Hexham Trinity Methodist Church
Christianity Explored - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many weeks does Christianity Explored last?
A: Christianity Explored has ten sessions. We also have a day away on a Saturday towards the end of the course.
Q: Do I have to come to every meeting?
A: No - we understand that people have other commitments. We hope you'll soon want to come every week and to the day away!
Q: What happens each week?
A: We meet promptly for a hearty meal (yes we'll keep you a bit if you're going to be late), then we watch the Christianity Explored DVD on the big screen. After a cuppa, we then host small groups where you can ask any question you like.
Q: Will my questions be answered?
A: Hopefully the group will be able to help you. Christianity Explored is more about airing questions, rather than receiving the Christian party line on all issues. We accept all questions from the trivial to the profound. Often lots of people have the same question, and as soon as one person asks it, the rest all nod!
Q: What happens on the day away?
A: We go to sunny Ninebanks for a relaxing day away from it all, watch the videos and have a short walk before coming home.
Q: What kind of people come on Christianity Explored?
A: People like you. The day-time Christianity Explored tend to be more young mums and pensioners, who are available during the day. There is a mix of church members and guests, usually more of the latter. We also have Russell, our ever present, who will be on his sixth course because he enjoys it so much (and no, that's not what it's designed for).
Q: Will I get brainwashed?
A: In a Methodist Church? In Hexham? In 2008? You'll be able to spot anything dodgy a mile off. You'll know most of the people there anyway - Hexham's like that.
Q: What happens when Christianity Explored is over?
A: Some people find answers and decide to become Christians. Some people still have questions and decide to become Christians. Some people are happy to stay as they are, but have made new friends. We have groups which people can attend following on from Christianity Explored if they want to keep looking. Alternatively, you can do the course again in 2008, or do Alpha.
Q: What happens if I don't like it?
A: You can walk away at any time. Part of our promise is that we won't hassle you at all. And what kind of Christians would break a promise and then expect you not to spot that?
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Christianity Explored is free, and we used to try to stop people from paying. However, this ended up causing so much fuss that we came up with a new idea. The meal is free, but you can make a contribution up to a maximum of £2 if you would like. Most people now give £2, but you don't have to! It may be that paying makes people feel in control of the process. If so, that's fine by us, because you are in control all through Christianity Explored.
Q: Are children welcome?
A: Children are always welcome at Trinity, and we have appropriate activities for them during Christianity Explored.
Q: I can't make the time it's on - what can I do?
A: We move the time of Alpha and Christianity Explored around so that it is convenient for different people. If we were in Newcastle, we would even run breakfast Christianity Explored for commuters......
Q: Why are we doing this?
A: We believe that Jesus Christ is the most wonderful person in the world, and we want you to know that too. We could come round the doors and tell you, or preach in the street, but we find that today most people want to find out for themselves in their own time. Accordingly we run Christianity Explored on a "no obligation" basis so that people aren't frightened away, yet have the time and the place to see whether Jesus is real. The church invests in Christianity Explored as one of the most effective ways of letting people know. You can also come along on a Sunday as well, and you'll find a good crowd and an exciting service, but Christianity Explored is probably the best entry point for people who want to find out about Christianity.
Q: What's the catch?
A: We don't think there is one. Come along and see for yourself!
Back to the Christianity Explored Page.