Steps To Freedom

AA Addiction Recovery Program

ONLINE STUDENT HANDBOOK

Healing Shepherd Ministries Hillside Foursquare Church

3200 Sutro Street Reno, NV 89512

(775) 560-6604/5959 Email: healingshepherd@email.com

www.StepsToFreedom.vze.com

Revised October 2009

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Table of Contents

______________________________________________________________________ A Letter to Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Vision Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Description of Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Code of Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Homework Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Discipline Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Program Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Phase 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Class -- Conquering Chemical Dependency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Class -- Making Peace With Your Past . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Phase 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Class -- The Search For Significance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Class -- The Purpose-Driven Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Phase 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Class -- The Measure of Maturity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Class -- Moving Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Statement of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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STEPS TO FREEDOM

A 12-Step Addiction Recovery Program directed by Healing Shepherd Ministries

September, 2008 Dear Student, Welcome to the Steps To Freedom addiction recovery program! This program is provided for the purpose of helping people find freedom from their addiction, showing them a new direction for their lives. The heart of this course is the freedom that Jesus came to give us on the Cross. He offers us forgiveness of our sins (read “relapse”) and shows us the road to follow to achieve freedom from our enslavement (“recovery from addiction”). This road progresses, step by step. Hence the name of this course, Steps To Freedom. Not every person who does this course, will start off as a Christian, nor is this a pre-requisite for studying the material. People struggling with addiction come from all walks of life and persuasions. However, as Jesus is the only One who can produce lasting change in our thinking and behaviors, we do ask our students to keep an open mind to what Jesus can do in their life, and hopefully each student will find the lasting peace that comes from a close relationship with God. Due to the length of this online non-residential course (approximately 9 months), a considerable commitment will be required to finish what was started. We have confidence, however, that students who desperately want to be free of the continual struggle against relapse can find the answer to their search in their relationship with God. Because this is generally an online non-residential program, it will not be possible for instructors to monitor students on a continuing basis. For this reason, we have established a strict code of conduct, to help students stay on the straight and narrow. Students will be required to attend two AA/NA meetings per week, and must fax or mail us evidence of attendance, weekly. In addition, they will be required to arrange for someone to be their sponsor or accountability partner. They must provide a release of information, as well as phone number and email address of the sponsor, so that continuing accountability may be assured. If students do not comply with these requirements, they may be terminated from the program. If the student relapses, appropriate authorities will be notified, and measures will be taken to help the student prevent further relapse. If a student continues practicing their addiction, they will be terminated from the program. We do not want to focus on this too heavily at this time, but it is a matter that must be understood. When such a person has corrected their behavior they may be allowed back into the program, at the program administrator’s discretion, but their graduation will be delayed as a result. Our prayer for you, as our student, is that you will find the peace that passes all understanding, and that the course you are now embarking upon will provide the answers to your addiction. We pray for God’s blessing upon each one of you! In Christian love, Gerry van der Wende Director/Case Manager Steps To Freedom/Healing Shepherd Ministries

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Vision Statement

Our vision is to ultimately make the Steps To Freedom addiction recovery program available to every person struggling with addiction, offering them hope, healing and recovery through a relationship with Jesus. Other organizations provide residential programs for addiction rehabilitation. These are often focused on providing the homeless and destitute with a means to overcome their addictions. The focus of the Steps To Freedom program will instead be on addicts who are still able to function while struggling against their addiction.

Description of Program

The content of this program has generally followed that of the successful residential rehabilitation program conducted by the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, in Reno, Nevada. We are indebted to the RSGM for its generosity in allowing us to use its course structure, in this program.

Classes are taught in a method combining the use of workbooks, email and the internet. The workbooks used are written by qualified professionals in their fields. The program facilitator will assist students in their study of the workbooks.

Students may require counseling. If counseling beyond the scope of the facilitator's expertise is required, programmers should seek help from a qualified Christian counselor, pastor, psychologist or psychiatrist.

