In September, Lisburn RPC hosted Hope Explored, the latest resource designed and produced by Christianity Explored Ministries. Like their previously produced courses (Christianity Explored, Discipleship Explored and Life Explored) this is a great resource, marked by high quality production, warm and thoughtful Gospel presentations, and plenty of reliable Bible content. Having ran all four courses at various times, this is by far and away my favourite – perhaps because of its brevity. Hope Explored is a short, three-week course, focussing on Hope, Peace and Purpose, as revealed in Luke’s description of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. Much shorter than other courses, this is an ideal introduction for those interested in Christianity, but are busy, unable and unwilling to commit to a longer course.

Having advertised it in our week of leaflet distribution in August, we had two people who came each evening from the community. Additionally, a number from the congregation came, bringing unbelieving friends and family, and some who regular attend with us but who haven’t yet been converted came too. In total we had between 17-20 attending each evening, which was a tremendous answer to prayer. 

In many ways, it was a thrilling course to lead. There was good discussion each evening and people really seemed to connect to the content. It is extremely accessible for the ‘unchurched’ individual, yet manages not to be patronising or demeaning to those who have heard the Gospel many times. Indeed, those who attended from the congregation found it to be a great refresher in their faith, taking them back to the basics, equipping them to better communicate their faith.

I imagine we will run it again in the future, but for now it has provided significant follow-up work, and we are thankful to God for how one of the members of our community who attended has since begun attending our services of worship.  

A trailer for the course can be found here, with materials available here.

Robert M McCollum, Pastor, Lisburn RPCI