What is FootSteps?

FootSteps is a Christian interdenominational weekend retreat program for teens in grades 9 through 12. FootSteps helps teens of all faith backgrounds (or no background at all) to grow in their faith walk. To this end, teens listen to talks, do group activities, engage in discussions, worship, sing, pray, eat, share, and make new friends.Teens on a FootSteps weekend come from a variety of backgrounds with different family, school, and faith experiences. This diversity makes coming up with a single description of a FootSteps weekend difficult. However, ask FootSteppers for their reflections on a weekend and terms such as “fun,” “exciting,” and “life-changing” are commonly heard. Many teens that complete a FootSteps retreat come back as team members on subsequent weekends or participate in PrayerSteps.

​Held three times per year, each FootSteps retreat begins on Friday evening and concludes on Sunday afternoon. Weekend events are led by teens that have completed one or more previous FootSteps retreats. A small group of adults supervises and helps as needed; however, much of the success of FootSteps results from the very deliberate decision to create a youth-led program.

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Who can attend FootSteps?

How to sponsor a

​candidate:

FootSteps, an outreach of Koinonia of Erie County, seeks to provide Christian growth opportunities for youth in grades 9 through 12.
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Teens are welcome to attend FootSteps weekends if they are entering 9th grade in the fall through the summer following their high school graduation. Teens that are new to FootSteps are called “candidates.”

​Candidates may be sponsored by current FootSteppers, FootSteps alumni, or adults from Koinonia, Cursillo, or other Fourth-Day movements.

What is PrayerSteps?

PrayerSteps is an extension of the FootSteps program. It is held at the same time as the FootSteps weekend. Youth and leaders meet for three days of prayer, singing, fun, fellowship and many surprises. Attendance at PrayerSteps is open to all FootSteppers, whether they have ever served on a FootSteps team, and FootSteps Alumni (those beyond the age limit of the FootSteps program) up to age 21.

" FootSteps is an outreach of Koinonia of Erie County. FootSteps seeks to provide Christian growth opportunities for youth in grades 9 through 12."

To sponsor a candidate, complete the application online 

How to apply for a  team

​position:

FootSteppers who wish to apply for a team position should download the Team Application and make note of the following procedure:

• Paper applications should be sent to:
  FootSteps of Erie County
  2025 Eastern Ave
  Erie, PA 16510
• Team members will be selected from applications which have been received by the application deadline. Applications received after this date will be put on the list for next weekend or used to fill any vacant team positions. Applications are considered on a first come, first served basis, but this is not the only consideration. Our goal is to assemble the best possible ministry team.
• Prospective team members (applications received) will be sent a letter inviting them to be on the team. The letter will contain the dates for the upcoming weekend.
• Applicants who can commit to participate in the meetings and the entire FootSteps weekend are asked to call or email the Rector listed on the letter. This call tells the Rector the applicant is able to be on the team.
• The FootSteps Board will review the list of applicants at the Team Selection Meetings and begin the team building process. The FootSteps board is excited that so many teens have a personal desire to serve their Lord and their peers in this ministry.