resourcefile
Resource review: Essence
Review by Cedric Hobbs, Oxfordshire, UK
Many non-Christians nowadays have either rejected or never considered Christianity, but are nevertheless actively searching for a form of spirituality. To embark on Alpha, the Y-course or Christianity Explored would be too cerebral for them to start with. Two other resources are “Essence” and “Journeys”, which could also be used by individual Christians as well as cells to reach out to their non-Christian friends.
“Essence” is definitely unlike any of the other courses. You would have to be a certain sort of person – less cerebral, more experiential, creative and expressive – to make it work, or have contact with people who are into all kinds of activities, which they perceive as spiritual.
The range of activities and the way Christian hope is subtly woven into and then outshines non-Christian “hoping against hope” is very well executed – in easy stages and with plenty of variety. I would love to see some of our people trying these sessions out, in either a group format or friend to friend.
More details
| Type of resource | Compiled by Rob Frost in 2002. Developed over a 2-year period. Intended to appeal to those, particularly from a New Age background, who are seeking a spiritual dimension to life. |
| Based on | A range of activities, including role play, drawing, Bible reading, creative arts, meditation exercises, visual aids and (optionally) journaling and massage. |
| Format |
A course book containing instructions to leaders. Each section of every session involves lots of craft activities and use of symbolic objects. Course leaders and small group leaders need to make sure all the necessary materials are collected beforehand and that they follow the running order clearly indicated in the course book. Back-up materials: 14-track CD of atmospheric music, often with meditation exercises and poetry. Relaxation is very much part of each session. |
| Order details |
Cost of course book and CD: £21 Order from 020 8944 5678 |
| Range of questions asked |
Moves the participant from interest in spirituality to discovering the first stages of Christian faith. 1. The journey so far 2. The journey within (=personal identity) 3. The journey to a better world (=stewardship of creation) 4. The journey to wholeness (=personal pain) 5. The journey to spirituality* 6. The journey to the future* *Opportunity to talk to a leader about responding to God |