Living Well: contented human life in all its fullness
£29.99 (Approx)
3.8Get the resource >
Overview
What does it say on the tin?
‘A course to be set up by a church or group of churches, aimed at reaching out… to those on the edges of faith… keeping in touch for a year, learning from them and encouraging them to explore without a sub-agenda of commitment’
Centred around breakfast or lunch, the course ‘aims to offer people from a diversity of backgrounds a fresh way of looking at ordinary daily living, affirming our humanness in the context of God’s love… and celebrates the privilege of being alive… Some may go on to be prepared for a faith commitment… but this course is simply laying some foundations and showing that God’s love breathes right through our humanness and makes it sing.’
Rather than teaching directly about the Christian faith, Living Well offers people a fresh way of looking at daily life that affirms our humanness in the context of God’s love. It meets people where they are, opens up possibilities and celebrates the privilege of being alive. Living Well is relaxed and flexible – centred around a fair-trade cafe-style weekend breakfast or lunch, and designed across the full range to encourage practical community building.
What do you get?
Attractive full-colour course book including CD-ROM. 15 sessions, each an hour and a half including refreshments – 4 weekly then once monthly.
There are also available eight gift books that can be presented to the participants.
Who is it for?
All ages, Enquiring.
Review
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What is the overall quality of the material?
Extraordinarily creative and engaging resource designed for those who have tenuous links with church. Comprehensive and all-age.
How clear are its aims and outcomes?
Overall aim of ‘getting to know those who are on the edges of faith … encouraging them to explore'. Each session has clear teaching goals though some may be perhaps a little ambitious – the hope is that participants will achieve the intended goals, but reactions may vary.
How accessible are the leader's notes?
Well set out and easy to pick up. All the CD handouts are printed in the book. 2 pages of A4 per session. Each activity is described and then it is up to you to introduce it and make it work well – similar to messy church, lots of choice for people to wander between. Ends with short prayer.
Who could lead it?
A confident person with some leadership experience, plus a team of helpers. Each session will need ‘driving' and overseeing. Someone who is good at relating to team and participants and creating a welcoming atmosphere – and who absolutely loves crafts, visuals and a bit of happy chaos.
How helpful are the participants' resources?
Great handouts, activities, thought-provoking stories and discussion themes. Very imaginative, including a thoughtful sheet to take home.
How good is any digital material?
CD excellent, easy to use. Handouts, newsletters, menu cards, invitations to print out
How much prep will I have to do?
Lots! This is a full-on experience that needs planning and an enthusiastic team who enjoy very interactive material. There is the meal to prepare too. Emphasis is on creating a welcoming space where people will relax and explore.
Is there website support? Links?
N/A
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How well does it encourage interaction with the group?
Very well. Most activities are group-centred. Strong emphasis on all-age and family experience, and getting them to talk with each other.
How well does it cater for a variety of both learning and delivery styles?
Well. Creative mix of doing, talking, moving, input, etc. May be tricky for someone who would prefer to sit and listen! Majorly learning-centred.
How adaptable is it to my situation?
Needs a committed team to run it. Aimed at all age.
How well does it encourage people to work together in applying the material?
Families and others encouraged to carry on engaging outside the course, activities and material provided to promote this.
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How much of the material is Bible-based?
Bible passages printed on the handout sheets and in many of the activities.
How well is the biblical material presented and used?
Interlaced with the theme in a natural and thought-provoking way. Accessible to all ages.
How well does it apply biblical material to everyday life?
Great engagement with some key issues, such as suffering, in very accessible ways.
Is there a particular theological perspective?
Broadly evangelical.
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How well does it inspire people towards whole-life discipleship?
As thought-provoking, enjoyable, accessible introduction to thinking about God, this has to be an inspiring resource. It would do what it says on the tin.
How well does it encourage and enable people to grow in their faith?
It is practically-based, and clearly aims to help people think about God-relevant themes through activity and hands-on experience.
How well does it stretch faith and vision of God and his purposes?
Gentle exploration of beginning to think about ourselves in relation to God. Low cringe-factor and lots of creative ideas.
How well does it connect with real life issues?
Creatively links Bible passages, prayer and Christian concepts with everyday scenarios.
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How well does it encourage personal evangelism?
This is essentially a course about evangelism, through the invitation to come and explore how our humanness relates to Christian concepts and truths. Should be an easy thing to invite people to as well.
How well does it encourage local or network-based community involvement?
The course itself would encourage these. Great opportunity for getting to know each other, within and without the church.
How well does it connect with the global issues?
Some huge concepts are tackled in simple but careful ways.
How well does it encourage global mission?
Implicit.