You can stand on the dock and study the blueprints of a ship all day, but you aren’t actually trusting it until you step off the ledge and put your full weight on the deck.
Slowly but surely… that’s the motto lately. “Get through them at your own pace,” they said. “It will be fun,” they said!
Looking at this mountain of literature I’ve committed to, I realized that “my pace” might take a while. I mean, what year is it again? It’s 2026, and while I’ve made some serious tracks, the “to-read” pile is still looking back at me with a lot of authority.
The “Google Diagnosis” of Bible Study
I’m currently deep-diving into two heavy hitters: How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth and Theology: The Basics, all while keeping up with my daily Bible reading.
I’m trying to be careful with my research, though. You know how it goes when you’re feeling poorly and you ask Google for help? By the time you’ve finished typing your symptoms, Google has diagnosed you as “passed away 4 days ago.”
I had a similar experience today—all I did was ask for the meaning of one single Hebrew word, and now I’m three chapters deep into a Greek dictionary. I’m pretty sure I’ve accidentally enrolled in a Master’s degree in a foreign language! 😂
The Ship and the Dock: A Lesson in Trust
There is a point to the madness, though. I recently read a brilliant analogy about a ship. You can stand on the dock and “believe” the ship is seaworthy all you want—you can study the blueprints and check the hull—but you aren’t actually trusting it until you step off the dock and put your full weight on the deck.
That is exactly what this journey is for me. It’s not just about collecting facts or winning an argument; it’s about moving my feet and trusting Him with everything I’ve got. 🚢⚓
The COPE Ministry Roadmap (2024-2026)
Here is the full breakdown of what I’m working through. I’m counting every win—including the fact that I read 70+ books last year (Okay, fine… 66 of those were the individual books of the Bible, but it definitely counts!).
Biblical Foundations & Study Tools
These are the “big picture” tools designed to help navigate the Word.
Courage For Life Study Bible ✅
Bible in a Year ✅
Unlocking the Bible ✅
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Currently Reading)
Ee By Gum, Lord! (The Yorkshire New Testament)
The Lion Handbook to the Bible
Eat the Word, Speak the Word
Prayer, Fasting & Courses
Manuals for active ministry and spiritual discipline.
Christian Life & Witness Course ✅
Alpha: Why Am I Here? ✅
First Steps Course ✅
Armour Of God Course ✅
2025 Seventy Days Prayer & Fasting Programme
Christian Living & Spiritual Growth
Focusing on personal development and daily faith.
Soul Winner ✅
Freedom in Christ ✅
A Life Beyond Amazing
Battlefield of the Mind
Becoming the Person God Listens To
The “Kingdom of God” Series
Comprehensive teachings on the parables and the Kingdom.
Israel, the Church & the Kingdom of God (Vol I-VII)
Parables of the Kingdom (Vol 1-3)
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like…
Theology & Eschatology
Studying prophecy and historical-spiritual timelines.
Experience a journey through the book of Philippians to discover the incomparable love of Jesus and what it means to live for him today.
About the Course
Discipleship Explored is an eight-session journey that helps followers of Jesus—whether new to the faith or seeking a spiritual refresh—to rejoice in the confidence, unity, righteousness, and love that are found in Christ.
While many courses focus on the “how-to” of the Christian life, this course focuses on the “why.” By looking closely at Paul’s letter to the Philippians, participants are invited to sit with the beauty of the gospel and let it transform their hearts and perspectives.
What to Expect
Each session is designed to be engaging, communal, and thought-provoking. The course typically includes:
Compelling Film Segments: High-quality videos shot on location around the world.
Group Discussion: A safe space to explore the text and share personal reflections.
The Handbook: A guided resource to help you follow along and dive deeper during the week.
The Eight Sessions
The course is structured around eight key themes from the book of Philippians:
Confident in Christ: Discovering the firm foundation of our faith.
Living in Christ: Exploring what it means to have a new identity.
One in Christ: Understanding the power of Christian community and unity.
Obedient in Christ: Learning to follow Jesus with a joyful heart.
Righteous in Christ: Finding peace through his perfection, not our own.
Transformed in Christ: Seeing how the gospel changes our priorities.
Rejoicing in Christ: Cultivating lasting joy regardless of circumstances.
Content in Christ: Finding true satisfaction in every season of life.
Who is this for?
New Believers: Anyone looking for a solid foundation in their walk with God.
Lifelong Christians: Those who want to rediscover the “first love” of their faith.
Small Groups: Perfect for communities looking to grow together in their understanding of Scripture.
Starting a new journey of faith is an exciting time, but it often comes with a lot of questions. Whether you’ve recently made a commitment or are simply looking to strengthen your spiritual roots, having a clear roadmap can make all the difference.
