stepping forward overview

Coaching Sub-Group02/04/2012

Stepping Forward

Coaching Sub-Group

An Introduction of 4

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Stepping Forward1 IntroductionGrowing to become more like Jesus is at the heart of the life of a Christian and as a church we have recognised this by including it in our definition of a ‘Fully devoted follower of Jesus’. We also believe that discipleship is the responsibility of each individual believer. However, the church does have a role to play. The family of believers has the responsibility of encouraging and helping one another grow.

Recent research has shown1, perhaps unsurprisingly, that the churches which are thriving the most have a clear plan to encourage everyone, from the moment they start attending, to be ‘moving on’ in some way.

With this in mind the Coaching Sub-Group have been meeting over the course of a number of months to consider three main things:

How might we bring together various discipleship tools already in existence?

How might we reconsider mentoring and encourage wider participation? What might we be missing?

The outcome of these discussions is the new ‘Stepping Forward’ Programme. This document outlines the various elements.

2 First StepsWhen someone becomes a Christian we will help them get into a mentoring relationship by linking them up with an appropriate Steps Partner(s) (see 6). Together they will begin to go through a programme, using purpose-built resources, on the following topics:

BASES What is prayer? How do I read the bible? Who is God? Who is in charge of my life? Why is the church important?

Following this the new Christian and Step Partner(s) will go through Purpose Driven life with the aim of building on the basic understanding of the Christian life.

1 Research from Willow Creek’s Reveal survey

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3 Next StepsA centrally run course, lasting two weeks, for new Christians on First Steps (see 2). It particularly covers the importance of believers’ baptism and prepares people for it. It is envisaged that once people start on First Steps they will attend the next scheduled Next Steps course.

4 Stepping InA centrally run course, lasting four weeks, for those who have completed the Next Steps course or for existing believers exploring the possibility of becoming a member of SBC. Key topics covered include:

SBC Handbook - our beliefs, purpose, values, expectations etc Leadership & Staff Team members - their roles & responsibilities OFCs and Compassion Based Ministries - how to get involved Our Discipleship Programme – Stepping Forward, Conferences etc Basic Kingdom teaching and ministry

5 Steps to StabilityA one-to-one course, lasting ten weeks or more, designed to enable freedom from the past in order to lay down good foundations for the future. Individuals will work through various topics with a trained coach.

6 Steps PartnersIt is important for every follower to be in ‘deep’ relationships with other followers, with whom they can ‘do life’ in some way. The appropriate nature of such a relationship will differ from person to person. Recognising this, there are many different types of Steps Partners:

Mentor One-to-one relationship with someone ahead of us on the journey

Travelling companion One-to-one relationship with someone who is roughly at the same point on the journey

Spiritual confidant Same as above

Prayer triplet Three people, joining together for mutual support and accountability

Small Group Mentoring

Groups of individuals, either at the same place on the journey, or different places

We want to encourage everyone who is a part of SBC to have at least one Steps Partner in order that they may find support and accountability in their discipleship.


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7 Steps QuestionsTwenty questions, previously branded as the ‘Aiming Higher Flyer’ designed to prompt our thinking and help us grow. They can be used alone or with a Steps Partner(s). The questions are biblically-based and linked to research2 which suggests that the topics covered are those most highly linked with spiritual growth.

8 Stepping UpA yearly programme of seminars designed to enable people to step into leadership roles across SBC. The course can be started at any point and will cover topics such as:

Going deeper with scripture Facilitating small groups Introduction to pastoral care Leading yourself What is a leader? Dealing with conflict Understanding world-wide mission Managing teams Leading Kingdom Ministry

9 Summary

Stepping Forward combines relational and course-based approaches to discipleship with the aim of enabling and encouraging all those who are part of SBC to grow to become more like Jesus. Although the programme is clearly defined, there is also freedom for individuals to find what works for them.

2 Research from Willow Creek’s Reveal survey


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stepping forward overview

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