FULL DETAILS... SAMPLES... FAQs.... LIST OF CHANGES... UPGRADE OFFER....
The original Freedom In Christ Discipleship Course was specifically written from scratch for the UK church and launched in October 2004. We expected it to make an impact but we had no idea how enduring that impact would be. It has been used by around 3,000 churches to equip 125,000+ Christians and demand continues apace. There is a version of it in the USA and it is being translated into Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Portuguese and Farsi.
When we surveyed users a little while ago to find out how what changes they would like to see in it, many came back and said, “Leave it alone!” However, others pointed out that the video was starting to look a little dated, that the Pause For Thought questions often didn’t work that well, and some struggled with the technicalities of using the slide presentations (written in Flash).
Publishers Monarch were keen to create a new version. Steve Goss says, “This was our opportunity to make the course exactly what we wanted it to be based on five years of experience. First time round it was unproven so had to be done on a really tight budget. This time Monarch were happy to spend a little more on it and it really shows. I am absolutely delighted with the result. I love the new look and the real-life stories that now appear on the videos illustrate the teaching points so powerfully.”
In making the revised version, the objective was to take the comments and feedback from users into account whilst preserving the essential elements of the original course. Every part of the course has been revised but the main changes are:
- brand new video sessions on DVD filmed in front of a studio audience
- the inclusion in the new DVD presentations of short filmed testimonies from previous participants, powerful illustrations of key points
- the addition of an optional Introduction Session (“Session 0”) aimed at those with little previous Christian background, especially those coming from Alpha, Christianity Explored or similar introductory courses. It is designed to introduce the course and create a sense of expectation but there is one overriding aim: to help participants understand that it is perfectly reasonable to believe that the Bible is God’s message to the people He created.
- a thorough revision of Session 4, “The World’s View Of Truth”, to incorporate general teaching on the topic of the world (not just worldviews), and substantial rewriting of sessions 10, 11 and 12
- completely revised and expanded Pause For Thought questions and new guidelines for using them
- completely revised Worship suggestions
- brand new illustrations and new presentations (on a CD in the back cover of the Leader’s Guide) which are now written in PowerPoint rather than Flash. They are in 16:9 widescreen format and can easily be used with dual screen set-ups
- the inclusion of links to the four Discipleship Series books that have been written by Steve Goss to accompany the Discipleship Course and are proving highly effective in encouraging people to take the message deeper
- brand new, completely revised version of the Participant’s Guide with fuller notes and increased emphasis on the Pause For Thought questions.
- new-look version of The Steps To Freedom In Christ
- new-look postcards (to accompany Sessions 1 to 3)
- new-look publicity material (customisable invitations and posters)
The main elements in the new course are as follows:
Leader’s Guide (£25)
DVD Set (£79.99)
Participant’s Workbooks (£3.99 or pack of five for £15.99)
Steps To Freedom In Christ Book (£3.99 or pack of five for £15.99)
Steps To Freedom In Christ DVD (£14.99)
Biblical Truth Postcards (£4.99 per 20)
A Starter Pack containing the main elements and enough material for 20 participants is available for £229, a saving of over £60.
Upgrade Offer
If you own a copy of the original Leader’s Guide or DVD Set you may get a new version at a discount of 40% on the standard price provided you order by March 31 2010. Click here for more details and how to apply.
FAQs
When can I order the new course?
The new course can be ordered now - see our shop section. All of the printed material is in stock now. The DVDs are expected to be in stock at the end of November 2009.
I have just bought the original version – can I swop to the new?
Customers who have bought any elements of the original course direct from Freedom In Christ Ministries since 1 November 2009 may return them (provided they are still in perfect condition) for a full credit against purchase of the new course.
Can I use the new Participant’s Guide with the original DVDs?
Not easily. The changes – particularly the Pause For Thought questions – are significant enough to make mixing and matching between versions difficult. The only element that has not undergone significant change is The Steps To Freedom In Christ and the new version will work quite happily with the original course.
Will I still be able to order elements for the original course?
The various components of the original course will be available while stocks last. The Steps To Freedom In Christ books are already out of stock and the Participant’s Workbooks are expected to be exhausted by the end of 2009.
Will I need to attend another training course?
If you have already been on one of our Getting Started With Freedom In Christ or Helping Others Find Freedom events, there is no need to go on another – what you learned first time around still applies. You may, however, like to keep an eye open for two new DVD training courses you can use in-house to equip your team. These will be published in February 2010.