The first group to complete Faith-filled Life, the first part of Stepwise, the United Reformed Church’s new faith development programme, have celebrated their achievement.

Based in the Mersey Synod, the group met in Warrington and Chester and completed the programme over five months.

Faith-filled Life focuses on identity, place and purpose and helped the group to think about their Christian faith and discipleship in the context of everyday life.

Rita Griffiths, Mersey Synod Clerk, said: 'It was a great privilege to be the facilitator of the pilot group and to be able to have our say on how this first stream could be improved in various ways. Our team worked really well together, and I look forward to taking part in the Faith-fuelled Leadership stream.’

Gail Yorke, one of the participants, added that she found the stream ‘inspiring, thought provoking and encouraging’.

Stepwise enables participants to share discussion, Bible study and other activities.

The Revd David Salsbury, Stepwise Programme Manager, who also took part, said: ‘Working through Faith-filled Life and being part of this pioneering group was really important, so I could experience for myself what Stepwise is all about.

‘We had some very interesting and deep discussions which reminded me that our discipleship is an ongoing journey that is enriched by sharing with others in this way. We never stop developing our faith and learning about how we can make a difference in the world. Stepwise really helps us to do this.’

Faith-filled Life is available now. If you are interested in taking part in the programme, visit the dedicated Stepwise webpage where you can register your interest. The Stepwise team will then get in touch to help you join a local group and start your Stepwise journey.

Picture: Members of the Warrington and Chester Stepwise group celebrating their achievement.
Published: 30 April 2019