tackles topics such as ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘Why and how do I pray?’ in a relaxed, non-threatening setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions. Alpha Express is a new abridged course in which each talk lasts 20 minutes. Christianity Explored www.christianityexplored.com A 10 session course based on Mark’s Gospel that explores who Jesus is, why he came and what it means to follow him. Described as ‘an informal course for people who’d like to investigate Christianity, or just brush up on the basics’. Involves teaching input, Bible study and group discussion.
Discipleship Explored www.christianityexplored.com The official follow-up to Christianity Explored. An 8 session course based on the book of Philippians, designed to help new Christians to become grounded in the faith and as a refresher for more established Christians. For new Christians, Discipleship Explored would make a helpful way into regular Bible study.
Beta www.beta-course.org Designed for Christians seeking to develop their faith, personal lives and church community. Described as a holistic 10 week course linking Christian faith with personal development and pastoral care. The course emphasises the need for healing and wholeness, both personally and in our relationships. 'Being Christian, becoming whole, building community.' Topics include: relationships, community, forgiveness, atonement, depression, suffering, loss, self & God.
Foundations21 www.foundations21.org.uk A different resource, designed as individual on-line study with elements of interaction with others. F21 has been developed to help the growing number of people who wish to learn in their own time, prefer a multi-media environment, and are comfortable with virtual conversations. Foundations21offers an online modular study programme, based round a choice of four learning styles (linked to one of the 4 gospels). Designed to allow everyone to explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and to discover their own personal direction in Christian service. Emphasis is on the spiritual journey and the chance to mature rather than gaining academic achievement. Supported by on-line study groups and a personal mentor, users decide how much to study before completing each assignment.
Emmaus www.emmaus.org.uk Emmaus is a full programme of resources for teaching Christian basics and developing the discipleship of more mature Christians. It consists of a variety of short courses (usually 4-6 sessions each) for use in small groups. Emmaus provides material from contact and enquirers stage to a range of resources for developing and growing in faith. Stage 1 Contact – helps fellowships to make the most of their connections within the community. It is mostly a book of ideas, but includes 4 optional studies. Stage 2 Nurture – offers 15 sessions exploring the Christian faith. It is divided into three sections: What Christians Believe (6), How Christians Grow (4), Living the Christian Life (4). Stage 3 Growth – contains 3 books of courses covering basic doctrine, sacraments, spiritual formation, identity, worship, the Church. Habit of the Heart This course offers participants individual mentoring and involves completing a spiritual inventory. Then follows four phases each lasting 2/3 months and introducing spiritual exercises aimed at forming and retaining good life habits. More information from Agape Workplace Initiative This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 07740 433326
Freedom in Christ www.ficm.org.uk
Navigators www.navigators.co.uk/resources A series from Navigators exploring basic ideas of what it means to be a Christian. Originally published as 4 books, three of the books are available as free downloads from the Navigators website. Book 1 - Clarifying Your Commitment Book 2 - Guidelines For Growth Book 4 - Developing in Discipleship The studies are designed for groups whose members are committed to at least one hour of preparation before the discussion, but they can also be used for personal study.
Foundations – Purpose Driven Discipleship www.purposedriven.co.uk Linked to the Rick Warren “Purpose Driven Life” materials, this course is designed to explore ’11 core truths to build your life on’. Foundations is a resource for teaching Christians the essential doctrines of Christian faith, providing the theological basis for living a purpose-driven life. The 11 topics are The Bible, God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit , Creation, Salvation, Sanctification, Good and Evil, The Afterlife, The Church, The Second Coming
Living Faith: Exploring the Essentials of Christianity www.spck.org.uk/livingfaith Living Faith is a 10 session DVD-based course in which Bishop Tom Wright aims to explore the essential truths of the Christian faith. For new Christians and those looking for a better understanding of the basics of the faith. Solid material on Biblical studies and some doctrine – quite academic in level and style but would work well for some groups. If you are considering using this product we recommend you first request the free sample DVD which will introduce you to the format of the course.
