by Kwasi Kena
Have you ever wanted to talk to someone about your faith, but couldn't find the right words? Then the Pathways to Christ pamphlet series is for you!
Carry these affordable, pocket-sized pamphlets in your pocket or purse for ready use. Each title introduces seekers and new Christians to key Christian beliefs and practices in clear, "non-churchy" language.
Use the Pathways to Christ series for one-on-one faith sharing or as study resources for small groups or new member classes. Each pamphlet builds on the others, with the goal of inviting people to know and follow Jesus Christ.
These pamphlets are also a great way to get started with a new youth or adult class or a new member/new Christian class.
We recommend using the four Pathways to Christ pamphlets in this order:
 | Begin with Jesus introduces the concepts of Christian love, spirituality, and discipleship.
"Christianity is a way of life and a journey; it is not a single point of arrival. … [it] is basically a relationship of trust, love, and loyalty. Becoming a Christian is not first a matter of what you do, what you feel, or what you know; it's who you know, namely Jesus." [From Begin with Jesus] |
 | Learning New Habits focuses on the means of grace and how these inform our entire life, lifestyle, decision-making, and relationships.
"Spiritual growth can be compared to a journey. The goal of this journey is to become more Christlike. It is a strange journey because we always move toward our destination, and yet we never fully arrive there. …Your spiritual growth begins with your earnest heartfelt desire to be more like Jesus. Then, for the rest of your earthly life, you continue at your own pace.…" [From Learning New Habits] |
 | Understanding My Faith Journey with Christ expands the ideas about what it means to be a person of faith — from the Wesleyan perspective.
"Making a decision to have a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ and growing to become his disciple is the most rewarding decision you can ever make in your lifetime! … With God's help, we try each day to open ourselves to God's love and to follow the path that God has set for us. That being said — this is not simply a one-time event, but a lifelong journey with Christ." [From Understanding My Faith Journey with Christ] |
 | Gifted in Christ helps you take a look in the mirror of faith to see who God has created you to be and how you should use your gifts in ministry and in life.
"As you find yourself in Christ, you will find that who you are makes a big difference to those around you. You will discover that the ultimate purpose of the use of your abilities and gifts is … for the building up of the whole body of Christ." [From Gifted in Christ]
|
In the Classroom
Some churches use a 101, 201, 301, 401, progressive system of Christian education. The Pathways to Christ pamphlets are well-suited for the 101 level -- for seekers or new Christians.
For One-On-One Faith Sharing
- Share one of the pamphlets with a person interested in learning more about Christianity. Briefly summarize the pamphlet. Offer to talk further about the content later. You may want to suggest a time for a follow-up conversation in a relaxed, informal setting, such as over coffee or during lunch.
- Before you meet with the person again, pray for God to be revealed to the person as he or she reads the pamphlet.
- Pray for God to prepare you for the follow-up conversation.
- Read the leader's guide. Please don't pressure yourself into thinking that you have to know the answers to all of the other person's questions. Trust God.
- Make sure that you can express how important your personal relationship is with Jesus Christ and the ways that participating in worship and Christian ministry help you.
- When you meet for the follow-up conversation, read and discuss the Scripture passages together. Answer any questions the other person has as you are able. End with a time of prayer. Refer the other person to any of the suggested resources (listed in the free downloadable leaders' guides) that seem appropriate.
- Invite the person to your church for worship or some other activity.
This series is also available in Spanish. Click here for Guías de estudio para la colección de librillos Sendas hacia Cristo in pdf.
