The Fundamentals of Living Free

Over the next four blog posts, we will be providing you with information on key elements of successful Living Free ministry. Whether you are a veteran of Living Free or a beginner, all of us can use a little reminder of the basics. We will be discussing the core team, the timeline, curriculum choices, and tips for facilitators.

Living Free is not for the weak or the short-timers. To become an effective life-changing ministry, there must be tenacity in the face of people who will tell you “it will never work in our church.” Most of the time those negative people would never welcome people who have life-controlling issues. Jesus always took time for those with life-controlling issues. Most every miracle Jesus preformed was done at inconvenient times and in unconventional ways from the culture.

Those who have been a part of developing Living Free ministry in their churches and communities know it is a front-line battle. Living Free leaders involve themselves in the mess of people’s lives. Yes, life transformation through God’s Word, God’s Spirit, and God’s people will get messy before there is healing. The baggage of the past, the hurts from relationships, and the pain of life are usually healed through week in and week out ministry.

The great reward comes when the leaders see people live in a deeper relationship with God and begin to make positive life choices. We recently received and email from a man who attends a church that has Living Free ministry. The gentleman told us, "my home church has Living Free and I see the amazing results from this program and God's grace on the folks who participate."

Marriage restoration, freedom from addictions, joyful attitudes, and peace in the storms of life are just a small snapshot of what happens when God’s Word is applied through God’s Sprit and delivered by God’s people. Amazing would describe it! Follow us on this journey back to the basics of Living Free. As we journey together, feel free to make comments on the blogs and add your experience to the mix.

Principles derived from the Core Team Manual by Jimmy Ray Lee, Turning Point Ministries, Chattanooga, TN,1989, 1996, 2001, 2007.