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| UNIT 3 | FREE TO GROW The Need Our Answer Our Approach Format Our Materials Topics |
THE NEED [Top]
| All
of us use defenses and delusions to one extent or another where we
blame everyone else except ourselves for our problems. The
reasoning, in a sick sort of way, says "I am justified because its not
my fault". Anyone who works with addicts or prisoners knows
that
this mindset can
be so strong that it will prevent recovery from
occurring. This way of looking at things has been studied and
is called an "external locus
of control". Movement must move to an "internal locus of
control"
where responsibility is accepted for our own actions for progress to
take place. Put another way, we
have to move beyond the pitfalls and disappointments of the past so
that we can be FREE TO GROW . This is a deep, stubborn, and neglected problem that is crucial for recovery and success in life. A few glib words to "get over it" doesn't even come close to convincing people of what needs to change and how that would help them. |
OUR ANSWER [Top]
| We recognize that this is such a
large and important area to be addressed that we have reserved the
largest time block in our 100 Hour Curriculum for this unit: 12 lessons.
When combined with the foundation established in Unit 2:
Personal
Insight, the time commitment is nearly half of our entire program.
We feel this is most appropriate because of the in-depth need
and
the wonderful results that come from it. It is a chance to
really
impact another human being in a significant way. We are often asked "do you have anything that deals with addictions"? The answer is "yes, all of it." However, we prefer to focus on the things causing the addictions, not on the specific addictions themselves. Our "addictions" are broadly defined so that it includes everybody, facilitators and group member alike. In drawing closer to our God, we shed addictions by observing the first of the Ten Commandments: to have no other gods before Him. Those "other gods" are our addictions (idols). [Addiction: anything that has taken control over our lives and has negative consequences] |
OUR APPROACH [Top]
| All of our units emphasize the
rich interaction of the small-group format.
The answers group members need to have will come mostly from each other
.
Having group members talk a lot is the fastest way to getting
into
their hearts and minds. Once group members level with one
another, they help each other in a safe environment. The structured lessons usually have two leaders called facilitators and co-facilitators. It is their job to keep the discussion going and on track. The training of these leaders is one of the key activities of Florida Integrity Training. Our training sessions show the art and science of being effective in this area. For more information on our training .CLICK HERE FOR TRAINING SCHEDULE. |
FORMAT [Top]
| Groups are limited to 10 inmates plus a trained facilitator and a co-facilitator. After the first meeting groups are closed to new members until the group has finished its course. Experience has shown that trust and confidentiality has to be developed before substantial progress can be made. Too large a group hinders this and also limits the personal input that is so essential to recovery. |
OUR MATERIALS [Top]
 FACILITATOR GUIDE GROUP MEMBER GUIDE |
The
purpose of this group study is to help people overcome
disappointments
and setbacks that have hindered their
emotional and
spiritual development. The group will help participants understand how
to be
set free so that they can grow and become all that God has designed
them to be. This is a natural sequel to "Insight" and focuses
on
transitioning from being captive to being free. This emphasis
is
central to helping inmates look to the future with hope and
understanding to be better equipped to function once released.
Like "Insight", this is intensely personal and requires trust
and
sharing. Groups are again limited to 12 individuals plus
facilitator
and co-facilitator and are closed to newcomers after the first session.
As in all of our six units, this study is as appropriate for
use
in churches, jails, prisons, and aftercare programs.
The books used for these sessions are the facilitator and group member guides entitled FREE TO GROW-Overcoming Setbacks and Disappointments by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee of Turning Point Ministries. Order Form Listed below are the twelve sessions included in this study: |
SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND SESSION TOPICS [Top]
| Sample Questions | Session Topics |
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