How can your church provide a compassionate, safe place for people, who are struggling with life-controlling, addictive issues? Is it possible to have a place, where people can safely share, feel supported and discover a sense of community?
The Free! Recovery course was created and developed to provide churches with not only a biblical teaching resource but also, a vision for coming alongside those with addictive issues.
This course was developed by John and Sally Childress and grown with the help of the many individuals who courageously walked through the doors to find freedom.
It is a support group ministry, which can be adapted for one-to one work.
Course Elements
FREE! is a 10-week recovery course that provides a safe place to explore the slavery of life-controlling, addictive issues and allow them to be transformed by the hope and freedom of Jesus Christ.
The following themes are explored:
Week 1
So life is out of control (scroll down for sample content)
Week 2
So easy to be pulled back: relapse
Week 3
Triggers and temptations
Week 4
Let's call addictive behaviour what it is; idol worship
Week 5
Being thankful
Week 6
Circumstances, choices and consequences
Week 7
The lies we listen to
Week 8
Children not slaves!
Week 9
Freedom
Week 10
Looking Outward
Session 1
Story 1
Promo
“
Free! has changed my life. Being able to be totally open about my sin with people who don’t judge you has been very freeing.
Janet
“
I found Free! a very safe and helpful first step in taking action against my addiction and selfish behaviours. Building friendship with people who understand and don’t judge is invaluable. Thank you.
Stefan
“
Life changing, thought provoking, action oriented, bathed in love, hope and joy through and with caring and supportive leaders and attendees.
Anonymous
These biblical and Christ-centred themes are intended to be explored in community, an essential component of moving into the freedom and transformation that only Christ can give. This is a journey that is rooted in the book of Galatians. It parallels the concepts found in this book especially slavery vs. freedom. Our verse for the whole journey is…
“
it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
Each session contains a teaching video and a story video, each about 10-15 minutes long. There is a facilitator’s guide, a participant guide and a 70 day participant daily Ponder Action Prayer Challenge (a 2-5 minute daily journey). A complete package contains the downloads of all the video sessions, access to the above guides and daily challenge.
Who is it for?
The groups are intended to be open to anyone who is struggling with an addiction, a life-controlling habit, or anyone who wants to learn more about them. (A local church community may decide the types of issues they can personally handle and those they may need to signpost elsewhere). We have had many Christians,(including church leaders) who participate for a season or two and return to their church groups, able to serve and participate more effectively as they discover freedom themselves. We have had those, who have not yet made a commitment to Christ but were willing to look at their addictive habits through the lens of Scripture.
How to access the course
You can access the course on our Free! Recovery portal. Create an account or login, then begin exploring the Free! course and other resources.
