Discover Jesus
Ask big questions about Life & Jesus.
We love asking the bigger questions in life. Hope Explored is your opportunity to explore the life of the person at the heart of the Christian faith – Jesus Christ. You don’t need to know anything about the Bible, and you won’t be asked to pray or sing. You can ask any question you like or you can just sit and listen.
What is Hope Explored?
Why explore Christianity?
Jesus of Nazareth never held a political office, never wrote a book, never married, never attended university, and never visited a big city. He was a lower-class worker who died homeless and poor. Yet, in spite of all odds—obscurity, powerlessness, and execution—he is the most famous person in all of human history. Why?
We really think Jesus is key to life, love and freedom. We want to help you meet him.
Christianity Explored meets over seven nights, giving you the opportunity to read a biographical account of Jesus’ life – the gospel of Mark, and explore who Jesus is, what his life and teachings were about and what it means to follow him.
Each session involves reading a bible passage, hearing a short talk, and joining in group discussion. You don’t need to know anything about the Bible, and you won’t be asked to pray, sing or read aloud. You can ask any questions you like or, if you prefer, you can just come along and listen.
What have others said?
"Christianity Explored provided me a safe and enjoyable environment in which to ask questions and assess the facts. It also facilitated honest and robust debate to ensure deep exploration of important questions and issues. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wishes to get to the bottom of Jesus' existence and identity."
- James
Some FAQs about Hope Explored:
Hope Explored is for anyone who wants to investigate Christianity informally with a group of other people. Whether you have previous experience of church, christians and the Bible, or none at all, this is for you. Everyone is welcome – from the most sympathetic believer to the convinced atheist. We will respect your background, culture and beliefs. Tell us as little or as much about yourself as you feel comfortable.
A meal is usually provided at the start of the evening (typically 7pm), so don’t worry if you have to come straight from work. Christianity Explored is normally run in several groups of six to nine people, and after briefly discussing the material from the week before, there is a talk or DVD on the theme for that week. Then the groups discuss any questions that have arisen, and the evening ends at 9pm. Of course, if you’d like, you’re welcome to stick around a bit longer for a coffee to discuss any further issues you might have. And you can ask any question you want, at any time during the night.
Christianity Explored runs over seven weeks, including a day away, when you can explore other areas such as the Bible, prayer and the church.
Of course you can.
It’s free!
No, all the materials are provided.
We hope not. It’s not a church service. There’s no praying, singing, or clapping, and you won’t be asked to read aloud.
Each evening includes a talk (or DVD) designed to explain an aspect of Christian belief and to stimulate discussion. Hopefully you’ll find it challenging and helpful. The group leaders will facilitate discussion and try to answer questions.
Not if you don’t want to. You are welcome to come and just sit and listen.
The focus on Mark’s Gospel, with its emphasis on who Jesus was, what his aims were, and what it means to follow him, makes Christianity Explored quite different.
Christians count it a real privilege to explain the truth and relevance of the Christian message. We don’t have all the answers but believe that we have exciting news to share about Jesus Christ.
