By Rory Grant, Dunedin

Everyone's talking about it, some people have seen it, and it's got a really funky cover. Cool. What is it? It's Quest, a spanky new 7 session intro to Christianity, by the fun-fun people at Greater Vancouver YFC. Andy Harrington says it's "the best tool I've seen in the last 10 years for reaching teens in their own language." But he's Canadian. So how good is it really?

Who's it for?

It's aimed at young people (my guesstimate: 14-18) who don't know stuff. You need to have some relationship with these young people already. It doesn't matter if it's your Youth Group, some friends they've brought along, or part of your chaplaincy at school, you've just gotta have some kind of community to start from. Once you have that, Quest can be great for you.

What's so great about Quest?

THE FORMAT Each one hour session (including discussion time) is based in a different part of the world, and they have these really cool "ad-break" things that pose questions like "what's the worst thing you've ever done?" then ask lots of different people on the street. This is perfect at breaking the ice before involving participants in discussion.

THE PRODUCTION I've never seen anything this slick

THE TRAINING SESSIONS on the extra DVD are top notch, you've got no excuse to go into Quest under prepared.

THE OUT-TAKES The bloopers are spectacular, are you've just gotta see the Christian Bookstore scene. Satire at it's best.

What's not so great?

The cost - $285. Can't afford the DVD's? There are videos, but beg, borrow or steal the DVD's. It's so worth it. If you just can't afford it, get youth alpha instead.

Where do I get it?

From the Alpha guys, www.alpha.org.nz/cgr/quest.htm
And now, available from the PYM Library!