On the Way www.cpas.org.uk/home/bookshop A short, simple, creative, lo-tech, jargon-free course for small groups. It's good for those who have some links but only a little knowledge of the Christian faith. It's anchored around a central colour image ‘The Road’, symbolising the journey of faith, and this is used for response and prayer. On The Way requires less reading or clever thinking and more willingness to share, question, and be open about the journey and search that we share together. Sean (Study for Extension for All Nations) www.sean.uk.net A range of courses available for new and more mature Christians to enable ongoing discipleship. E.g. Life to the full – 18 home studies to help new Christians think through the basics of living out their faith as new believers. Described as ‘ideal for post-Alpha’. Originally written by missionaries in South America to provide Biblical teaching and discipleship of new believers, SEAN (pronounced say-an) is now used worldwide. Learning is through personal preparation followed by small group meetings. The aim is to present biblical knowledge simply and clearly, with much use of repeating and learning material and filling in blanks in a workbook.
Essence www.kingsway.co.uk OR www.cpas.org.uk A six-session interactive programme to stimulate a deeper spiritual life, drawing from the teachings of Jesus and the Christian mystics. This evangelistic course explores contemporary spirituality which looks towards a lifestyle integrating body, mind and spirit. It is aimed at people who recognize that they are on a spiritual journey, but are probably not involved with Christianity.
A Life worth Living www.alpha.org A 9 session course aimed specifically at those who are just starting out in the Christian life (but the course would benefit any small group) it explains how it is possible to live the Christian life positively, practically and joyfully. It is the official post-Alpha course. Based on the book of Philippians it follows the Alpha format of a meal, then a talk followed by discussion.
Start! www.cpas.org.uk Start! is a basic six-session introduction to the Christian faith for use in small groups. The sessions assume no previous knowledge of anything Christian. They use a mix of DVD input, time to chat, simple discussion activities and space for reflection. Designed primarily for a group of about five to ten members with two leaders. As well as those who want to know more about Christianity, Start! works well with baptism families, wedding contacts, bereaved families, parents of children and teenagers and those who are new to the church.
God is closer than you think www.zondervan.com A six session study course by John Ortberg. A resource that is aimed at helping Christians experience God’s presence in the busy-ness of everyday life, hear God speak in ways that can be understood and discover God’s desire to be with us in the present moment. Sessions include DVD clips, Bible study and group discussions. Participant’s guide, leader’s notes, DVD available.
Glad you Asked www.innovista.org An innovative seeker course with excellent apologetic content that can help people at all stages of faith. It offers a fast-paced exploration of life’s big questions followed by an imaginative presentation of Jesus’ life. The style is contemporary and interactive, offering bite-sized presentations on DVD and big open questions to be thrashed out by a small group. To better serve the unique needs of churches, Innovista now offers a DVD package designed to help churches start and run 'Glad You Asked'.
Through this free on line data base you can obtain information on a wide range of training, courses and publishers CALM [originally Christian Adult Learning Meeting] is a sub group of Churches Together in England and is managed by Bible Reading Fellowship
Scripture Union - Lifebuilder Series www.scriptureunion.org.uk/shop
Good Book Guides www.thegoodbook.co.uk An extensive range of Bible study courses for small group use. Various levels and ‘pathways’ to suit different levels of Christian maturity and Bible knowledge. Each guide features the study material itself plus leader’s notes and optional extras to adjust the length of the study. Each session seeks to uncover the meaning of the Bible passage and see how it fits into the big picture of the Bible and also leads people to apply what they have learnt to their lives.
Y Course www.wesleyowen.com An 8 session course in a ‘supper, talk and small group’ format, deliberately geared towards those with no Christian background as well as those on the church fringe. Described as being designed ‘to reach today’s postmodern, post-Christian society with the good news about Jesus by exploring major contemporary questions enquirers ask’, e.g. ‘why so many religions?’ and ‘why so much suffering?’ Good resource materials, including leader’s handbook, participant’s notes and videos of all the talks. E100 www.e100challenge.org.uk
As part of the Biblefresh Initiative the E100 Bible Reading Challenge is based around 100 carefully selected Bible readings (50 from the Old Testament and 50 from the New Testament) designed to give participants a good understanding of the overall Bible story from Genesis to Revelation. The 'E' stands for Essential and each of the Essential 100 readings ranges from a few verses to a few chapters. The programme is very flexible and can be used by individuals it is even more powerful when adapted to the context of the local church. Through completing the challenge, participants are encouraged to build a regular habit of spending time with God through Bible reading and prayer. lyfe www.lyfe.org.uk or www.bible society.org.uk If you have used other materials and would like to commend them for other churches to consider using, then please let us know and we will add them to this resources sheet. [email]
heba/church life discipleship resources/version one/June 2011 |