Jesus the Game Changer
Price varies
4.8Get the resource >
Overview
What does it say on the tin?
How the life and teaching of Jesus changed the world and why it matters.
Jesus Christ has made an indelible mark on human history and he continues to do so through his follower. Yet many people do not realise that the values western democracies are built on originate in the life and teaching of Jesus – the equality of all, servant leadership, care for the poor and marginalised, to name just a few.
In this series, host Karl Faase travels to the UK, USA, Singapore, India and Australia, interviewing authors, academics and modern-day game changers about how the life and teaching of Jesus changed the world and why it matters.
What do you get?
Two DVDs and Discussion Guide from www.eden.co.uk:
- Jesus
- Equality
- Forgiveness
- Women and Children
- Democracy
- Care
- Leadership
- Education and Health
- Wealth
- Reason and Science
Participants would benefit from having a copy of the discussion guide, or downloading the App advertised as:
‘Get the most out of this series with in-depth and interactive discussion guides, guest bios and more.’
Videos are available to buy or rent as downloads from www.olivetreemedia.com.au. Lots of extra material, interviews and trailer on https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/jesus-the-game-changer/. Trailer also on Youtube.
Who is it for?
Adults, older youth, small groups, enquiring, beginning, growing.
Review
-
What is the overall quality of material presentation?
Excellent presentation across the board: a substantial resource tackling significant and timely issues with honesty and clarity through DVD videos and discussion. Not to be missed!
How clear are its aims and outcomes?
Exceptionally well laid out guide, with clear sections for each session.
How accessible are the leader's notes?
Discussion guide includes a few opening pages of leader's notes, which mainly focus on enabling honesty and discussion and application. Each session comprises: Introduction; Episode on DVD; Getting Started (a general question about the overall theme); The Life and Teaching of Jesus (first Bible study with several questions); Game Changers (exploration of the theme, with a mixture of questions based on the video input and Bible passages); Personal Reflection (with a couple of questions); further reading and research (suggestions).
Who could lead it?
This resource would be easy to lead, as the quality is so good. Leader would need to be robust enough to welcome difficult questions, encourage honesty, and enable discussion.
How helpful are the participants' resources?
Just the one book for leaders and participants. This Discussion Guide has plenty of room for writing notes, is printed on really good paper, and contains some the main points from the DVD plus further thought-provoking and relevant input. Latter is just the right amount to add interest without overloading. Further reading and research suggested. Alternatively, the brilliant App includes each session's questions, facility to write notes, links through to relevant Bible readings, suggestions for further readings, major quotes and comments from the material.
How good is any digital material?
Great DVD – very well designed, entertaining, engaging and inspirational. Good range of settings and interviewees from the UK, USA, India, Singapore and Australia. Karl Faase presents engaging interviews with a range of people for whom Jesus is a game changer, from theologians and ministers to campaigners. They tackle hot potato issues with grace and conviction. Shot on locations around the world. App is easy to use, attractive, works well and is interactive. Website has backup material on it, including a trailer, interviews, and downloadable items – invitations and logo etc.
How much prep will I have to do?
Familiarisation with material. Inviting to and setting up the group if it is a special activity, such as outreach.
Is there website support? Links?
www.jesusthegamechanger.com provides lots of supportive resources, such as downloadable invitations, and access to the App. Logos and graphics too.
-
How well does it encourage interaction with the group?
Videos are so good, they should encourage good interaction. Great questions to discuss afterwards, based on the video plus Bible passages.
How well does it cater for a variety of both learning and delivery styles?
For a quality mix of video plus discussion plus Bible study, this resource would be hard to beat.
How adaptable is it to my situation?
Would apply across a broad range of people; mixture of theory, information and practice is brought to life so well by the interviewees. Significant issues are tackled clearly and helpfully. Some issues could easily be explored further (eg women and children), but the input is a strong starter.
How well does it encourage people to work together in applying the material?
Personal reflection questions are good, and would probably benefit further from a catch-up section to begin the following session.
-
How much of the material is Bible-based?
All the interviewees refer to the Bible in one way or another; the following discussions and questions are based on two or three Bible passages.
How well is the biblical material presented and used?
Bible material is not printed out in the Guide; but the App includes links through to the relevant passages. First session starts the ball rolling by establishing the historicity and reliability of both Jesus and the Bible. The sessions build on this to tackle deeply challenging subjects, which would be familiar to most people, from a biblical point of view. Background to Bible passages given in Guide.
How well does it apply biblical material to everyday life?
Powerful applications through the interviewees, who talk honestly about the difference which biblical principles and the words of Jesus make to deeply difficult life situations. Very strong exploration of how biblical material relates to everyday life – both personally and theologically.
Is there a particular theological perspective?
Broadly evangelical.
-
How well does it inspire people towards whole-life discipleship?
This resource tackles some of the niggling questions believers may have, as well as those who are not Christians. Really helpful approaches that encourage thinking things through, as well as suggesting tried and tested ways ahead. Unashamedly positive in atmosphere.
How well does it encourage and enable people to grow in their faith?
Personal reflection sections at the end of each session notes would enable this; also the resource includes a good amount of inspiring church history – presented in lively ways – which should also bring encouragement and challenge.
How well does it stretch faith and vision of God and his purposes?
This resource aims to help people understand the enormous and fundamental impact Jesus has had, and still has, on the world in general as well as on the believer in particular.
How well does it connect with real life issues?
Lots of the big life questions are there; and so is the opportunity to engage with them personally. The broad sweep of influence of Christian values are explored well; as is the effect on our own lives.
-
How well does it encourage personal evangelism?
Implicit throughout, and also practically. This resource would work with interested Enquirers as well as Christians.
How well does it encourage local or network-based community involvement?
Implicit.
How well does it connect with global issues?
Great exposure of the impact of Judeo-Christian values on the world combines with a robust defence of ‘how the life and teaching of Jesus changed the world, and why it matters'.
How well does it encourage global mission?
Implicit through the understanding of why Jesus matters.