Discovering Jesus through Asian eyes
£7.99 (Approx)
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Overview
What does it say on the tin?
Eight friendly and open discussions about Jesus, life and faith in God. Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Christians believe that the purpose of life is peace with God and peace with each other. We realise that there are questions, issues and sometimes misunderstandings about the Christian faith. This discussion guide is based on the booklet Jesus through Asian eyes and is designed to help find answers to some of these questions by looking at what the Bible teaches.
What do you get and how?
8 sessions. Large A5 books: (portrait) Leader’s Guide; (landscape) Discussion Guide; A5 booklet for giving away. Sample pack, posters and postcards from The Good Book Company. Training and support offered.
Who is it for?
Adult Asian enquirers and those wanting to offer the story of Jesus to them
Cost?
Leader’s £7.99, Discussion £2.50, booklet £1.50. www.discovering-Jesus.com. Similar on The Good Book Company, which also offers sample pack of all three for £9.99, plus posters (£1 for 10) and invitation postcards (£4.99 for 50) www.thegoodbook.co.uk
Review
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What is the overall quality of the material?
Very nicely produced, attractive resources. Giveaway booklet is glossy and includes many photos.
How clear are its aims and outcomes?
Aims clearly set out. Introductory material puts them carefully in context.
How accessible are the leader's notes?
Extensive introductory section gives background understanding and advice as to helpful approaches to Asian enquirers. This includes summary information about the main Asian religions, what their main questions are likely to be, how to avoid offence, and how to show appropriate respect and love. Guidance on how to approach and run the sessions is detailed and pertinent. Session notes are clear and run through questions for discussion. Much background information given with suggested ‘answers'.
Who could lead it?
A leader with sensitivity to, and preferably previous experience of, engaging with people of Asian background.
How helpful are the participants' resources?
Giveaway booklet is carefully produced and looks great. Appropriate pictures rather than Western-based ones. Discussion Guide is also very attractive, including some photos, graphics, and very clear layout of material. Spaces for notes are 50% of book. Definitions of biblical terms included. Stories from Asian Christian also.
How good is any digital material?
N/A
How much prep will I have to do?
Depending on experience, some considerable time is needed. Two aspects here. Firstly, it will be important to really appreciate the sensitivity needed for this course to work well, which would include taking on board all the clear advice and information in the first section of the Leader's Guide. Secondly, the course sessions themselves are question-based, so familiarisation with the suggested directions for answers would be important. Preparation guidelines are provided. Context of meal or refreshments is highly recommended.
Is there website support? Links?
www.discovering-jesus.com. Other suggestions also given for further resources which are web-based. Training and support offered.
Is it dated?
No. Should last well.
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How well does it encourage interaction with the group?
Each session is based on discussion around questions, so essentially interactive with others.
How well does it cater for a variety of both learning and delivery styles?
No hands-on. This is a course for talking and listening. Space for note writing.
How adaptable is it to my situation?
Obviously this is specifically designed for outreach to Asian participants. Flexibility within each session is encouraged. Designed to be used by groups, one-to-one (which may be more appropriate), or to educate churches. Context of meal or refreshments encouraged.
How well does it encourage people to work together in applying the material?
Not a focus but all discussion-based.
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How much of the material is Bible-based?
75%. Two main passages per session. All questions for discussion are rooted in Bible passages.
How well is the biblical material presented and used?
Simple, straight-forward application of Bible passages which relate to the main questions. Definition of biblical terms included.
How well does it apply biblical material to everyday life?
Focus is on theological understanding of the meaning of Bible passages, and how it relates to each of us personally.
Is there a particular theological perspective?
Basic understanding of the Christian faith is presented through biblical study.
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How well does it inspire people towards whole-life discipleship?
The course aims to cover the main questions that a person of Asian background is likely to have about Christianity:
What is Christianity?How can we relate to God?
How do I know that God loves me? What happens when we die? Who is Jesus? Is Jesus the only way to God? Can we trust the Bible? What would need to change if I follow Jesus?
How well does it encourage and enable people to grow in their faith?
Directly aimed at putting participants at their ease, and engaging with participants' relevant issues. Biblical material applied personally. Gentle invitation to consider following Jesus is included.
How well does it stretch faith and vision of God and his purposes?
Clear but sensitive challenge to engage with the Christian claims, and respond.
How well does it connect with real life issues?
Biblical material applied personally. How the Gospel relates to overall Asian beliefs, and what believing in Jesus might mean for them.
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How well does it encourage personal evangelism?
This is an outreach course.
How well does it encourage local or network-based community involvement?
Not a focus.
How well does it connect with global issues?
Not a focus.
How well does it encourage global mission?
Not a focus.