Pilgrim course addresses need to make new disciples - Archbishop

(Photo: pilgrimcourse.org)

The Church of England is addressing the "urgent need" to make new disciples by introducing the Pilgrim course, which seeks to help local churches create an avenue where the faithful can explore their Christian faith together and apply the Lord's message in their daily life.

The Pilgrim course is a unique programme that allows the faithful to reflect on the teachings of the Christian faith, learn about Jesus Christ, understand the Bible together, and discover the richness of the Christian tradition and the Anglican Church in particular.

"The Pilgrim Course has been used wonderfully by God both to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ and to enable them to grow as his disciples. It is my prayer that the complete course will continue to be an effective tool for the Church as it seeks to fulfil, in God's grace, the urgent task of making disciples - so that the light of Christ may shine in every corner of this land through all who follow him," Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury said in an interview.

The Pilgrim course is especially aimed at new Christians and authors include the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, Dean of York; the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker; and John Preston, the Church of England's National Stewardship Officer.

The Archbishop will also appear in online videos created to accompany each stage of the course. The course is tailored to fit all stages of faith.

The Pilgrim course has two stages – the Follow stage for those who are only just learning of the faith, and Grow stage for those who want to experience Christianity deeper. Every stage comprises four six session courses focused on living the Christian life.