Steps in Faith by Ursula Dockerty and Becky Williams

There were a number of drivers to starting up flags and dance which evolved to become a group called Steps in Faith.

Some time ago we were struck by the young people who did not engage in worship on a Sunday morning, and with both of us having girls fast approaching that age, we were keen to find a way to encourage them to continue to  participate. Around this time we had attended a Children’s Ministry conference where we took part in a flag and dance workshop run by Maria Bensley and found that despite not being trained in dance or movement ourselves, we really enjoyed it and felt that we had found a way of integrating worship with dance, an activity that we knew our girls also enjoyed.

We started by running a few one-off workshops to test the waters and found that we had a core group who were keen to continue and learn more. We arranged regular workshops on Saturday mornings which ran alongside a drama workshop culminating eventually in the two groups coming together for a performance of 'The Selfish Giant' in 2004.

After the performance, the drama workshops finished but the dance team were keen to continue and so we scheduled further regular meetings with them and found that whilst neither of us is trained, God was good in providing various gifted people to lead workshops and  help us choreograph routines.

At this time, we suggested that the group think of a name for themselves and they decided together on the name 'Steps in Faith' – and since then they have attended meetings at New Malden church, played a major part in Voice of Hope, ministered to ATOM and on Sunday mornings.

We now have a group of dancers who are keen to take their ministry out to schools and other churches. The girls regularly pray together and work well as a team recognising each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We recently attended the National Youth Dance Conference and were amazed by the high level of work that we saw there and are looking to the day when they feel able to present.

When we asked the girls why they did flags they said:-

‘…because I enjoy dancing and it's a good way to tell people about God and get them involved.’

‘I come to flags to worship Jesus and to spend time with some really good friends and talented dancers so that hopefully I can improve and worship the Lord better.’

‘I come to flags because it gives me a chance to express my love for God through dance.’

‘I go to flags because it gives me more confidence’

It has been a blessing over the past 4 years to be able to facilitate a group of young people who we have watched grow spiritually as well as in their own abilities.

We feel we are now entering a new season with the flags where it is time for the girls to move forward and develop their skills at ministering to people. We are looking for opportunities to develop these skills so if you know of any place we may serve, please do contact us.

The girls will be presenting at the Acts Tent Event on 30^th June in Manor Park, Aldershot at about 7pm, so come along if you would like to see what we have been working on.

If you fancy coming along to try flags you will be more than welcome as it is time to encourage a younger age group to follow through as the older girls move on. Or if you are gifted in dance and movement and fancy teaching a workshop please contact us.

If you want to know more, talk to Ursula Dockerty on 07785 285602.