|
Information For Your Leaders
Also available as a full colour pdf brochure to download (5.4Mb)
How Freedom In Christ Ministries Can Help Church Leaders
“My life has been transformed. It truly was like walking from darkness back into light again”
“Knowing who I am in Christ and accepting the truth of God while rejecting the lies of the devil has changed my life”
“I was separated from the truth of God's love and Jesus' liberation by a large wall of pain, wounds, and lies. But the wall came tumbling down”
“A pivotal point in my Christian life... I now feel that I have the abundant life which Christ spoke of”
Jesus commanded us to make disciples. Yet most leaders agree that far too few Christians reach their potential.
It can be so frustrating when people receive good teaching week after week but it just doesn’t seem to sink in.
When those with deeper issues turn to us for help, sometimes we have to admit that we simply don’t know how to help. We’re not sure that we really can expect to see them resolve their issues and become fruitful.
All this seems a long way from the abundant life that Jesus promised.
If any of these things ring true for you, take a look at what Freedom In Christ Ministries can offer. We’re not talking about any ‘quick fix’ or whacky methodology but a thoroughly Biblical understanding of what it means to be a child of God and what follows naturally from that.
We firmly believe that the work of making disciples, and helping captives find their freedom should happen in the local church. Our role is to work with church leaders to make that happen.
Some Reasons That Christians Don’t Grow
They don't have a real understanding of their new identity in Christ
Read any of Paul's letters and you'll get half way through before you find instructions on how to behave. First he concentrates on what's already been done; the "riches" we have in Christ (Ephesians 1:18). Because it's not what we do that determines who we are - it's who we are that determines what we do.
Traditional discipleship teaching can sound like this to many people: "do this every day", "don't do that any more", "successful Christians behave like this". So they end up simply acting like Christians. Some manage to do and say the right things but don't necessarily live fruitful lives. Others constantly require help with the same old issues. Some just drift away.
How Freedom In Christ can help
The Freedom In Christ Discipleship Course – a 13 week run through basic Biblical teaching - focuses on what’s been done: who we are in Christ; the truth of God's unconditional love; why there is no condemnation; why we don't have to languish in cycles of sin, negative thinking and hopelessness. It’s been written specifically for UK churches and, in the first 6 months alone, over 15,000 workbooks have been sold. You'll find it easy to use, flexible and excellent value. We will support and encourage you as you use it. In our experience, every Christian benefits from this teaching and most churches implement it as an across-the-board discipleship programme. Many tell us that this approach has revolutionised their church. Our prayer is that it will do the same for yours.
They have unresolved personal and spiritual conflicts
Jesus said that the key to freedom is knowing the truth (John 8:32). With our Western mindset we have often thought that good teaching is what is required. But any pastor knows from experience that simply telling people the truth doesn't mean that they really ‘get’ it.
Good teaching on its own is not enough. Christians also need to learn that they already have everything they need to live the Christian life (see 2 Peter 1:3, Eph 1:3). They don’t need someone special to “zap” them. They simply need to take responsibility for their own growth and make good choices: to believe what God says is true, to close the door on past sin, to forgive.
How Freedom In Christ can help
A key part of our approach is a kind and gentle process called The Steps To Freedom In Christ to help participants repent of past sin and resist the devil. For many this "clearing out of rubbish" is the key to the teaching falling into place. It is simply an opportunity for every Christian – in the context of their own church fellowship - to allow the Holy Spirit to show them areas in their life where the enemy may have a foothold, and to help them uncover lies they have been believing. It is a kind and gentle process between the participant and the Lord. It is not counselling or “deliverance” so does not require expert facilitators. It’s more of a spiritual MOT – but the effects are often profound.
They are struggling with deeper issues
You probably have people in your church who are struggling with deeper issues. You want to pastor them and lead them to wholeness but it can seem like an overwhelming task. You know that Jesus is the answer – but sometimes it’s not obvious how!
In our experience the Church needs a fresh awareness of the truth that Jesus is still in the business of healing and empowering and sanctifying and cleansing. In other words, the Gospel really works! Can we really expect those struggling with issues such as past abuse, addiction, anorexia or deep depression to become fruitful disciples? Yes! We have seen many deeply wounded people find their freedom in the context of a loving church that helps them apply Biblical principles. In fact it’s not unusual for them to become among the most fruitful disciples in a church once they are helped to take hold of the freedom that Jesus has won for them.
How Freedom In Christ can help
We have a team that we call “Walking With The Wounded” whose purpose is quite simply to walk alongside you as you go through the process of leading a hurting person into complete freedom in your church. We have seen many, many people who may have looked like “hopeless cases” walk to freedom with the loving help and support of their church. We will happily advise you and support you as you put together a team to work with a wounded person.
Taking It Forward
Here are some ways you can find out more about how you could use the Freedom In Christ approach:
Browse our website where you will find much fuller information along with case studies of UK churches who have implemented the approach
Attend one of our regular briefings for church leaders or one-day “Get Started With The Freedom In Christ Approach” events.
Have a look at the Freedom In Christ Discipleship Course - ask for one of our free sample DVDs
Ask us to put you in touch with a church local to you that has implemented the approach and is happy to share its experiences with other leaders
Ask us about how our Walking With The Wounded team can support you as you help those with deeper issues
Suggested next link: Frequently asked questions |
|
|
|
