wfn.org | Publishing House launches Christian Believer study course

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Sept. 2, 1999 News media contact: Tim Tanton*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{446}

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - As churches around the country begin Sunday school
programs this fall, nearly 700 congregations are using a new 30-week course
from the United Methodist Publishing House called "Christian Believer:
Knowing God With Heart and Mind."

"Christian Believer" has some of the design characteristics of the
Publishing House's "Disciple" Bible study program, which is used in more
than 10,000 churches.

"It's 'Disciple'-inspired," said Harriett Olson, vice president of product
development. "What that means is that it uses some of the attributes that
'Disciple' has: the daily reading plan, the focus on the small group
learning together in their meeting time, the videotaped series of expert
presenters."

However, rather than being primarily a Bible study, "Christian Believer"
integrates the Bible with the teachings of the Church and what they mean for
people today.

"It takes a biblical, theological approach to the teaching," Olson said.
Each day, the study group member will have readings selected from Scripture
passages that reflect on the topic, along with related texts from historical
documents, theologians and creeds.

The Publishing House introduced the "Christian Believer" resources on July 8
in Atlanta, at the first of six training events around the country. The last
event was held in Denver during the week of Aug. 30, but others are being
planned for next year.

So far, 1,024 people have been trained as "Christian Believer" study
leaders, and 667 churches are enrolled to teach the program, according to
the Publishing House.

While the core audience is United Methodist, the market for "Christian
Believer" extends beyond the denomination. When Olson attended a training
session in Los Angeles, she noted that participants were there from four
denominations. The program's reading book contains passages from John
Wesley, but also writings by John Calvin, Martin Luther and others.

"It's an attempt to walk people through the breadth of the tradition," Olson
said..

The class sizes should be small enough for people to feel comfortable and
able to share thoughts and questions, but large enough for a variety of
perspectives, Olson said. The Publishing House recommends a class size of
about 12.

The program "helps resolve questions about the substance of the Christian
faith and emphasizes the connection between our believing and our living,"
according to a Publishing House news release. "This study will help people
understand the beliefs of the Christian community and equip them to live
more faithfully and to pass on the faith entrusted to the community of
believers."

The training, offered through Cokesbury Seminars, is aimed at clergy
members, educators and lay people. Participants learn how to guide the study
groups and plan and promote the program in their church, district or
conference.

More information about "Christian Believer" is available by calling
(800)251-8591 or visiting www.umph.org/christianbeliever
<http://www.umph.org/christianbeliever> on the World Wide Web.

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