The Possible World

The Possible World: Practical ways to join in Jesus’ mission
Debbie James, CMS, 2013.

£19.99 (Approx)
4.6
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Overview

What does it say on the tin?

Is another world possible? One where strangers are welcomed, creation is valued, stuff is just stuff and justice is the norm? We say yes. Like the Old Testament prophets before him, Jesus presents his followers with a radical challenge about how to live in the present, as well as a transforming hope for the future. How can we, as Jesus’ followers, live out both this challenge and this hope in our communities?

What do you get and how?

Landscape A5 book including DVD. Downloadable PDFs and publicity including course film trailer. From www.cms-shop.org.uk.

7 sessions:

  1. Jesus, a prophet.
  2. Hospitality.
  3. Consumer culture.
  4. The environment.
  5. Human suffering.
  6. Injustice.
  7. Now what?

90 minutes.

Who is it for?

Adult Christians, Growing, would suit youth too.

Cost?

£19.99 including DVD from www.cms-shop.org.uk.

Review

  • What is the overall quality of the material?

    Neat and attractive booklet for leaders; well-produced DVD.

    How clear are its aims and outcomes?

    Very clear. Does what it says on the tin.

    How accessible are the leader's notes?

    Clear, straight-forward, accessible structure to each session: opening our eyes; finding our hope; loving God's world. Further reading suggested. Timing icons very helpful. Looks easy to use. Challenging, wide-ranging and inspiring material.

    Who could lead it?

    Any leader with a little experience.

    How helpful are the participants' resources?

    Straight-forward, functional A4 downloadable sheets, with timings.

    How good is any digital material?

    Great, inspiring videos.

    How much prep will I have to do?

    Should be easy to pick up and use. Resources preparation would include DVD-watching facility.

    Is there website support? Links?

    N/A

    Is it dated?

    No

  • How well does it encourage interaction with the group?

    Fairly straight-forward interaction with biblical material and DVD interviews.

    How well does it cater for a variety of both learning and delivery styles?

    Discussion, DVD interviews, reading and prayer based. No hands-on.

    How adaptable is it to my situation?

    See above.

    How well does it encourage people to work together in applying the material?

    Particularly strong in this resource. Inspiring and action made possible. Specific space on participants' sheets for planning group commitments.

  • How much of the material is Bible-based?

    Around a quarter plus working on implications for topics.

    How well is the biblical material presented and used?

    Straight-forward Bible story on passages relevant to the topic, demonstrating the biblical imperative to act, with thought-provoking questions.

    How well does it apply biblical material to everyday life?

    All applied and integral to exploration of the topic. Variety of applications linked to different issues.

    Is there a particular theological perspective?

    CMS is an Anglican mission agency but material applicable across traditions.

  • How well does it inspire people towards whole-life discipleship?

    This is discipleship focused on responding to the crises around us in global terms, brought right down to practical day-to-day applications.

    How well does it encourage and enable people to grow in their faith?

    Emphasis on faith into action. Prayer time included.

    How well does it stretch faith and vision of God and his purposes?

    Hope and trust in God is the anchor for response to his world.

    How well does it connect with real life issues?

    Essentially. Very challenging, yet hopeful.

  • How well does it encourage personal evangelism?

    By implication, and getting involved in living radically as a Jesus follower.

    How well does it encourage local or network-based community involvement?

    Integral to the course. Ideas and challenges included.

    How well does it connect with global issues?

    Part of the reason for the course. Strong encouragement to engage with our impact on the world, and what we can do to love it in Jesus' name. Ideas and challenges included. Tough issues hit head on.

    How well does it encourage global mission?

    World focus, encouragement to join in with responding to global challenges and supporting those around the world who are acting in Jesus' name.

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