Biblical counseling will be available at the facilitator's discretion. Students are encouraged to attend a healthy Bible-based and Christ-centered church. They will be referred to their local pastor for non-addiction related counseling or advice.

On completion of each phase, clients will receive a progress certificate. When clients graduate from the program they will be presented with a graduation certificate suitable for framing.

The self-help program consists of three phases, each of which is 12 weeks long. Thus the total length of the program is around 9 months. The three phases and classes taught are as follows:

Phase 1 – Foundations – 12 weeks

Conquering Chemical Dependency Making Peace With Your Past

Phase 2 – Identity – 12 weeks

Search For Significance The Purpose-Driven Life

Phase 3 – Maturity – 12 weeks

Measure of Maturity Moving Forward

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Code of Conduct

The following code of conduct is based on behaviour that is a practical expression of that described in Scripture. It will encourage a climate of mutual respect and encouragement among both students and staff.

1. Students will be required to attend two AA/NA meetings per week, and must fax or mail us evidence of attendance, weekly.

2. Students will be required to arrange for someone to be their sponsor or accountability partner.

They must provide a release of information, as well as phone number and email address of the sponsor, so that continuing accountability may be assured.

3. If the student relapses, appropriate authorities will be notified, and measures will be taken to help

the student prevent further relapse. If a student continues practicing their addiction, they will be terminated from the program.

4. Students are encouraged to attend a healthy Bible-based and Christ-centered church. They will

be referred to their local pastor for non-addiction related counseling or advice.

5. Honesty will be expected at all times.

6. Homework must be sent in on time. If homework is consistently late, penalties will be imposed in the form of extra work to be done.

7. While we understand that students may initially have a problem with inappropriate language, we

also recognise that each person is able to choose not to use such language. Thus, inappropriate language is not permitted in the context of the program.

8. The words we speak should be mutually edifying, and not vulgar, demeaning, or prejudiced. Put-

downs, insults and name-calling are not permitted.

9. We hold ourselves to biblical standards of purity and holiness.

10. All these rules may be summed up in the Great Commandment – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. . . And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself” – Matthew 22:37-39

Homework Requirements

Textbooks have been assigned for each phase. Students are expected to work through each week’s assigned section of the book. Periodic essays will test the student’s comprehension of the subject matter. In addition, weekly homework will be set, and will be forwarded to the student by email. The student is responsible to complete the homework and return it to us by email or regular mail. All homework must be complete and forwarded to our office by the end of a phase. If it is not, the student may be required to repeat that phase. Regarding quality of homework, homework should provide evidence of thought and introspection. If this is not evident, the student will be asked to redo the homework. Satisfactory completion of homework will be part of the requirements for receiving either a Phase Completion certificate or a Graduation certificate.

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Discipline Guidelines

Certain behaviours will not be tolerated in the program, and will result in disciplinary action.

1. Disrespect shown to any staff member. The staff member will be the judge of whether or not disrespect has been shown.

2. Dishonesty in any form, whether lying, cheating or stealing

3. Rebellion (for example, outright refusal to follow instructions)

4. Violence (for example, striking in anger with the intention to harm)

5. Obscene language, including taking the name of the Lord in vain

The discipline may consist of removal from the program, or it may be in the form of extra work to be done, or withholding of certificates pending repeating a 12-week phase.

Program Fees

1. Program fees will amount to $15 per week, payable at the start of each phase ($180 per phase). 2. Please make checks payable to Hillside Foursquare Church, noting Healing Shepherd Ministries

in the memo field. Send checks to Healing Shepherd Ministries, Hillside Foursquare Church, Reno, NV 89510

3. Textbooks for each phase must be received by the client before starting that phase.

4. All fees are non-refundable.

5. Cases of financial hardship will be handled on an individual basis.

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Steps To Freedom

PHASE 1

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Conquering Chemical Dependency

A 12-step program leading to an understanding of our addiction, discovering our need for God, examining ourselves, making a commitment to change, forgiving and being forgiven, reconciling relationships, and eventually being a blessing to others.

