Frequently asked questions
About the FAITH pathway
Q: Do I have to complete these resources in order?
A: Ideally, yes. Each builds on the previous one. However, if you’ve been a Christian for years but never had solid discipleship, you might benefit from starting with FAITH Foundations or even VICTORY rather than Simple FAITH.
Assess honestly:
- Do I understand and practice the basics? (If no, start with Simple FAITH)
- Am I struggling with performance-based Christianity? (If yes, prioritise VICTORY)
- Do I have a solid foundation and grace-based living, but want to go deeper? (Then FAITH Plus)
Q: How long should I spend on each resource?
A: Suggested timelines:
- Simple FAITH: 4 weeks (one letter per week, H included with session 4).
- FAITH Foundations: 5 weeks (one session per week).
- VICTORY: Ongoing daily practice, initial 7-week study.
- FAITH Plus: 12 weeks to 12 months, depending on pace.
But don’t rush. Better to spend extra time and truly grasp the material than race through without understanding.
Q: Can I use these resources if I’m not part of a church?
A: The resources can be used individually, but biblical Christianity is inherently communal. One of Simple FAITH’s core truths is joining the Christian community.
We strongly encourage you to:
- Find a Bible-believing church.
- Use FAITH resources whilst connecting with that church.
- Don’t try to grow in isolation.
If you’re in an area without a church, seek an online Christian community, but prioritise finding local fellowship as soon as possible.
Q: What if I complete all four resources?
A: Completing FAITH Plus doesn’t mean you’re “done” with discipleship. Continue:
- Practising VICTORY principles daily
- Reviewing Simple FAITH and Foundations periodically
- Studying Scripture deeply
- Growing in Christ-likeness
- Most importantly: making disciples who make disciples
Use what you’ve learned to disciple others through the FAITH pathway.
About Simple FAITH
Q: Is Simple FAITH enough for brand new Christians?
A: Yes. It’s specifically designed for people with zero Christian background. If someone can read and understand basic English, they can grasp Simple FAITH.
Q: What if someone doesn’t understand parts of Simple FAITH?
A: That’s normal. New believers won’t grasp everything immediately. Focus on:
- The gospel (they’re saved by grace through faith in Jesus).
- Basic practices (pray, read the Bible, go to church).
- Identity (they’re God’s loved child).
Deeper understanding comes with time and FAITH Foundations.
Q: Can children use Simple FAITH?
A: Older children and teenagers (12+) can use Simple FAITH directly. For younger children (under 12), parents should adapt the language and concepts to age-appropriate levels whilst maintaining the core truths.
About FAITH Foundations
Q: How is FAITH Foundations different from Simple FAITH?
A: FAITH Foundations takes each Simple FAITH point and explores:
- Why does this matter (theological grounding).
- How to do it from grace, not performance.
- Common struggles believers face.
- Practical methods and tools.
It’s deeper theology and practical guidance for growing believers.
Q: What if I’ve been a Christian for years but never went through basic discipleship?
A: Many long-time Christians lack solid foundations. Don’t skip FAITH Foundations just because you’ve been saved for years. Work through it honestly. You’ll likely discover gaps in your understanding and be strengthened.
Q: Can I do FAITH Foundations without Simple FAITH?
A: FAITH Foundations assumes you understand Simple FAITH content. If you do (you know the gospel, practice basic disciplines, and are connected to the church), you can start with FAITH Foundations. But if you’re unsure, quickly review Simple FAITH first.
About VICTORY
Q: Is VICTORY just for people struggling with performance-based Christianity?
A: VICTORY prevents performance-based Christianity as much as it corrects it. Even if you’re not currently struggling, learning VICTORY principles early establishes healthy patterns that prevent future struggles.
Q: How often should I use VICTORY declarations?
A: Daily. Start each morning with VICTORY declarations. Use specific declarations when facing relevant challenges (financial, health, relationships). Review VICTORY principles regularly throughout your Christian life.
Q: Can I teach VICTORY to new believers?
A: VICTORY concepts should be woven into discipleship from the start. However, the full VICTORY framework is best introduced after FAITH Foundations, when believers have practised disciplines and might be developing performance patterns.
You can (and should) teach VICTORY truths to new believers in simpler language:
- “God loves you no matter what”
- “You’re doing this because you’re loved, not to get loved”
- “The Holy Spirit gives you power; you don’t have to try harder in your own strength”
About FAITH Plus
Q: Who should use FAITH Plus?
A: Believers who:
- Have completed Simple FAITH and Foundations (or equivalent).
- Understand and practice VICTORY principles.
- Have been consistently following Christ for 6-12+ months.
- Want to go deeper theologically.
- Are you preparing for ministry or leadership.
- Want to learn to make disciples.
Q: Is FAITH Plus required before I can serve in the church?
A: That depends on your church’s requirements. FAITH Plus equips you for teaching and leadership roles. For serving roles (greeting, setup, children’s ministry helper), FAITH Foundations may be sufficient.
Churches should require FAITH Plus (or equivalent comprehensive discipleship) before appointing people to:
- Teaching positions.
- Small group leadership.
- Elder/deacon roles.
- Counselling or discipleship ministries.
Q: What if FAITH Plus raises questions I can’t answer?
A: That’s normal and good. Deeper study raises deeper questions. When this happens:
- Write down your questions
- Research them in Scripture and trusted commentaries
- Ask your pastor or mature Christian mentor
- Discuss with your small group
Growing in knowledge includes growing in good questions.
About implementation
Q: How do I know which resource to start with?
Simple assessment:
Start with Simple FAITH if:
- You’re a new Christian (weeks or months old in faith).
- You’re not sure what Christians believe or practice.
- You haven’t been baptised or don’t understand why.
- You’ve never had basic discipleship training.
Start with FAITH Foundations if:
- You understand basic Christianity.
- You practice spiritual disciplines inconsistently.
- You want to know why these practices matter.
- You’re beginning to struggle with guilt or performance.
Start with VICTORY if:
- You understand the basics and why they matter
- You’re experiencing spiritual exhaustion or burnout.
- Christianity feels like duty more than delight.
- You know you’re saved by grace, but live like you must earn approval.
Start with FAITH Plus if:
- You’re solidly grounded in basics.
- You’re living from grace consistently.
- You want comprehensive theological training.
- You’re ready to prepare for ministry or the discipleship of others.
Q: Can I work through multiple resources simultaneously?
A: Not recommended. Focus on one resource at a time to allow deep processing and application. However, you can:
- Work through FAITH Foundations whilst beginning to apply VICTORY principles.
- Review Simple FAITH whilst working through FAITH Foundations.
- Use VICTORY declarations daily whilst studying FAITH Plus.
The key is: don’t start a new formal study until you’ve completed and applied the current one.
Q: What if my church doesn’t use FAITH resources?
A: The FAITH pathway isn’t the only legitimate discipleship approach. Many churches have excellent discipleship systems.
If your church has solid discipleship:
- Follow your church’s pathway.
- Use FAITH resources as personal supplemental study.
- Don’t criticise your church’s approach or create division.
If your church lacks discipleship resources:
- Suggest FAITH resources to your pastor or leadership.
- Offer to lead a FAITH group.
- Use resources personally and, with a few others, informally.
Always honour your church’s leadership whilst pursuing discipleship.