Designed for Learning
In the Gospels, the first followers of Jesus are called ‘disciples’ or ‘learners’. And in their letters to the newly founded churches, the apostles teach their readers to expect lives transformed by the Holy Spirit making an impact through their relationships, such as with family and working colleagues.
There are many ways in which Christians learn and grow in their faith. They include taking part in regular worship, especially Holy Communion; a regular rhythm of prayer and Bible study; and engaging together in mission and service to the community. Another is taking part in planned learning events, whether weekly courses or one-off events, with the aim of deepening understanding of God and his ways and opening our hearts to receive more of the Holy Spirit’s love and power.
The Courses and Resources pages of the ReSource website offer a variety of resources for Christian growth through learning together. On the main page, you will find the four courses currently offered directly by ReSource:
the long-established Saints Alive, an introduction to Christian faith and the work of the Holy Spirit,
the newly introduced Alive in Christ, a potential follow-up to Saints Alive, whose aim is to enable Christians to open their lives wider to God’s love and affirmation,
Christopher Landau’s Unity Course, helping Christians to live together in harmony,
and Keith Powell’s Prophecy Course, exploring the spiritual gift of prophecy.
Saints Alive and the Unity Course are offered through a publisher, but Alive in Christ, the Prophecy Course and all the others we plan for the future are offered free to download.
At the bottom of the main page, you will find a link to another page on which we signpost a variety of courses and resources from other providers under five heads:
living the Christian life in the power of the Spirit,
sustaining and deepening our relationship with God,
sustaining and deepening the life of the church,
reaching out in mission,
and (soon to arrive) equipping the church for ministry.
Amongst these, you will find a resource called Designing Learning for your Church. Its purpose is twofold: to help you to choose the most fruitful course for your church; and to help you to design a course of your own if you choose to do so. Sometimes the most effective learning is something tailor-made for your situation. ‘Designing Learning’ offers advice on how to create your own course or event.
Paul’s vision was to see ‘everyone mature in Christ’ (Colossians 1:28). Our courses and resources are offered with that vision in mind: churches growing in love for one another and their communities.
Revd Dr David heywood
Courses and Resources Editor.
I have been teaching and writing about discipleship, mission and ministry over many years, and have written several books on the subject. In particular, my greatest area of skill and my greatest joy ever since I first qualified as a schoolteacher has been designing learning. I’m especially passionate about Christian disciples growing to maturity in faith.