Week 1 – Admitting my powerlessness Week 2 – Coming to believe Week 3 – Turning it over Week 4 – My moral inventory Week 5 – Freedom through confession Week 6 – Acting in faith Week 7 – Ready for change Week 8 – Forgiveness and amends Week 9 – Making amends Week 10 – Recognizing and responding Week 11 – A growing relationship Week 12 – Assisting others

Making Peace With Your Past

This class first of all examines the effects of living in a dysfunctional family, and helps us to recognize something of our origins. We developed means to cope with the hazards of such origins, and often continued these behaviors into adult life. Part of healing from addiction is the dealing with past issues, and then being able to leave them behind as we move into the future.

Week 1 – Discovering self-esteem Week 2 – Recognizing compulsive behavior Week 3 – Release from shame 3 Week 4 – Overcoming the fear of joy Week 5 – Help for people who grew up too soon Week 6 – Perfectionism and procrastination Week 7 – Healing painful memories Week 8 – The advantages of a turbulent past Week 9 – It’s OK to be yourself Week 10 – Forgiving the people who have hurt you Week 11 – Coming to terms with the blessing Week 12 – Reflection and direction

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Steps To Freedom

PHASE 2

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The Search For Significance

We often find in life that we seek approval from the people around us. The level of approval fluctuates from day to day, unlike God's acceptance of us, which is always totally consistent. False beliefs influence our thinking, which ultimately results in dysfunctional behaviors. Replacing false beliefs with truth from the Bible will help us reclaim the identity that God has given us.

Week 1 – The light comes on Week 2 – The origin of the search Week 3 – The performance trap Week 4 – God’s answer: Justification Week 5 – Approval addict Week 6 – God’s answer: Reconciliation Week 7 – The blame game Week 8 – God’s answer: Propitiation Week 9 – Shame Week 10 – God’s answer: Regeneration Week 11 – Agent of Change / Guilt versus conviction Week 12 – The trip in

The Purpose-Driven Life

Many of us have wondered what life is all about. This eye-opening course based on Rick Warren's book "The Purpose-Driven Life", will open your eyes to the fact that God has not only a general task for you to share in as a Christian, but also a more specific mission for which He is preparing you daily.

Week 1 – It all starts with God -- You are not an accident -- What drives your life? Week 2 – Made to last forever -- Seeing life from God’s view -- Life is a temporary assignment -- The reason for everything Week 3 – Planned for God’s pleasure -- What makes God smile? -- The heart of worship Week 4 – Becoming best friends with God -- Developing your friendship with God Worship that pleases God -- When God seems distant Week 5 – Formed for God’s family -- What matters most -- A place to belong Week 6 – Experiencing life together -- Cultivating community Restoring broken fellowship -- Protecting your church Week 7 – Created to become like Christ -- How we grow -- Transformed by truth Week 8 – Transformed by trouble -- Growing through temptation Defeating temptation -- It takes time Week 9 – Accepting your assignment -- Shaped for serving God Understanding your shape Week 10 – Using what God gave you -- How real servants act Thinking like a servant -- God’s power in your weakness Week 11 – Made for a mission -- Sharing your life message Week 12 – Becoming a world-class Christian -- Balancing your life Living with purpose

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Steps To Freedom

PHASE 3

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The Measure of Maturity

This class examines principles of leadership, and applies them to our personal lives. This establishes boundaries for our life and shows us what is and what is not appropriate for the individual who wishes to live a mature and responsible life.

Week 1 – Becoming a faithful person Week 2 – Building a good reputation Maintaining moral purity Week 3 – Living a balanced life Demonstrating wisdom Week 4 – Making God’s truth attractive Sharing our resources Week 5 – Communicating sensitively Week 6 – Being moderate in all things Overcoming self-centeredness Week 7 – Handling anger appropriately Avoiding destructive behavior Week 8 – Treating others fairly Week 9 – Being a peacemaker Learning generosity Week 10 – Parenting God’s way Loving God wholeheartedly Week 11 – Being just and upright Living a holy life Week 12 – Becoming a disciplined person

Moving Forward This class is part of the last phase in this program. The aim of this class is to confront some of the more difficult issues raised in this course, and help us to move towards their application in our behavior. Healing is something that comes not just for us as individuals, but ultimately finds its expression in sharing the lessons we have learned, with other people.

