Book Description

Beginnings is an alternative to Alpha. It is designed to give your congregation tools to create a small-group experience where people can ask questions about the Christian faith, explore their walk with God, and form or deepend their relationship with Jesus Christ and Christian community. The 12 sessions introduce the most basic themes of Christianity and explore the most fundamental questions of religion.
Session Titles:
* So, is this all there is? (Introduction)
* Who is Jesus, and why should I care? (Jesus Christ)
* Why am I not where I want to be? (Sin and the Cross)
* What happens when I die? (Death and Resurrection)
* Can I trust God? (Providence and Suffering)
* How does God speak to me? (The Bible)
* If I don’t feel lost, why do I need to be found? (Salvation and Conversion)
* Can I start again? (Forgiveness and Wholeness)
* How do I speak to God? (Prayer)
* How can I make a life and not just a living? (The Good Life)
* Why should I join any group that will have me as a member? (Church Membership)
* Love feast! (Remembering, Sharing, and Continuing the Journey)

Beginnings: An Introduction to Christian Faith
A 9 - 12 week small-group study about basic Christian beliefs. It is intended for adults hungry for an intentional walk with God that encourages a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It targets inquirers, explorers, seekers, and new church members and is designed to begin where these adults are on their spiritual journey. In each two-hour session, participants wil share a meal, watch a short video/DVD segment, develop the spiritual disciplines of Christian conversation and study of Scripture, engage in meaningful discussion and reflection, explore Christian faith and teachings, and grow in depth of experience through the small group.

Planning Kit
This kit is recommended for churches or groups who are considering, but have not yet decided to use the study. It includes everything you need to plan Beginnings for your church or group.

* DVD with each sessions video presentation
* 1 Director's Manual
* 1 Small-Group Leader's Guide
* 1 Participant's Guide
* 1 Along the Way: A Participant's Companion