Stairway College

Stairway College has closed.

Stairway College closed at the end of 2021. We will be holding a final graduation ceremony and celebration on 30 January 2022. This service will be held at 10am with further details to be available on the Stairway website. We’d love for you to join us to celebrate all the great things that God has done through Stairway College.

What happens next?

Stairway Church is in a period of significant change. We believe God is inviting Stairway into a new way to do training and development and have made the decision to step away from formal structured training and qualifications. This new approach will be focused around spiritual formation and resilient disciples. Delivery is anticipated to be through small groups, further information will be available soon.

How do you finish well?

It's important to pay close attention to when you might be 'half a degree' off course -- over time, this tiny gap can have enormous consequences.

God's still small voice inside you is constantly speaking and guiding you towards his truth. Let him release you from unforgiveness, replace the enemy's lies for God's truth and avoid the trap of passivity. Invite God into every area of your life and regularly ask Him to redirect you if you're even slightly off course.

Run the race. Finish well.

--Key thoughts from 'Apostolic Influence and Prayer' subject in our Full-Time Course



Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash

...because your passions will lead you right into your purpose!

It's okay to pursue our passions, because God gave them to us. It's part of our duty to identify them, pursue them and develop them, to the glory of God.

--Key thoughts from our 'Launching Days' at Stairway College

"Fear always tells you what you're not, what you don't have, what you can't do, what you'll never do."
- Graham Cooke

Let faith season the narrative in your head; write a different story with the truth based on God's word.

--Key thoughts from our 'Launch days' in Full-Time College



Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Merry Christmas!

Remember how much God loves you today 😊

In this season of gifts and giving, remember the greatest gift of all - a Father that was willing to give all he had to restore you back into his family.

He loves you!

"Joy should be your compass with which you make all your life's decisions."

An elderly priest gave this exact advice to a young Mother Teresa when she considered what to do with her life.

Are you comfortable pursuing what brings you joy, or would that make you feel self-indulgent?

Let us not forget, the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)

God's desire is for us to live with fullness of joy! When considering your passion and calling in life, look for what brings you joy.

- Key thoughts from 'Launching Days' in full-time college



Photo by Jacqueline Munguía on Unsplash

If you want to change, you can engage in
* Behaviour modification;
* Belief modification; or
* identity cultivation

If you want to become, rather than just believe, we must design our lifestyle through identity cultivation.

Vulnerability through seeking feedback brings clarity;

Grit (tenacity) through managing your passions brings momentum;

Healthy rhythms of rest bring renewal and restoration.

'Coaching' leadership style: "Let me show you"
Primary objective: long-term development of people

A coaching leader recognises the particular strengths and weaknesses of each team member and works one-on-one to set personal goals, providing ongoing support and feedback.

Coaching leadership is most effective when team members are committed to learning and growing, and when a leader is comfortable with delegation - coping with short-term failure to focus on long-term outcome.



Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

'Directive' leadership style: 'do as I tell you'
Primary objective: Immediate compliance

This leadership style is not 'bad' - unless it is overused.

Directive leadership is most effective for straightforward tasks, quick turnarounds, short-term work relationships, or in high risk or emergency situations.

It requires a leader to give direct instructions, be decisive, set clear standards and monitor closely.



Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

'Relational' leadership style: "People come first"
Primary objective: creating harmony

Relational leadership values people and emotions over tasks and goals. It builds morale, improves communication and repairs trust.

It is most effective when a leader is new, seeking to build loyalty, and in getting diverse, conflicting groups to work together harmoniously.

A relational leader needs to have good communication conflict-resolution skills, and empathy to accommodate team members' needs.



Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

'Visionary' leadership style: "Come with me"
Primary objective: Providing long-term direction and vision

Visionary leadership is most effective when the leader is perceived to be the expert, when the vision is clear to everyone, or when the organisation is very large. Visionary leadership encourages long-term motivation and engagement.

A visionary leader uses their unique perspective to establish a vision. They need to remain 'in touch' and not distant, and communicate clearly how decisions made link to the overall vision.



Photo by Jenna Day on Unsplash