New Ground Academy

Written by Catherine Joseph

 Why did you decide to do Academy? 

I started the previous version of Academy in 2019 which we finished online in lockdown, early 2021. We'd been doing a great study on The Sermon on the Mount in the King's Church Ladies' Group and it fuelled a real desire for me to know God more and to dig deeper into his Word, so I signed up for Academy. The course was rewritten in the remainder of 2021 and rather than joining Year 2, my options were to walk away after Year 1 or start again. I'd really enjoyed the course so far but felt that God had more for me to learn. I signed up for another 2 years!

What transformation in your walk with God has Academy brought about? 

There has been a very strong emphasis on building godly character and developing our walk with God in the new Academy format. Previously, I feel that it would have been possible to have walked away with great head knowledge, albeit based on superb theological teaching, but to have 'dodged the bullet' on more personal matters. That is no longer the case and I have welcomed the challenge to 'wrestle with God'. My faith is now more grounded.

Has there been any teaching days or home learning videos that have particularly stuck with you? 

I still get emotional when I consider the impact that Genesis 1-11 has on our lives. The videos, titled 'ldentity Given & Identity theft' helped me to understand how God created us and His plan for us. This transforms our worldview, affecting everything we think about and is the origin of many of the human rights that we take for granted. I feel that so many of our world's problems would melt away if people really grasped this.

How has Academy influenced and empowered you to lead in the spheres you are in? 

I feel that I'm on a surer footing in leadership because of the practical Bible based teaching that I've received, but I've also appreciated the more applied teaching on matters such as managing wellbeing. The interviews on our Local hub evenings with Leaders working out their faith in all avenues of life have been inspirational.

How have you found the format of Academy? Home learning videos, Local hub evening meetings, Central hub teaching days?

I was skeptical about the new hybrid learning format where home learning replaces one of the days previously spent in Wimbledon, but now I'm a complete convert! Not only does this open up the course to those who would have previously been excluded due to work/home committments, but I genuinely think that it's better. I'm no longer overwhelmed by an Academy weekend and can take time to reflect on the content. Being partially taught online, also makes the course less South East England focused. My vision of the church is expanded with teaching from France, Netherlands and Scotland in addition to the South-east. The Local hub evenings, where we discuss what we've learned online connects us into King's Church. The Central hub days at Wimbledon tend to be more practically focused and gives space to respond to teaching alongside discussions with students of all ages from across New Ground. There are also Q&A sessions with the speakers.

For anyone who is thinking about undertaking Academy, why would you recommend it to them? 

Academy takes you through the whole Bible in 2 years. If you want to fill in some gaps and consolidate your Bible knowledge, Academy is for you. If you want to be personally challenged in your faith, Academy is for you. If you want to be equipped for leadership and have your vision of the church widened, Academy is for you. You'll also enjoy fantastic worship, make new friends and have fun.

There are no written assignments, the only requirement is an ability to engage with 4 half hour videos and one day of teaching comprising of 4 sessions per month (notes are provided in advance), to enjoy discussing what you've heard with others and to have an open and searching heart that seeks to learn more about our wonderful God and how we fit into His great plan. "