Week 1 – Forgiveness Week 2 – Conflict resolution Week 3 – Restoring relationships Week 4 – Creation of strongholds Week 5 – Pulling down the walls Week 6 – Setting boundaries Week 7 – Friendship Week 8 – Relationship with God Week 9 – Relapse prevention Week 10 – Accountability Week 11 – Church involvement Week 12 – Helping others

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Steps To Freedom

APPENDIX

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Statement of Faith THE HOLY SCRIPTURES -- We believe the Bible is God-inspired (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

THE ETERNAL GODHEAD -- We believe God is Triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14).

THE FALL OF MAN -- We believe that man was created in the image of God, but that by voluntary disobedience he fell from perfection (Romans 5:12).

THE PLAN OF SALVATION -- We believe that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, signing the pardon of all who believe on Him (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

SALVATION THROUGH GRACE -- We believe that we have no righteousness and must come to God pleading the righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

REPENTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE -- We believe that upon sincere repentance, and a whole-hearted acceptance of Christ, we are justified before God (I John 1:9).

THE NEW BIRTH -- We believe that the change which takes place in the heart and life at conversion is a very real one (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20).

DAILY CHRISTIAN LIVING -- We believe that it is the will of God that we be sanctified daily, growing constantly in the faith (Hebrews 6:1).

BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER -- We believe that baptism by immersion is an outward sign of an inward work (Matt. 28:19; Romans 6:3-7). We believe in the commemoration of the Lord's Supper by the symbolic use of the bread and juice of the vine (I Corinthians 11:24, 25).

FILLING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT -- We believe that the filling with the Holy Spirit is to endue the believer with power for holy living and effective service (Acts 1:8, 2:4).

THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE -- We believe that it is the will of God that we walk in the Spirit daily (Ephesians 4:30-32).

THE GIFTS AND FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT -- We believe that the Holy Spirit has gifts to bestow upon the Christian; and that we should show spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-filled life (I Corinthians 12:1-11; Galatians 5:22).

MODERATION -- We believe that the experience and daily walk of the believer should never lead him into extremes of fanaticism (Philippians 4:5).

DIVINE HEALING – We believe that divine healing is the power of Christ to heal the physically sick in answer to the prayer of faith (James 5:14-16).

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST -- We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent (I Thessalonians 4:16, 17).

CHURCH RELATIONSHIP -- We believe it is our sacred duty to identify ourselves with the visible Body of Christ (Acts 16:5; Hebrews 10:25).

CIVIL GOVERNMENT – We believe that rulers should be upheld at all times except in things opposed to the will of God (Romans 13:1-5).

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THE FINAL JUDGEMENT -- We believe that all shall stand some day before the judgment seat of God, and there receive eternal life or death (2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:11-15).

HEAVEN -- We believe that Heaven is the glorious eternal home of born-again believers (John 14:1-3; Revelation 7:15-17).

HELL -- We believe that hell is the place of eternal torment for all who reject Christ as the Savior (Revelation 20:10,15).

EVANGELISM -- We believe that soul winning is the most important responsibility of the Church (Matthew 28:19-20; James 5:20).

These statements will be considered primary doctrine in the Steps To Freedom course. Secondary doctrines and issues that are not essential to biblical Christianity will not be presented as primary doctrine. Secondary doctrines (e.g. modes of baptism, charismatic gifts) may be discussed in various classes but the course will not take dogmatic positions on these. When these types of doctrine are discussed, students are referred to their local church for final authority.

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Steps To Freedom

STUDENT HANDBOOK

A 12-Step Addiction Recovery Program administered by Healing Shepherd Ministries