Author: John Dickson
(The following introduction is taken from the Leader's Manual for the Simply Christianity course.)
There are an increasing number of courses designed to help the 'not-so-religious' discover the meaning and relevance of the Christian Faith today. As you'd expect, they each have their own particular style, emphases and usefulness. But one assumption lies behind all of them: that bringing the gospel to people in small groups (or one-on-one), in the context of ongoing relationships, is an enriching and effective experience. We are well aware that large public proclamation--at guest services, concerts and rallies--has an important place in the life and mission of the Christian community, but we are also aware that smaller, ongoing gospel ministry is often the more crucial component in our overall task.
Speaking personally, and as an 'evangelist' who spends a lot of time speaking at public events, there is nothing more enjoyable than having a group of people over to my house once a week for a month or so to learn about Jesus Christ. The questions, the interaction, the friendships, the humour and the good food all combine to make an extremely enriching ministry experience. More than that, to see members of the group--who have fast become friends--actually come to admire and love Jesus, is the most rewarding experience of all.
Simply Christianity is designed for just this sort of ministry. It is a five-part course based entirely on the Gospel of Luke. The goal of the course is to surprise and challenge ordinary people ('churched' or 'unchurched') with the unique story of Jesus Christ as told by Luke.
The methodology of the course is simple: let the Gospel tell the gospel! The course closely follows the outline and themes found in the Gospel of Luke. It begins with a study on the reliability of Luke (and the Bible generally) as a reporter of true events. Then, as Luke introduces us to Jesus, we are confronted with the surprising authority and power of Jesus--an authority and power that is unique in both its extent and its purpose. For we soon discover that Jesus' mission is not to conquer men and women with his great power, but to serve them. He has come to seek and to save the lost, to bring them back to their Creator. In the death and resurrection of Jesus, Luke brings his Gospel to a thrilling climax. Here we watch the powerful, authoritative Christ willingly sacrifice his life for a world loved by its Maker. We also watch him conquer death and rise to the right hand of God, from where he now offers the world his leadership and mercy.
In presenting this material, I have tried hard to let Luke tell the story his own way. This will hopefully mean that Christians of all denominational backgrounds will feel comfortable running the course for the people they have contact with. Within the parameters of Luke's Gospel, leaders will have the opportunity to raise the questions they want to raise, to answer the questions that arise in their special context, and to apply the material in a way that seems most fitting for their particular group of people.
A further benefit of Simply Christianity is the fact that the very successful Jesus video is also based on Luke's Gospel. This means that segments from the video can be shown to supplement the Bible readings. In some cases, where literacy may be a problem, the video could even replace reading portions from the Gospel itself. Another obvious advantage is that Simply Christianity can function as very effective follow-up to an outreach strategy that uses the Jesus video.
This brings us to a brief word about how to actually get a Simply Christianity course up and running. Because the course functions quite well in a one-on-one setting, you could simply ask a friend if they wanted to know what you believe by doing a short 5-part study. On the other hand, the course could be the more structured means of following up people who responded in some way to an outreach occasion.
Probably the most effective way of starting a course is to integrate it within an organised evangelistic program. That is, make the course the climax of a series of outreach events run over several weeks. At each event (church service, dinner, concert) encourage people who are curious to know more to join a short, informal course outlining the heart of Christianity.
The course was in fact developed in just this setting over the past 18 months. The response has been amazing. To those at St Clement's, Mosman, who supported this work, and to the many people who sat in my lounge-room, my warmest thanks.
In the other sections of the Leader's Manual, we'll be looking at how the course is put together, what it aims to do and how you can lead it.
I'd encourage you to take the time to read these sections carefully--they're not very long. I'd also be keen for you to pass on any feedback once you've run the course so we can make improvements in the future.
Thanks for your interest in Simply Christianity. I hope you find the experience of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in this way as rewarding and as enriching as I have.
John Dickson, March, 1998
Copyright 1998 Matthias Media. Not to be reproduced by any means except with the permission of the Publisher.