In the first few centuries the church took the task of evangelising and initiating people into the Christian faith very seriously. In some cases the process lasted up to three years, culminating in baptism.

Whilst in our own setting we may not want to delay baptism for that long, we do also want to take seriously our charge to make disciples. Hence, we are seeking to develop at Millmead something akin to a catechumate: namely a year-round programme of instruction and mentoring in the Christian faith, in which we seek to make connections between faith, worship, work and everyday life.

At the moment, our programme begins in September with Alpha, leading to Firm Foundations in January, for those who want to further their understanding and faith. Here we explore, through the biblical narrative, basic Christian doctrines. We are currently in the process of developing a third component, which would start after Easter, looking at Everyday Christianity.

It is possible to join the year programme at any point. It is not required to start with Alpha, for instance. Alongside this programme we have formed discipleship groups (PODs) for young people.

Beyond this we are also developing, in conjunction with London School of Theology, more advanced theological and biblical studies in Shaped by the Word. Having run a successful pilot in January 2007, a new course will be offered in September 2007 in Old Testament theology, with the intention of running various other components/credits over the next three years.

Curious about Christianity?

This Autumn, in September 2009, we are offering a variety of courses, and you can choose the one that seems best for you. On Wednesday September 23rd at the Millmead Centre there will be a Banquet at 6:45 pm for 7 pm where you will hear more about each course to help you decide. Each week, we shall start with a meal at 7 pm before you join your chosen course, attending as often as you can. Here is a brief rundown of what is on offer:

1. The Alpha Course

consisting of a series of talks looking at 15 key topics including live presentations, raising questions about Jesus, Faith, the Bible, Prayer and the Church.

2. The Visa Course

is designed for those who come from non-English language groups and culture, and gives an introduction to the beliefs and practices of Christianity.

3. Christianity Explored

looks at the Bible to see what it says about Jesus, his aims and what it means to follow him. It includes home study.

4. Over to You

takes the form of open-ended discussion to which you bring your viewpoint about spirituality and issues of the Christian faith and lifestyle which matter to you. It is designed to be informal, informative, stimulating, thought-provoking, eye-opening, but never, we hope, divisive!

For more details please contact Derek Wensley as soon as possible.

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Firm Foundations: Click here and a new window will open with more information on the course's content.

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Baptism At Guildford Baptist Church we practise Believers' Baptism, so we baptise anyone who is a believer, loves Jesus and knows Him as Saviour and Lord. Currently there is just one class to prepare someone for baptism. For more information on what is involved, click here

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Membership If you have been baptised by full immersion, you might want to consider becoming a member of Guildford Baptist Church. This is a Biblical notion, which requires responsibilities from you as a member, and of the leadership as they seek to care for you. Currently we hold a series of three classes for people who are considering commitment to the Church here. For more information click here

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Shaped by the Word: Click here and a new window will open with more information on the theological education course covering the Old Testament which will begin in September.

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PODs - Places of Discipleship are particularly aimed at our young people. These small groups are places where they can get to grips with the Christian faith as it relates to them as they grow up through their teenage years. For more information please go to the youth page by clicking here

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