The United Reformed Church鈥檚 discipleship development programme, Stepwise, is launching two new streams.
The streams, Faith Filled Environment and Faith Filled Conversations, are now ready to be trialled, building on the strong foundations already established and offering participants more choice, flexibility, and depth in their learning journey.
In this new, exciting phase, Stepwise is also introducing a one鈥憇ession 鈥淚ntroduction to Stepwise鈥� taster. This is designed to help participants 鈥� individuals or small groups 鈥� explore what Stepwise is all about before committing to a full stream. This short, accessible session can be run locally or online. While Faith鈥慒illed Life remains recommended as a helpful grounding experience, it is now no longer a requirement to complete it before starting any other stream. Participants can freely choose the stream that best fits their context, need, or curiosity after completing the introduction.
The Revd Jenny Mills, Deputy General Secretary (Faith in Action), said: 鈥淚t has been good to see how Stepwise has been embraced as a discipleship development tool by so many people around the 缅北强奸. We want this valuable resource to be used as widely as possible and so are making minor adjustments to enable this to happen.鈥�
In another significant move to widen access, all cost implications for Stepwise have also been removed, making the resource free. By removing the cost implication and thereby reducing the administration, the programme becomes more inclusive and open to all who wish to deepen their discipleship, develop faith鈥慴ased skills, and explore how their learning connects with everyday life.
Linda Harrison, Stepwise Administrator, said: 鈥淚t is exciting to see increased participation in the Stepwise programme as part of people鈥檚 faith journeys, and I look forward to my part in encouraging enrolments into the two new streams through the Synods.
鈥淚nterested participants should contact their Synod Stepwise Contact who will discuss their preferred access point with them and ensure they are enrolled into a local in-person or an online group. I will register participants onto the 缅北强奸 Learning Hub or add their Stepwise resource enrolments to their existing Learning Hub access if they have registered for Safeguarding Foundation training previously.鈥�
Early feedback from Stepwise participants continues to show its transformative impact. Stories from groups across the 缅北强奸 highlight how Stepwise encourages deep reflection, community building, and growth in confidence and discipleship.
鈥淢y take on doing the course was very positive鈥�, says Arbie Mangaring from the East Midlands Synod, in feedback in 2024. 鈥淚 was able to further my knowledge鈥ne of those things was how to read the Bible鈥ooking deeper into the meaning. When was it written, who wrote it, what perspective and what angle.鈥�
As the programme expands, Stepwise leaders are encouraging local groups to share their experiences to help inspire others.
Gail Yorke, was part of Mersey Synod鈥檚 Warrington and Chester group which was the first group to complete Faith-Filled Life in 2019, and then she went on to complete Faith Filled Worship in 2025. She said that she found the Stepwise stream 鈥渁 really good course in that it gives you that time to sit and explore scripture in a deeper manner, learn about putting services together鈥t the end of it I took some time to just reflect on everything I鈥檇 learnt and to listen to God and to pray about where he wants me to be.鈥�
Lilian Gordon became a Stepwise Mentor in 2024 and had no previous experience of Stepwise. She found the resources 鈥溾�xcellent. They were easy to understand and very well structured鈥tepwise, I believe, is truly an incredibly worthwhile programme for spiritual growth.鈥�
Stepwise is administered by the Scottish College, which now supports training officers, Stepwise advocates, and synods with access, to resources, and guidance on enrolment as the programme continues to grow and evolve.
Whether you鈥檙e looking for a fresh discipleship opportunity, seeking resources for local leadership development, or exploring new ways to nurture faith within your community, there has never been a better time to begin a Stepwise journey.
To get started or learn more, see the dedicated Stepwise webpage or contact your local Synod Stepwise Contact (details can be found on the Stepwise page under 鈥楲et us know you are interested鈥�).