Simply Christianity: Guest Manual

The Leader's Manual contains an introduction to the course, its rationale and methodology, plus detailed notes and scripts for conducting the course. It also includes the entire Gospel of Luke for easy reference. To evaluate the course, this would be the resource to buy.

Features of Simply Christianity
As can be seen from the above outline, the course stays almost entirely in the Gospel of Luke (apart from filling in some necessary Old Testament background at different points). This not only gives the presentation clarity and integrity, but leaves guests with the feeling that they have read and mastered one whole book of the Bible (something which many non-Christian people find new and exciting).

By letting the gospel unfold from Luke in a very natural and straightforward way, many of the doctrinal and denominational issues that can often cloud discussion of basic gospel issues can be avoided, or at least left to one side. This also means that evangelicals from many different backgrounds and denominations can use the material comfortably.

A further benefit of being based on Luke's Gospel is that the course can make use of the successful Jesus video. Segments of the video can be played to supplement (or even replace) Bible readings. Another obvious advantage is that Simply Christianity can function as a very effective follow-up to an outreach strategy that uses the Jesus video.

Simply Christianity can be done almost anywhere with almost any size group, but experience has shown that it is very effective when done in a small group (of 5-10) meeting in someone's home. The relaxed atmosphere of a home environment combines well with the non-threatening nature of the course itself--guests need say nothing if they wish over the five sessions. There is no requirement for them to answer questions, read Bible verses, pray or anything else. They can talk and ask questions as much as they want, or just sit and listen. It is up to them.

The other benefit of this approach is that relationships form over the five weeks of the course. People get to know each other, open up and tell their own stories and give their own opinions. As the course concludes, guests are often keen to keep studying the Bible, whether they have been converted or not. The Simply Christianity group can then become a home Bible study group that continues to meet.

How does Simply Christianity work?
The first step is to gather people into the course. This can be as simple as inviting a friend to find out what you believe by doing a five-part study with you. Probably the most effective way of starting a Simply Christianity group is to integrate it within an organized evangelistic program. A church might run a series of outreach events over a two or three week period, with the culmination of each event being an invitation for those who want to know more to join a short, informal course outlining the heart of Christianity.

Once the group is formed, each of the five meetings usually takes place in the leader's home, accompanied by food, drink and a relaxed atmosphere. Each guest receives a manual containing the session outlines, the entire Gospel of Luke and extra information about the issues that will be discussed. The heart of each meeting is a presentation of around 15-20 minutes done by the leader covering the content for that session. The leader works through the points, making use of a script that is provided. The group then discusses this content as much or as little as it wishes, before a concluding summary by the leader. Guests are encouraged to read the "Extra Information" before the next session. In the week before the next session, guests also read the relevant section of Luke, and note down anything they don't understand.

Starting out as a professional singer-songwriter, John Dickson now works as an author, speaker, historian, minister and media presenter. He strives to be a public advocate for the Christian faith in doubting times, and is highly regarded for his ability to tackle complex ideas in a straightforward and accessible way.