Pillars

stepping stones uses three main vehicles (our pillars) to development each participant. The three pillars are Spiritual Formation, Service and Community Life. These vehicles provide a balanced and comprehensive approach to bringing youths towards maturity in Christ. Each program of stepping stones uses each pillar in designing the experience.

Spiritual Formation

'Spiritual Formation is the process through which those who love and trust Jesus Christ effectively take on his character' (Dallas Willard). stepping stones aims to aid each participant in their spiritual formation through a variety of God and ministry focused material through various methods. Each program and enrollment level has different degrees of depth of content, areas of emphasis, and level of accountability related to the learning experience. Structured learning will take place through small groups, instructor-led teaching sessions, and spiritual disciplines. Some levels of enrollment will have a higher degree of instructor-led curriculum while others are more self-directed in nature. As individuals progress through stepping stones they will be given the opportunity to learn both theoretically and practically.

Service

stepping stones participants will all learn and participate in service. Service is an important expression of our faith and God has uniquely equipped each believer to serve the body of Christ. Opportunities for service vary greatly, from teaching skills to serving meals as part of the summer staff to being part of a cross-cultural work team while part of an internship. The varied service roles that the youth work in are also an important learning experience. It is during these times of practical services that the stepping stones participants put into practice many of the things that they have learned, acquire many new skills, and make a lasting impact in the lives of the guests.

The service experience will be used to train students in doing everything as unto to the Lord, under the leadership of service placement supervisors in different areas of technical skills as well as encourage growth in learning to lead as servants. (please refer to the service role section for details on the service opportunities).

Community Life

One of the greatest advantages of the stepping stones experience is the community that is formed over the length of each experience. The stepping stones community, during the summer, is made up of over 80 students, 25 full-time staff, and 75 adult volunteers who closely work, live and worship together. The community is one of Christian fellowship and seeks to encourage the growth of its members to fulfill their unique role in the body of believers.

stepping stones students live together in community at Founders Hall in a university style Residence system, allowing students of varied ages to live together so that the older experienced staff can teach and care for the younger ones. Every student can learn responsibility, healthy life practices and interpersonal skills in a supportive Christian environment. In Founders Hall, participants will be involved in group devotionals, roommate competitions and so much more.