Going global: Christianity Explored grows across the world, even in gaol…

Christianity Explored Ministries (CEM) is now 90% international and over half a million people around the world each year attend one or more of its evangelistic courses, which have now been translated into more than 60 languages.

Those resources are now being used in over 130 countries around the world. These were some of the numbers unveiled to about 200 people at All Souls Langham Place at CEM’s annual Love Live Tell evening recently, with many more watching online.

Ian Roberts, Chief Executive of CEM said: ‘Our most exciting work often comes in areas we’ve least expected – most of our strategic work is taking place thousands of miles away. So 500,000 prisoners have now completed the Christianity Explored course, as part of The Prisoner’s Journey, in around 40 countries.

‘With over 90% of our resource usage being international in over 130 countries worldwide, in 2021 we took the decision to separate out a small dedicated team to focus on developing the international work further. This in turn allows the UK team, the engine room for the ministry, to concentrate on developing and refining resources fit for purpose in the coming decade.’

New UK National Director, Kay Carter, explained her ministry strategy for 2022. Its twin central emphases are to reach out to new audiences – especially younger ones – whilst at the same time nurturing existing audiences. Or both to enlarge the tent and to ensure happy campers, as she put it.

Rico Tice, co-founder of CEM, set out the reasoning behind CEM’s new Hope Explored resource, which was launched in January. Covid had brought home the unmistakeable fact of death forcefully over the past couple of years, such that it was now a real issue for many. Hope Explored was different in that it is run over three sessions, rather than seven for Christianity Explored, making it more accessible for seekers. He asked for prayer that Christians everywhere would be bold in using Hope Explored in their evangelism – and in inviting friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to join a course.