Bracknell Family Church - part of newfrontiers

Bracknell Family Church is a congregation of some 500 people that is part of newfrontiers. The leaders were actively trying out discipleship resources when another newfrontiers pastor suggested that they look at the Freedom In Christ approach.

They began by taking a selected group of leaders to join in teaching sessions led by a local church that was already up and running. These leaders responded enthusiastically and a course was then run in-house attended by whole housegroups and individuals from across the church.

The church continues to runs regular courses and has a team of people trained at Freedom In Christ events to lead others through the Steps To Freedom In Christ. Individuals report significant improvements in their Christian lives in areas such as poor self-image, marriage difficulties and knowing how to take every thought captive.

Ben Davies, Senior Pastor, says: "The Freedom in Christ approach is bible-based, Christ-centred and non-condemnatory. Using simple steps it helps people face their problems and be released. It is not a quick fix but leads people into a permanent solution."

Ken Bothamley, Executive Pastor, is especially excited about the impact on new Christians: "The teaching has proved very helpful to new people and, in particular, to those who have recently completed Alpha because it’s enabled them to let go of ‘baggage’ from the past so that they can begin to mature." The church has pioneered the concept of taking a group of people away for a day during which they go through the Steps To Freedom in an unhurried way in peaceful surroundings.

But the main message that Bracknell Family Church would pass on to others is, in the words of Ben Davies, "This is for everyone". The three full-time elders were quick to have their own personal Steps To Freedom appointments, recognising that every Christian, no matter how senior, can benefit from asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas in their lives that may be holding them back. And now every member of the fellowship is encouraged to follow their lead.