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Where do I start?

You don't need to know everything to begin

Curious about the Bible or about Jesus, but no idea where to start? Choose what brings you here and follow a short route at your own pace. No account, no strings attached.

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The red thread

The Christian faith in 5 minutes

The big story of the Bible in six steps, from creation to today. Scroll or swipe sideways.

  1. Part 1 of 6

    A good world

    The story doesn't begin with a problem, but with a gift. God makes the world and calls it good. People get a special place: made in God's image, to care for the earth and for each other, and to live with God like friends walking together through a garden.

    God made the sun, the sea, the animals and people. And he said: it is good!

    Genesis 1

  2. Part 2 of 6

    It goes wrong

    People want to be like God themselves. Trust breaks, and you see it everywhere: in shame, quarrels, violence, sickness and death. The Bible calls this sin: not just wrong deeds, but a break with God, with each other and with the world. No one escapes it, and no one can fully mend it alone.

    People went their own way, away from God. Since then a lot goes wrong: fighting, sadness and pain.

    Genesis 3

  3. Part 3 of 6

    God comes himself

    God doesn't let go of his world. He chooses Abraham and the people of Israel, gives promises and sends prophets. Then the Word becomes flesh: Jesus of Nazareth. He heals the sick, eats with people nobody wants, tells of God's kingdom and shows what God is like.

    God sent his Son Jesus. Jesus made sick people better and was a friend to everyone.

    John 1

  4. Part 4 of 6

    The cross and the empty tomb

    Jesus is condemned and crucified. Christians believe that there he took the break upon himself: he carried what we could not carry, out of love. On the third day women find the tomb empty. Jesus is alive. Death does not have the last word, and the way back to God is open to everyone.

    Jesus died on a cross. But on the third day he rose from the grave. Jesus is alive!

    Luke 24

  5. Part 5 of 6

    New life

    Whoever follows Jesus doesn't have to become better first. It begins with trust: accepting God's forgiveness as a gift. Christians believe the Holy Spirit then slowly changes you, with ups and downs. And there is a promise for all of creation: God makes everything new.

    Jesus wants to be your friend too. With him you get a new beginning. And one day God will make everything new.

    2 Corinthians 5Revelation 21

  6. Part 6 of 6

    Together on the way

    You don't believe on your own. From Pentecost on, followers of Jesus come together: they read the Scriptures, break bread, pray and care for each other. That church is not perfect and comes in many forms. But all over the world people have told each other the same story ever since, to this day.

    Whoever follows Jesus belongs to a big family: the church. There people sing, pray and read together.

    Acts 2

Honestly

What might be holding you back

Doubts and objections are welcome. Tap a thought for an honest answer.

  • I'm not good enough

    That's true, and it's true for everyone. The Christian faith is not a club for people who already have it together. Jesus said he came for the sick, not for the healthy (Mark 2:17). His first disciples were fishermen, a tax collector, people with a past. You don't have to tidy up first to come in.

    Mark 2
  • I have doubts

    Doubt is part of believing; it isn't its opposite. The psalms are full of questions to God, Thomas wanted to see first, and a father said to Jesus: 'I believe. Help my unbelief!' (Mark 9:24). Bring your questions along, read for yourself and talk about it. Honest questions are welcome.

    Mark 9
  • I don't know any Christians

    Then you're not the first. In Acts 8 a man from Ethiopia is reading the prophet Isaiah on his own, until he asks: 'How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?' Feel free to start by reading; Mark is short. Then visit a church service some time (below you can read what to expect). Many churches also have evenings for anyone who wants to get to know the faith.

    Acts 8
  • The church has hurt people

    That is serious, and it must not be explained away. Christians have often failed, sometimes terribly. Jesus himself was fiercest against religious leaders who laid heavy burdens on others (Matthew 23). You may be critical, take your time and look for a place where it is safe. If abuse has happened, seek help outside that community.

    Matthew 23

Believing together

Finding a church near you

Faith isn't something you do alone. Churches come in many forms; here's what to expect.

The big families

  • Catholic

    The largest church in the world. The Mass centres on the Eucharist; set prayers, liturgical colours and the church year give it rhythm. There is a parish nearby almost everywhere.

  • Protestant

    Born from the Reformation of the sixteenth century. The Bible and the sermon are central, with a lot of singing together. From very traditional to very modern.

  • Orthodox

    The ancient churches of the East. A rich, sung liturgy with icons and incense, where people often stand. In Western Europe mostly small communities, sometimes partly in another language.

  • Evangelical and free churches

    Baptists, Pentecostal churches and other free churches. Informal, with modern music, attention to personal faith and baptism of those who choose it themselves.

More about the traditions

Your first service

  1. Coming in

    Arrive a few minutes early. You can simply sit at the back; nobody expects you to know your way around. A service usually lasts an hour to an hour and a half.

  2. Singing and praying

    The songs are on a screen or in a book. You don't have to sing along: listening is fine too.

  3. Readings and sermon

    Passages from the Bible are read, and someone explains them for today.

  4. Lord's Supper or Communion

    In Catholic and Orthodox churches, communion is for those baptised and confirmed there; in a Catholic church you can go forward with your arms crossed for a blessing. Many other churches explain who may take part. If you're unsure, just stay seated.

  5. Afterwards

    There is often coffee or tea. A good moment to ask something, or simply to go home again.

How to find a church

  • Search a map for 'church' or 'parish' near you and check the website for service times.

  • Feel free to send a message beforehand: 'I'd like to come and have a look.' Often someone will then be waiting for you.

  • Bring someone along if you can; the first time is easier together.

  • Go a few times before you judge. One service says little about a community.

  • A good church is a safe place: you may ask questions, and nobody pressures you into anything.

Just start with one chapter a day.

Read Mark in 16 days

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