"It's not presumptuous or arrogant in any way"

Mark Hanson, was trying to encourage some of his church's key lay leaders to think strategically about church growth, so when he saw an advertisement for an information session on Introducing God, he went along.

"We sat down this time last year to do the training. The lay leaders really ran with the program," Mark says. "It's not a clergy centred thing at all." Mark says he's excited by the opportunity to allow others participate in the ministry of the church.

The course entails inviting people to an environment that allows a relaxed discussion about God and faith issues. People gather usually around food, watch a visual presentation, and then discuss the issues that arise, in smaller groups. Unlike Alpha, which comes out of the United Kingdom, Introducing God is written specifically for the modern Australian context, and doesn't presuppose a level of biblical literacy.

"By it's very nature it starts with an invitation."

Mark believes that Introducing God would be useful for parishes of many different traditions. "It's not at all presumptuous or arrogant in any way. It's not ramming anything down anyone's throat. By it's very nature it starts with an invitation."

Stuart Lenthall, like many people in his age group, drifted away from the church in his late teens and was wary of courses designed to bring him back. Now he's keen to use his talents for God and gives Introducing God quite a bit of the credit.

"The course creates a comfortable atmosphere to discuss issues and build relationships," Stuart says. The participation in the course and the relationships he's formed have had an immense impact in his life. "I've started praying again, and I'm attending church regularly. I've noticed some lifestyle changes in myself - I'm becoming a lot more patient, and easier to get along with."

St. James Croydon Hills hosted two Introducing God training seminars in March 2007. For 2008 seminars in Victoria, click here.