Step 5

The purpose of the Step 5 day/evening is to help participants confront and confess their inventory in a safe and positive environment.

We set out a theology of confession in Appendix 5, and the Group Facilitator’s role in the confession in Appendix 6. The prayer used in the time of Confession is found in Appendix 4. All slides and host script that are needed for the session can be found at Appendix 15.

Programme for the day

We offer film material for all the talks needed on a Step 5 day/evening. There are three elements of the Step 5 session: one that focuses on how we perceive God; the next is about the confession; and the final session is about the reality and power of forgiveness.

Running order

If possible, we encourage groups to do a Step 5 day, which would typically be on a Saturday. The programme would look like this:

When it comes time for people to make their confessions you will need a private space. Start with the Group Facilitator(s) and any co-Facilitators making their confessions to one another first (see the confession – Appendix 4). Then invite the participants to make their confessions one by one. The other participants can use the time for further reflection using the images referred to in the Step 2 film. If doing an in-person session, you could source these yourself (the painting – Appendix 13, a bin, a mirror, 4 candles), or alternatively download the slide of images – Appendix 14, and put up on a screen. You may wish to have instrumental music (live or streamed) playing during this time in the main room. You may also choose to put on the Reflections Video (c.50 mins) which is a recording of various guided reflections led by Lars Due-Christensen on the four images from Film 2 (see below).

• Click to download image slideDownload
• Click to watch Reflections video (c.50 mins)Watch

After the film, give people a chance to write what they want to leave at the foot of the cross of Jesus on a piece of paper. If possible, put the piece of paper on a bonfire. You can use another relevant symbolic gesture if the fire is difficult to make happen.

After the bonfire the group facilitators would offer prayer for anyone who wants it. We would typically introduce the prayer by explaining that some of us would just like to end the day by receiving a blessing, others would like to have specific prayer for a challenging thing that has come up during the day. Others may realise that they are in some kind of spiritual battle and would like prayer to experience the power of God setting them free.

Notwithstanding anyone wanting one-to-one prayer at the end of the session, we do encourage the host to pray their own prayer of blessing over everyone at the end of the session to finish. Participants can then leave the meeting, whilst those wanting prayer can stay.

Your STEPS Coach will provide support and answer any queries you may have about Step 5, and we would recommend contacting them in good time to discuss. Click here to connect to one of our STEPS Coaches.

Alternative programme for Step 5 day/evening

While we encourage groups to organise a Step 5 day, an alternative would be to do an extended 2 hour evening session, with participants watching the first Film, ‘Confession’, in advance of the session. The suggested programme is below:

If there are multiple groups or a large numbers of participants, we would suggest that Facilitators complete their confessions with their co-facilitator in advance of the Step 5 session (alternative programme), so as to ensure the time for confession and reflection does not go over the hour.