|
Recovery Ministries
[view feedback blog]
The later in life a person becomes a Christian, the more their previous negative life experiences "in the world" need to be undone and healed so that they can experience the abundant life Jesus came to bring. People need one-on-one teaching, care, and encouragement in the Christian faith and in the marvelous truths and promises of Scripture.
Three basic elements comprise this component of recovery and steps to wholeness:
Prayer ministry
Journeying through the booklet "Building a better life: a pocket-guide for Christian living"
Commencing "Way of Life" Bible studies.
Prayer is an essential aspect of coming to wholeness in spirit, soul, and body. We as a Christian Community are committed to praying and seeking God's direct intervention in people's lives for their total well-being. As far as our Christian values will allow, we also seek to work together in co-operation with our local hospitals, emergency services, and other State or Christian support services in our village or city for holistic healing of each person.
The journey through "Building a better life" covers the following 26 topics, one topic per week, so that the person gets a thorough overview of what being a Christian means in every realm of life:
A. Being "born again"
1. Understanding yourself
2. The message of the Bible
3. Repentance, Believing, Getting baptized, Receiving the Holy Spirit
B. Identity in Christ
4. Who am I as a Christian?
5. Conquering the past and bad habits
6. Seven wisdom principles
C. Christian Community Life
7. Who is God?
8. Who are we as Christians?
9. What do we do together?
10. God's values and mission
11. Spiritual growth disciplines
D. Daily Living God's way
12. Using the Bible
13. Understanding the spiritual realm
14. Responsible use of the environment
15. Economics and daily work
16. Friendships, courtship & marriage
17. Politics and government
18. Interacting with other religions
E. Gifts & talents
19. Discovering your spiritual gifts
20. Effective use of your gifts and talents
21. Being mentored
F. Servant leadership
22. Qualifications for leadership
23. Training objectives
24. Mistakes to avoid
25. Exercising discipline
26. The purpose of leadership
After this comprehensive broad foundation has been laid, the person should then be ready to launch deeper into the Word of God, and firmly establish themselves in Christ and the Christian way of life.
"Way of Life" Bible studies involves reading and studying Paul's letters to the churches for their encouragement and building up in the faith. Specifically it involves a study of:
Ephesians and Philippians for an understanding of your identity in Christ, plus Romans 1-8;
Luke & Acts as a prelude to studying Colossians, Galatians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, for an understanding of life lead by the Holy Spirit and not just by our bodily desires and also not legalistically.
|
|
