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Sara Savage, Fraser Watts, Ruth Layzell, The Psychology and Christianity Project, University of Cambridge

What is it?

Beta is an exceptionally well produced, holistic, ten week course linking Christian faith with personal development and pastoral care. It aims to help people to:

• understand more fully what is to be Christian,
• become more whole,
• grow in Christian community.

The tone of the course is decidedly pastoral and therapeutic. Emphasis is placed on the importance of relationships (including our relationship with God) and the need for healing and wholeness in ourselves and in our relationships.

The course utilises a fascinating blend of Biblical material, theology, and psychology. Each session of Beta is designed to last for one-and-a-half hours and includes:

• Bible study,
• video presentation,
• group discussion,
• creative reflection,
• prayer,
• homework (private journalling and reflection).

If course leaders/participants wish, this can be preceded by a meal.

The ten sessions are:

• an introductory session,
• relationships,
• community,
• sin and atonement,
• forgiveness and reconciliation,
• depression,
• loss and change,
• stress and coping,
• suffering and wholeness,
• self and God.

The sessions on sin and atonement and forgiveness and reconciliation are particularly good. The explanation of hard and soft sins is especially helpful. The course provides some very illuminating new ways of understanding familiar words and concepts. For example, love, in the session on relationships:

'The experience of being listened to is so close to the experience of being loved as to be indistinguishable.'

Has it any connection with Alpha?

No. Beta is not Alpha part two. Having said that, it could form a very useful complement to, or follow on, from an Alpha Course. The statement from Tricia Neill of Alpha on the Beta website affirms this view.

It could also be a good alternative to Alpha for those who have questions about the style or content of the Alpha Course.

Who has produced it?

The Beta Course is written and presented by Dr Sara Savage, Rev Dr Fraser Watts and Ruth Layzell from the Psychology and Christianity Project at the University of Cambridge. All three are extremely clear in their presentations, blending together their considerable insights from the Bible story, theology and psychology as well as their own personal Christian/human experiences.

For more information about the authors visit www.beta-course.org.

The input is augmented and enhanced by a range of artists, dancers, editors and videographers. The use of creative arts, including some wonderful cartoons, is very refreshing.

Who is Beta for?

Beta was designed for Christians who are seeking to develop their faith, personal lives and church community. It was not designed specifically for seekers, but, for those who would be comfortable with the cultural milieu of Beta; it could be an excellent way of exploring Christianity. It would also be helpful to those who have drifted from church due to a lack of in-depth teaching or experience of an authentic Christian community.

The course has a very middle class feel and will be particularly suitable for students and graduates. It will appeal, in particular, to those who are articulate and well read. It would not be so suitable for a community meeting in an inner city tower block.

Does it do what it says on the cover?

Yes it does. The testimonies on the website affirm this. The only quibble this reviewer would have is with the claim that the course has something for everyone. Although it already works well in many contexts, it is difficult to see it being used in a low literacy environment.

What's missing?

Whilst dealing with some very deep issues, the tone of the course is positive. However, a session specifically on joy, celebration and life in all its fullness would be a useful addition. So too would more on how fulfilment is found through service.

Culturally, some of the music could be more diverse. It is very Classic FM. A bit of Radio 1 or Radio 2 would widen the appeal.

How simple is it to use?

The course is simple to use. The presentations and facilitators' guidelines are extremely clear. The handbooks are superb and the videos have lots of clearly signalled pause points during the presentations.

The follow up care is also excellent. Participants are encouraged to talk with their minister or seek further counselling if the course raises issues that affect them deeply. There are excellent resource lists and bibliographies to help participants explore, reflect or develop further.

Would it work in a fresh expression context?

Beta would work very well in a range of fresh expressions, particularly cell churches or other types of fresh expressions with small groups. Beta would be good in a church plant setting, especially with its emphasis on growing community. It would also work well in established churches that are becoming mission shaped. It would be an ideal course to use in a newly established home group.

Beta would work best in an articulate, well educated culture.

In conclusion

Beta is a most welcome addition to the range of discipleship resources that are available. It takes a refreshingly different approach and would be of value to a broad range of theological perspectives and traditions.

Alternative views

Visit www.beta-course.org for the latest information, course details and materials, plus a range of comments from people who have done or run the course.

How to obtain the material

The Beta Course is published by the University of Cambridge. Course materials can be obtained via www.beta-course.org. The full set of videos and course books costs £99. Participants' booklets cost £3 each (superb value).

Might published resources work for us?

 

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