John Robertshaw’s First Steps: Basic Bible Studies for Christians is designed to be exactly that—a practical, step-by-step guide to understanding the core of Christian belief and living a life in partnership with God.
Why the “First Steps” Matter
The course is built around a powerful analogy used by Jesus: the story of the two builders. One built on sand, and the other on solid rock. When the storms came, only the house with the firm foundation remained standing.
First Steps focuses on building that “rock” foundation. Through 15 concise studies, each roughly four pages long, the course helps you move from theory to practice. It’s not just about reading; there is dedicated space for your own answers and reflections, making the learning process deeply personal.
What You’ll Explore
The curriculum covers the essential pillars of the Christian walk. Here is a look at the topics included in the 15 studies:
The Basics of Faith: Becoming a Christian, understanding your identity as a Child of God, and the power of forgiveness.
Spiritual Practices: Engaging with The Bible, understanding Water Baptism, and the significance of Bread and Wine (Communion).
Living the Life: Walking with the Holy Spirit, the art of Talking with God (Prayer), and what it means to be a Servant of God.
Victory & Growth: Knowing the Enemy, finding Victory in Jesus, and understanding the role of The Church and our future hope.
Simple, Accessible, and Practical
At its core, this course is about clarity. It takes the “all 66 books” of the Bible and helps explain how they apply to your daily life today. It is an ideal resource for:
New believers looking for a structured start.
Small groups wanting a straightforward study guide.
Mentors who want a reliable tool to help others grow.
Get Started
The path of faith is a lifelong journey, but every journey starts with a single step. By focusing on these fundamental truths, you can ensure that your spiritual “house” is built to last, no matter what storms may come.
To truly benefit from The Prayer Course, it is best to treat it as an experiential workshop rather than a traditional academic study. Because the course is designed to move from the “head” to the “heart,” the following approach will help you absorb the material effectively.
The course is most effective when you break each session into three distinct phases:
Watch: View the video without multi-tasking. Pete Greig often uses storytelling and historical context that require focused attention to catch the nuances.
Reflect: Immediately after the video, use the Guest Manual to answer the reflection questions. Don’t rush this—write down where you felt challenged or inspired.
Do: Each session ends with a “Prayer Tool” (e.g., Lectio Divina, Intercession, or Silence). This is the most important part. You will learn more about prayer by doing it for ten minutes than by reading about it for an hour.
2. Use the Guest Manual as a Lab Notebook
Instead of just filling in the blanks, treat your manual as a spiritual journal for the duration of the course.
Track Patterns: Note which types of prayer feel natural to you and which feel difficult.
Record “Unanswered” Thoughts: The session on unanswered prayer is often the most impactful; use the manual to honestly document your own “Why?” questions.
3. The Power of the “Small Start”
A common mistake is trying to pray for an hour a day immediately after Session 1. To avoid burnout and ensure long-term absorption:
The 10-Minute Rule: Commit to practicing the specific “Prayer Tool” of the week for just 10 minutes a day.
Consistency over Intensity: It is better to pray the Lord’s Prayer slowly for five minutes every day than to do a deep dive once a week and forget it in between.
4. Engage in “Active Processing”
If you are doing this solo, find a “processing partner” or a journal to talk through the concepts. If you are in a group, prioritize the discussion time. The course is designed to be communal; hearing how others struggle with or experience God helps demystify prayer and makes it feel more attainable.
5. Supplemental Integration
To deepen the experience, you might consider:
The P.R.A.Y. Model: The course centers on the acronym Pause, Rejoice, Ask, and Yield. Try to structure your morning or evening using this framework even outside of the course sessions to build the habit.
Read the Source Material: If a particular session resonates deeply, Pete Greig’s book How to Pray serves as the expanded text for this course and provides more historical and theological depth.
Your Recommended Weekly Flow
Day 1: Watch the session video and complete the initial manual reflections.
Days 2–6: Practice the specific Prayer Tool assigned for that week.
Day 7: Review the “Going Deeper” section in the manual and prepare for the next session.
Perspective: By focusing on the practice as much as the content, the course will shift from being a set of ideas to a lived rhythm of communication.
A curated collection of the world’s most effective Christian growth resources, tailored for those taking their first steps or looking to deepen their walk with God. This “Next Steps” hub bridges the gap between a first encounter with faith and a lifelong journey of discipleship. From the big questions of life in Alpha to the practical daily rhythm of the 5-Minute New Testament Challenge, this page ensures that no matter where a person is starting, they have a clear, supportive roadmap to follow.
Taking those first steps into a relationship with Jesus is the most exciting decision you will ever make. Whether you’ve just finished an introductory course, had a powerful encounter with God, or are simply curious about what it means to follow Him, you aren’t meant to walk this path alone.
