Using Living Free Groups In Your Ministry

Don't Limit Your Potential.
You should be careful not to label this ministry as only for "those kinds of people", you know the ones with raging, out of control problems. These groups are designed to benefit everyone, even those who are not currently experiencing life-controlling problems.

And please don't refer to Living Free as a recovery ministry. If you do, many people who need help will not come. Every church or ministry organization contains people who are at different stages of serious life issues. There are also people who may not be trapped but are concerned about a loved-one who is already showing signs of having a life-controlling problem. These people do not think they need a recovery group.

Here is What We Suggest.
Tell people that participation in the Living Free training and groups is a positive experience for everyone. Even if you do not suffer a life-controlling problem, it is good to understand how people become trapped and how a life-controlling problem can be avoided. Everyone should know how to prevent being overcome and how to help others who are.

Parents should participate so they recognize the symptoms of a growing problem in their children's behaviors. Facilitators of any group should participate so they will be equipped to minister to people they find in their groups with problems.

For the Long Haul
Living Free small group curriculums provide more than five years of unique small group topics. However, most churches find that after two or three years participation begins to plateau and eventually decline. This is why it is important to  to think about reaching beyond your congregation from the outset.

Outreach oriented churches find that Living Free small groups are essential to reach and disciple newcomers. Some churches have conducted Living Free small groups continuously for more than ten years, reaching thousands of new people. These new people become members of the churches and frequently they also become the best facilitators in the Living Free ministry.