More serious look @ Reformers Unanimous likely

[dolfan]

We're continuing to pray and review this ministry opportunity to bring in a discipleship/recovery program into our church. Reformers Unanimous is, so far as we've learned as we're looking at different programs, the one that keeps standing out to us.

We may be traveling to Rockford, IL on 7/21-23 for a director's training, either alone or with another couple -- if we can swing it in terms of work and so forth. Pray for us as we keep pursuing this kind of ministry. A lot of lost people who need to be saved, delivered. We believe in our hearts that RU provides the greatest potential as a means of operation.

[paul]

You and your wife are in our prayers....pastored COGOP in Rockford, Ill. in 1978-79. Our youngest son was born there.

[Full Quiver]

Nothing against you, your wife, or this organization however I found it ironic that I clicked on Jude 2 and saw this considering the conversation I had with a high school classmate of mine last night.

He was trouble in school so I avoided him; after school he only got worse. 9 months ago he had an encounter with Jesus Christ that set him free and INSTANTLY changed him. In his words, not mine, "I was a rapist, a murderer, a pimp, I pimped myself out, a cocaine dealer, an alcoholic, and I made people disappear." Now I have no reason to doubt ANY of that stuff though a couple of those things surprised me and still make me feel a bit uneasy BUT he is a different person today because of Jesus Christ. He told me, "this may offend you but it's the truth Danny, no 12 step program will save the addict; the addict needs to hit his knees and cry out to Jesus!"

TRUTH!

[dolfan]

Nothing against you, your wife, or this organization however I found it ironic that I clicked on Jude 2 and saw this considering the conversation I had with a high school classmate of mine last night.

He was trouble in school so I avoided him; after school he only got worse. 9 months ago he had an encounter with Jesus Christ that set him free and INSTANTLY changed him. In his words, not mine, "I was a rapist, a murderer, a pimp, I pimped myself out, a cocaine dealer, an alcoholic, and I made people disappear." Now I have no reason to doubt ANY of that stuff though a couple of those things surprised me and still make me feel a bit uneasy BUT he is a different person today because of Jesus Christ. He told me, "this may offend you but it's the truth Danny, no 12 step program will save the addict; the addict needs to hit his knees and cry out to Jesus!"

TRUTH!

No offense taken. RU is not a 12 step program at all. In fact, they pooh-pooh them, too (although I'm not as critical personally of them, locally they are not respected and the courts are largely underwhelmed with their work, to be charitable). RU is really a get-saved, get-discipled "milk" ministry aimed at addicts of all kinds (they say -- including porn, food, whatever else). It is not therapeutic, per se, but is just exactly what they say they are -- a discipleship ministry designed to get addicts into a fellowship, hear the Word, internalizing the Word, and seeing themselves as sinners needing to give themselves to Jesus, to do that, and to grow as believers. There is a point that you'd expect someone to become more mature as a believer, but you have to get them in and help these functional addicts see themselves in truth and to experience the power of Christ to set them free.

[dawgs10]

Nothing against you, your wife, or this organization however I found it ironic that I clicked on Jude 2 and saw this considering the conversation I had with a high school classmate of mine last night.

He was trouble in school so I avoided him; after school he only got worse. 9 months ago he had an encounter with Jesus Christ that set him free and INSTANTLY changed him. In his words, not mine, "I was a rapist, a murderer, a pimp, I pimped myself out, a cocaine dealer, an alcoholic, and I made people disappear." Now I have no reason to doubt ANY of that stuff though a couple of those things surprised me and still make me feel a bit uneasy BUT he is a different person today because of Jesus Christ. He told me, "this may offend you but it's the truth Danny, no 12 step program will save the addict; the addict needs to hit his knees and cry out to Jesus!"

TRUTH!

The fact that Jesus Christ can change one for good and for ever is not in question. I do disagree with the idea that a ministry such as this is not needed in church's. We have many people at Central Community Church that have been saved and are still having a very hard time breaking away from the past. Central Community Church has a support group for those called one step to Jesus. We have taken ideas from many recovery programs and are using them as we support those that are struggling. The idea that we should get them in the alter and then leave it up to them and God has a very low success rate. Why, because God did not design the Church that way. We are to hold one another up and help each other and recovery groups work...Praying for this ministry very much.

[Full Quiver]

Just quoting a guy who has been there. Maybe we think they need these programs when what they really need is a bold dose of the Word.

[dawgs10]

Just quoting a guy who has been there. Maybe we think they need these programs when what they really need is a bold dose of the Word.

ministering to around five people now that have said they need group support based around the word..

[dolfan]

Just quoting a guy who has been there. Maybe we think they need these programs when what they really need is a bold dose of the Word.

No counter-point, here. Just wanted to jump in on that comment and say (with this qualifier -- Lord, please forgive me for possibly over-tooting the horn on something I don't know fully about yet) that this notion is precisely what Reformers Unanimous is based on.

If any of you are around Rockford, IL and know of a good place to stay, lemme know. Looks like we're probably making the trip next week.