At COPE Ministry, we believe that “The Beginning” is just that—a doorway into a lifelong adventure. If you are wondering, “What’s next?”, we have gathered several fantastic ways for you to grow, learn, and root your life in the truth of the Gospel.
Many find it helpful to own the official course booklets for their own reflections. These are available through major Christian retailers and the shops listed below.
(We are not affiliated with these retailers—we just believe they provide a great start to your journey.)
The COPE Ministry Growth Path. This is a multi-course directory that combines world-renowned programs (Alpha, The Prayer Course, Discipleship Explored) with bespoke COPE Ministry tools like the 52-week New Testament reading plan and the Book-by-Book Summary. It provides direct links to study materials, digital manuals, and local outreach opportunities in Wakefield and across Yorkshire.
Best for:
New believers who have just prayed the “Prayer for a New Beginning,” seekers who met Fin during street outreach, and anyone feeling “stuck” in their spiritual life. It is particularly valuable for those who need a mix of structured group study (Alpha) and individual daily habits (The 5-Minute Challenge) to build a “rock solid” foundation of faith.
Is there more to life than this? Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that freely explore the basics of the Christian faith in a safe, low-pressure environment.
The Companion Guide: The Alpha Guest Guide (or Digital Manual) acts as a roadmap for the 11 sessions, providing key points from the talks and space to jot down your own questions and honest reflections.
Best for: Anyone with “big questions” about life and meaning, new seekers, or those who recently met Fin on the streets of Yorkshire and want to explore faith further.
Based on John Robertshaw’s Bible studies, this course provides a clear roadmap for those starting their journey of faith. It focuses on building a “rock solid” foundation through 15 essential topics, from understanding your identity as a child of God to walking with the Holy Spirit.
The Companion Guide: First Steps: Basic Bible Studies for Christians acts as a practical workbook with dedicated space for personal answers and reflections, helping you move from theory to daily practice.
Best for: New believers seeking a structured start or mentors looking for a reliable tool to help others grow their spiritual roots.
Based on the Lord’s Prayer, this course is designed to fuel your communication with God. It covers everything from “Why pray?” to the difficult questions of “Unanswered Prayer.”
The Companion Guide:The Prayer Course Guest Manual provides space for reflections and practical “prayer tools” to try each week.
Best for: Those who want to grow a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
A streamlined, sustainable path through the entire New Testament in exactly one year. By dedicating just five minutes a day, Monday through Friday, you remove the “overwhelm” of Bible study while building a consistent spiritual habit. The plan provides “Context at a Glance” summaries for every chapter, acting as a roadmap to help you understand the life of Jesus, the birth of the church, and the wisdom of the early letters.
The Guide:
The 5-Minute New Testament Challenge. This 52-week digital study plan breaks the New Testament into manageable daily readings with concise, easy-to-digest summaries for all 260 chapters. It’s designed to be used alongside your Bible as a primer before you read or a review for your personal notes afterward.
Best for:
Busy individuals, new believers looking for a “rock solid” starting point, or anyone who has struggled to stay consistent with Bible reading in the past. It is especially helpful for those who appreciate a structured “weekdays-only” rhythm that allows for rest and reflection over the weekend.
Downloadable PDF: Since you mentioned “Downloadable Study Plan” in the text, make sure there is a large, clear button that says “Download the Full 52-Week Plan (PDF)” so people can print it out and keep it in their Bibles.
The “Weekend Catch-up” Hook: You’ve made a great point about the Mon–Fri rhythm. You might want to bold that section to emphasize that “Life happens—if you miss a day, the weekend is your grace period to catch up.”
Navigation: Since this is a very long post (covering many weeks), you could add a “Jump to Week” menu at the top so returning users don’t have to scroll through Matthew to find where they are in Mark or Luke.
A comprehensive, bird’s-eye view of the entire Bible designed to remove the “overwhelm” for new believers and seasoned readers alike. This guide breaks down the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments into clear categories—Law, History, Wisdom, Prophecy, and the Gospels—explaining how they all fit into one “Grand Narrative” of redemption. It’s a multi-media roadmap that combines written summaries, a “Cinema Library” for visual learners, and a complete audio Bible narrated by David Suchet.
The Guide:
The Bible: Book-by-Book Summary. This is an interactive foundational resource that explains the “Big Picture” of Scripture (Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration). It includes practical “Where to Start” recommendations based on your current emotional or spiritual needs, alongside deep-dives into church history and biblical structure.
Best for:
Seekers and new Christians who feel lost when opening the Bible, individuals in recovery looking for “Honesty Sessions” in the Psalms, and visual or auditory learners who want to “watch” or “listen” to the Word while they study. It is the perfect starting point for anyone who has just prayed the “Prayer for a New Beginning” and needs a clear path forward.
