“Eyes” of the Counseling Ministry – The presentation will cover two subjects. (1) The core values of the counseling ministry: Bible-based, Gospel-centered, differentiating sin and suffering, not one-size-fits-all, embedded within the church, and transitioning into the general small group ministry. Leaders need to understand how these values are embedded throughout the counseling materials. (2) How to avoid a struggle-based identity when using a struggle-specific curriculum.
“Our deepest problem is that we seek to find our identity outside the story of redemption (p. 27)… In fact, the longer we struggle with a problem, the more likely we are to define ourselves by that problem (divorced, addicted, depressed, co-dependent, ADD). We come to believe that our problem is who we are. But while these labels may describe particular ways we struggle as sinners [or sufferers] in a fallen world, they are not our identity! If we allow them to define us, we will live trapped within their boundaries. This is no way for a child of God to live (p. 260)!” Paul Tripp in Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hand
Session 1. “What Is a Freedom Group?” Purpose and Vision of Freedom Groups
Session 2 “What a Freedom Group is Not” How to Avoid a Struggle-Based Identity
Handout for Night One, Session Two: WHO I AM IN CHRIST_KELLEMEN
Night Two (Process): “Heart” of the Counseling Ministry – The big question on this night is, “How does the Gospel relate to sin and suffering differently?” The struggles of life fit into one of these two categories: sin or suffering. The Gospel speaks to and is powerful to redeem/restore both experiences. But unless we understand the difference, our efforts to help will often come across cliché or simplistic. On this evening we will walk through the two nine step process models that will undergird the seminars that will comprise the mentoring and Freedom Group curriculum. Our goal for each of the nine step processes is that they merely represent “the Gospel in slow motion.”
Session 3. “When the Problem is Me” The 9 Steps for Freedom Groups (Sin)
Session 4. “When the Problem is Not Me” The 9 Steps for Freedom Groups (Suffering)
Night Three (Logistics): “Hands” of Freedom Groups – This evening will be focused more exclusively upon Freedom Group leaders, although all leaders are welcome to attend to learn more about how the seminars and curriculum can be utilized. We will examine what the journey of Freedom Groups will look like from the visitor’s first day through the meeting schedule and individuals’ responsibilities to the launch of new groups.
RESOURCES: Nigh Three, Hour One
- Job Description for Freedom Group Member (Sin Group) — JOB — group member (sin)
- Job Description for Freedom Group Member (Suffering Group) — JOB — group member (suffering)
- Summary of 9 Steps for Sin Groups — 9 Steps (sin)
- Summary of 9 Steps for Suffering Groups — 9 Steps (suffering)
- Guidelines for Testimony Nights — TESTIMONY_guidelines
RESOURCES: Night Three, Hour Two
- Job Description of Accountability-Encouragement Partners — JOB — a-e partner
- Freedom Group Progress Chart (Sin) — Leader_Chart_Sin
- Freedom Group Progress Chart (Suffering) — Leader_Chart_Suffering
- Job Description for Freedom Group Leader — JOB — group leader
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