Footsteps of Faith: Reflections from a lifetime of following Jesus
Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone loves to hear a story…
In Footsteps of Faith, popular speaker and mentor Tony Horsfall distils the wisdom of over 50 years of discipleship and ministry. Using the events of his own life story to illustrate the ways in which God prepares us for ministry and shapes us for fruitfulness, he reflects on different life stages and identifies key phases of the spiritual journey. Through these he explores the process of leadership development and considers issues of transition and change, purpose and identity, and rest and contentment.
| Title | Footsteps of Faith: Reflections from a lifetime of following Jesus |
| Author | Tony Horsfall |
| Description | Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone loves to hear a story… |
| Details |
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Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone loves to hear a story…
In Footsteps of Faith, popular speaker and mentor Tony Horsfall distils the wisdom of over 50 years of discipleship and ministry. Using the events of his own life story to illustrate the ways in which God prepares us for ministry and shapes us for fruitfulness, he reflects on different life stages and identifies key phases of the spiritual journey. Through these he explores the process of leadership development and considers issues of transition and change, purpose and identity, and rest and contentment.
Tony Horsfall is an author and a retreat leader with a lifetime’s experience in mentoring others, including church leaders and missionaries, both in Britain and overseas. His book Deep Calls to Deep was reissued in 2021 because of its emphasis on lament and its relevance post-pandemic. Grief Notes describes the author’s own experience of crying out to God from the depths.
‘Tony, a much-loved Christian leader, shares with humility his life story, in an easy-to-read narrative. But this is much more than an autobiography. Breaking life and faith into different stages, Tony uses his experiences to help us reflect on our own spiritual journeys. Containing questions to reflect on, Footsteps of Faith can be used by individuals and groups to help us better understand ourselves and others. Highly recommended for those who want to grow spiritually.’
Dr Debbie Hawker, clinical psychologist
‘Tony is the author that I consistently recommend to Christian friends, missionaries, students and member care workers. This new book will be joining the list of recommendations. It is fascinating to read about the twists and turns of Tony’s life, but this is not a blow by blow account of his life. Rather it tells key elements of his story through the reflective lens of God’s power and plan. The reflections and questions at the end of each chapter are so helpful in applying Tony’s experi-ences to our own lives. To read it is to feel as though you’re chatting to him over a cuppa and you don’t want the conversation to end.’ Sarah Hay, HR and member care manager, European Christian Mis-sion, and visiting lecturer, All Nations Christian College
‘This book is a generous gift. As Tony reflects on the formative work of the Lord in his life and leadership, he opens a space for us to discern the fingerprints of God in our own story. Reading this book feels like a conversation with a wise and experienced mentor. Whatever stage you’re at, his reflections will help you see your journey with deeper clarity and to be more present to the ways of God in what lies ahead.’ Melinda Hendry, ministry development lead, Living Leadership
‘Footsteps of Faith is an engaging spiritual autobiography of how Tony has learned to both seek and see God through the seasons of his life and ministry in service of Jesus. Tony’s desire to teach, disciple and mentor people in their faith in Jesus, to help all of us to more clearly discern God’s guidance, is evident throughout the book.’
Cliff Kay, Anglican minister, diocese of Sheffield, UK
‘One of the profound gifts in life is to learn from others who are further on the journey than ourselves. Tony offers this valuable gift. This is a brilliant book, rich with his life story, and all the more helpful as each chapter offers key reflections on crucial developmental and forma-tional topics. You will find yourself somewhere in this book and have a road map for what is ahead. Here is a book worthy of deeper reflection.’ Scott E. Shaum, director of pastoral advancement, Barnabas International
‘Footsteps of Faith is more than Tony’s wonderfully full and authentic life story – it holds deep and rich wisdom from someone living a life abandoned to the glory of God. There is much insight here for anyone navigating life and particularly those in church leadership. The book is well informed and provides opportunity to reflect on one’s own season of life. I wholeheartedly recommend Footsteps of Faith.’
Morne Smit, pastor, God First Church, Christchurch
‘This is a wonderful book for every stage of life, whether reflectively looking back, managing the present, or preparing for the future. It’s backed by solid research but reads easily, good narrative as well as specific points to slow down and consider, with a challenge to think carefully and respond healthily. It’s heartwarming without ducking difficulties. The reality of God’s faithfulness within the ups and down of the Christian life, working with churches and mission agencies, is helpfully considered. God wants to work in us for change and through us for fruitfulness. We learn about “falling into grace”, and becoming more than doing. This is a book to read and benefit from, then to pass on to others.’
Alan Tower, Friends International National director (UK)
Reviewed by Rosie Button.
This is just a lovely book, and not simply your normal Christian autobiography. If you know Tony or have heard him speak at a conference or retreat, you will already know how wise, humble and gentle he is, and this wisdom, gentleness and humility pours out of every page of his story.Taking each stage of his life in turn he tells how God saved, taught, guided and equipped him for a life in mission and ministry. His journey has included a season in mission with his wife Evelyn in Malaysia, many years pastoring a local church in England, a ministry of member care involving visiting missionaries across the world, retreat-leading and writing, and more.
He has known bereavement, and wonderfully, remarriage. He doesn't gloss over the challenges and trials which inevitably come in a life of Christian service; I found his honest reflections on the difficult seasons to be one of the most helpful aspects of the book. As I am about to step into my 60s, (somewhat reluctantly), I found his thoughts on midlife and transition into older age enlightening and encouraging. I feel reassured that spending time being a bit more introspective is perfectly normal at this age, and that moving into different kinds of work suited to one's experience and giftings at this stage can be a God-given, good thing.
After each chapter of Tony's story, there is a reflection chapter, giving a generous opportunity to think back on your own life-journey. His insightful questions prompt your own memories, musings and learning. It would be a great book to take on a retreat, to make the most of these opportunities for personal encouragement and growth.
Thanks to Tony for more than a memoir, a book that spurs one on, to keep experiencing God's love and kindness and to keep living for him at every stage of life. Rosie writes for our Guidelines Bible study notes. She works as a member care provider for Pioneers. She also lectures in Staff Care and Wellbeing for All Nations Christian College, having previously taught Old and New Testament and Greek in theological colleges in Zimbabwe and Uganda, and at Redcliffe College.