“How to be a bad Christian and a better human being” is the name of a new sermon series starting at The Fountains, a United Methodist Church.

Based on the book of the same name by Dave Tomlinson (Anglican priest and founder of Holy Joe’s, a church in a London pub), “How to be a bad Christian” will come at the challenge of following Jesus from the experiences of those who describe themselves as “not good enough” to be a Christian, who think that faith involves going to church a lot, or that Christians have to believe a list of strange things and follow certain rules, according to Pastor David Felten.

“Come and explore how following Jesus doesn’t have to be about any of these expectations -- and is actually a lot more dynamic, creative and fun than most people think,” he added.

“So if you’ve ever leaned toward being more spiritual than religious or are looking for a fresh way to broaden your day-to-day expression of faith, join us as we sketch out some key practices for how to be a ‘bad’ Christian -- including how to dump the guilt and move on, how to read the Bible without turning off your brain, and how to think with your soul rather than trying to follow rules.”

The series is as follows:

Oct. 6 -- Bumping into God (how to keep faith and ditch religion).

Oct. 13 -- All you really need (how to love yourself to wholeness).

Oct. 20 -- Dumping the guilt trip (how to forgive yourself and move on).

Oct. 27 -- Never mind heaven, what about now? (how to be at home in this world).

Nov. 3 -- The joke’s on us (how to get to heaven by having a good time).

Nov. 10 -- Giving the Bible a second chance (how to read the Bible and other good books).

Nov. 17 -- God is not a Christian (how to appreciate other religions without losing your own).

Nov. 24 -- A quiet revolution (how to help God change the world).

Dec. 1 -- It takes two to tango: On reconciliation.

Dec. 8 -- Knock down the walls! (how to make church for everyone).

The Fountains is located at the northwest corner of Fountain Hills and Glenbrook boulevards.

Services are held at 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays.