“Living Free” Program Offered by Covenant Community Church

Submitted by George Traylor
    “1) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1, 
    2) In his letter to the church at Rome, the Apostle Paul describes, in these two verses, the type of life God desires for His people to enjoy. Christians should live and enjoy a life that is free of worries, condemnation, fear, and life controlling issues.  Sadly this is not the case for many in today’s society. 
    Many people go the church each Sunday and, perhaps, attend mid-week services and although smiling and happy, leave each service with issues that are troubling their lives. They are not seeing the victory in their lives that God desires for them.  People in all walks of life live each day with problems which left unaddressed will eventually take control of their lives.  Victory over these types of problems is available through Living Free.
     Living Free is a small group, support-based strategy for overcoming life-controlling problems in which the Word of God, the Spirit of God and the people of God are brought together in as atmosphere of trust and safety as we minster to one another through confession and sharing. Each group uses Scripture and resources developed by Living Free Ministries of Teen Challenge.  While effective, Living Free is not a substitute for psychological or medical care nor is it a secular 12 step program.  Everything is scripture based.
The three basic principles of this ministry are:
– The Bible is the final authority for daily living.
– The Holy Spirit is working today as our Teacher, Counsellor, and Guide.
– Christians are related to each other through Christ and can be used by God to help each other overcome life’s problems.
    It is our desire at Covenant Community Church to offer this ministry to the community.  There will be a one day introduction to Living Free at Covenant Community Church, 22325 Greenwell Springs Road on Saturday July 25 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. 
    This training consists of five 45 minute sessions using videos and materials developed by Living Free Ministries of Teen challenge.
Session 1: Defining Life Controlling Problems
Session 2:  Mastered and Trapped by Issues
Session 3:  Walls of Protection
Session 4:  Family Influences
Session 5:  Helping of Harming?
    Living Free has developed courses that deal with life controlling problems such as depression, anger, racism, and codependency, which will be available in 2016.
    All interested persons should contact the church office at 225-261-3088. Cost of training is $15.00 which covers meals and a training manual.