One pastor's question:

Last Sunday a 20something young adult male who hasn't been to church since he was young asked me for a good concise explanation of Christianity. He's not really a reader so philosophical apologetics wouldn't suit. I can give him some of Nicky Gumble's material, but I wonder what do others use to help people who ask for general information and explanation.

He is reading his Bible, but needs guidance there and want's a summary or overview.

My response:

The Joint Board published a little book of mine a few years ago which tried to address this very issue (GROW)... now all on a special section of our website 'For New Christians' ( http://jmm.aaa.net.au/catalog/section/nc1.htm )

I've walked (talked) non-readers through those chapters...

Are you thinking of an Alpha program?

~~~

And Luke Whiteside's:

Taking the approach of What to suggest for an almost complete non-reader, I'd try lending out a copy of a gospel on CD or Tape from my collection. I'd also throw him a copy of Jesus on video or DVD. There's more than enough in those to chew out a lot of cups of coffee in conversation over a few months.

The material from Crossways International is also excellent, and Bill Graham from Rowville/Ferntree Gully Anglican is (a good friend and) a local supplier/presenter. They do a one-day bible overview course that is excellent. http://www.crossways.org/index.shtml

Given his age, the question that has me scratching a little is where would you send him on the web... The problem is pointing him in a direction that isn't going to lead him running scared after following a few links and winding up on either a debate site, an american fundamental site, or both together... ;-)

http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/2wtl/ is a flash version of the classic Aussie tract two ways to live. But I'm not too sure where else to point him. If he has an ipod/mp3 have you considered a selection of decent godcasts/podcasts. I've been greatly challenged recently by those messages from Erwin McManus of the Mosaic church in Los Angeles, - available on itunes as a podcast. http://www.mosaic.org/podcast/

I've also heard good things about http://virtualtheology.net/ but haven't had time to really explore. That's a lot more academic though.

I suspect the answer with the best long-term response may be a bit of the above with a large dose of ongoing conversation, challenge and teaching... sounds like discipleship.