The Footsteps Course
What is Footsteps?
Footsteps is designed for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of their faith and to develop skills useful for their particular ministry. The one year course [now Footsteps 1] has been running for several years. It is now possible to continue and take a second one year course - Footsteps 2.
Watch the Footsteps video here.
Please click here for access to the Footsteps Facebook page.
Who runs it?
Footsteps is a partnership between Regent’s Park College, Oxford and the Southern Counties Baptist Association.
When does it happen?
Ten Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, from September to June.
Where does it meet?
At Thatcham Baptist Church, Wheeler’s Green Way, Thatcham, RG19 4YF
What happens each day on Footsteps 1?
There will be five sessions together with opportunities for worship and prayer altogether and in small groups, as well as breaks for coffee and lunch and tea. The sessions will be interactive and there will be lots to do and participate in, as well as opportunities to listen.
What is expected?
You will be expected to participate in the sessions, which will include some preparation between Saturdays. You will also be asked to keep a journal during the year as part of deepening your spirituality. There will also be the option of writing some assignments, if you wish to think a little more about any of the subjects.
What will we study?
There will be various subjects that run through the year, including:
While everyone studies the first five subjects together, you then choose to study further two of the last four subjects on the above list.
New to 2017-18: Children, Youth & Families Stream
This is an exciting new development designed to sit within the Footsteps programme. Its purpose is to inspire, connect and resource those working with children, young people and their families in their church and community. For more information please download the CYF Footsteps Flyer.
Are there any previous requirements?
Footsteps is open to everyone, whatever you have studied or not studied in the past. But we do ask that you have the support of your local church to attend.
What does it cost?
The cost for 2017-18 is £330 for the whole year, although we would encourage your local church to contribute two thirds of the costs.
What will I receive?
A growing understanding of ministry and mission as you explore faith in the context of a supportive group. [There is also a final evening at which certificates are presented!]
Will this course enable me to be a Regionally Recognised Leader (whether pastoral, pioneer or evangelist)?
Fully assessed, Footsteps 1 forms a significant element of the BUGB recognised course.
Where can I get more information?
You can find dates for 2017-18 in the current Footsteps 1 brochure, which is on the Guidelines page.
To apply, or for further information, please contact Anne Lane, Tutor in Community Learning at Regent's Park College.
You can email Anne - anne.lane@regents.ox.ac.uk - or write to her at Regent's Park College, Pusey Street, Oxford, OX1 2LB.
There is also a Footsteps Information Pack that can be downloaded here or on the Regent's Park College website.
Footsteps 2
This course was run for the first time during 2012-13. We intend to run it again in 2017-18. Footsteps 2 is open to those who have completed Footsteps 1 already. Fully assessed, Footsteps 2 forms the SECOND year of the BUGB course for accreditation through the Baptist Training Partnership.
Anyone who has done the Footsteps 1 will automatically receive an invitation to Footsteps 2. There may also be people who have completed the Open College course [in the years before Footsteps] and who would like to find out more about Footsteps 2. If this is the case, contact Anne Lane who can tell you more about it.
You can find dates for 2017-18 in the current Footsteps 2 brochure, which is on the Guidelines page. An application form can be downloaded here.
Anyone considering taking these courses in order to become a Regionally Recognised Leader should also contact one of the Regional Ministers.
Footsteps is designed for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of their faith and to develop skills useful for their particular ministry. The one year course [now Footsteps 1] has been running for several years. It is now possible to continue and take a second one year course - Footsteps 2.
Watch the Footsteps video here.
Please click here for access to the Footsteps Facebook page.
Who runs it?
Footsteps is a partnership between Regent’s Park College, Oxford and the Southern Counties Baptist Association.
When does it happen?
Ten Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, from September to June.
Where does it meet?
At Thatcham Baptist Church, Wheeler’s Green Way, Thatcham, RG19 4YF
What happens each day on Footsteps 1?
There will be five sessions together with opportunities for worship and prayer altogether and in small groups, as well as breaks for coffee and lunch and tea. The sessions will be interactive and there will be lots to do and participate in, as well as opportunities to listen.
What is expected?
You will be expected to participate in the sessions, which will include some preparation between Saturdays. You will also be asked to keep a journal during the year as part of deepening your spirituality. There will also be the option of writing some assignments, if you wish to think a little more about any of the subjects.
What will we study?
There will be various subjects that run through the year, including:
- Understanding the Bible
- Understanding our faith
- Deepening spirituality
- Mission, evangelism and culture
- Baptist history and principles
- Pastoral care
- Leadership skills
- Leading worship
- Preaching
While everyone studies the first five subjects together, you then choose to study further two of the last four subjects on the above list.
New to 2017-18: Children, Youth & Families Stream
This is an exciting new development designed to sit within the Footsteps programme. Its purpose is to inspire, connect and resource those working with children, young people and their families in their church and community. For more information please download the CYF Footsteps Flyer.
Are there any previous requirements?
Footsteps is open to everyone, whatever you have studied or not studied in the past. But we do ask that you have the support of your local church to attend.
What does it cost?
The cost for 2017-18 is £330 for the whole year, although we would encourage your local church to contribute two thirds of the costs.
What will I receive?
A growing understanding of ministry and mission as you explore faith in the context of a supportive group. [There is also a final evening at which certificates are presented!]
Will this course enable me to be a Regionally Recognised Leader (whether pastoral, pioneer or evangelist)?
Fully assessed, Footsteps 1 forms a significant element of the BUGB recognised course.
Where can I get more information?
You can find dates for 2017-18 in the current Footsteps 1 brochure, which is on the Guidelines page.
To apply, or for further information, please contact Anne Lane, Tutor in Community Learning at Regent's Park College.
You can email Anne - anne.lane@regents.ox.ac.uk - or write to her at Regent's Park College, Pusey Street, Oxford, OX1 2LB.
There is also a Footsteps Information Pack that can be downloaded here or on the Regent's Park College website.
Footsteps 2
This course was run for the first time during 2012-13. We intend to run it again in 2017-18. Footsteps 2 is open to those who have completed Footsteps 1 already. Fully assessed, Footsteps 2 forms the SECOND year of the BUGB course for accreditation through the Baptist Training Partnership.
Anyone who has done the Footsteps 1 will automatically receive an invitation to Footsteps 2. There may also be people who have completed the Open College course [in the years before Footsteps] and who would like to find out more about Footsteps 2. If this is the case, contact Anne Lane who can tell you more about it.
You can find dates for 2017-18 in the current Footsteps 2 brochure, which is on the Guidelines page. An application form can be downloaded here.
Anyone considering taking these courses in order to become a Regionally Recognised Leader should also contact one of the Regional Ministers.