Christian Life Program

8/13/2019 Christian Life Program

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The Christian Life Program (CLP)Service Team Manual

The Christian Life Program (CLP) is the initiations course leading to membership in CFC Singles

for Christ (SFC).This team manual is intended for the use of CLP Discussion Group Leaders (DGLs).

Contents

1. !er!ie" of the CLP

a) Goalsb) Structure

#. $oles and $esponsibilities

%. The Sessions& Goals' ain Points Discussion Guides

*. Discussion Group Leader+s Guide

a) Purpose of Discussion Groupsb) The $ole of a Discussion Group Leader c) Leading a Discussion Groupd) Team eetingse) a,e-up Sessionsf) Guidelines for Personal Dialogues

. Supplementar/ aterials

a) Commitment to Christb) Guidelines for Pra/ing for 0aptism in the ol/ Spiritc) Praising the Lordd) Titles of 2esuse) Fastingf) Co!enant of CFC Singles for Christ


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OVERVIEW O T!E C!RISTI"# LI E PRO$R"M (CLP)

"% $O"LS O T!E CLP

1. 3!angeli4ation.

To ta,e the basic message of Christianit/ and to proclaim it ane" so that those "ho hearit can ma,e a rene"ed commitment to the Lord in a "a/ "hich "ill allo" them to recei!ea fuller e5perience of the "or, of the ol/ Spirit in their li!es.

#. $ene"al.

a) 6ndi!idual - to bring indi!iduals to a stronger relationship "ith God b/ disco!eringand li!ing more full/ the po"er and gifts the/ recei!ed through the ol/ Spirit.

b) Famil/ - to bring single men and "omen to a rene"ed commitment to Christianfamil/ life. To build up a communit/ of committed Christian families.

c) Church - to strengthen and re!itali4e Christian communit/ life in the parishes.

&% STR'CT'RE O T!E CLP

1. Content.

The CLP is normall/ held o!er a period of three months' "ith 1% separate "ee,l/sessions. 6t consists of an orientation session' follo"ed b/ the CLP proper of 1#sessions.

The CLP proper is di!ided into three modules of four sessions each. The/ are asfollo"s&

odule ne& The &asic Truths " out Christianit

1. God+s Lo!e#. 7ho is 2esus Christ8%. 7hat it means to be a Christian*. $epentance and Faith

odule T"o& The "uthentic Christian Life

. The Christian 6deal& Lo!ing God9. Lo!ing /our :eighbor ;. The Christian Famil/


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odule T"o spells out the ideal of life that a Christian ought to aspire to. The Christianlife is a life of lo!e and ser!ice that re!ol!es around 2esus Christ and is li!ed in thepo"er of the ol/ Spirit.

odule Three helps people to commit their li!es in a serious "a/ to 2esus Christ' b/appropriating for their li!es the po"er of the ol/ Spirit and b/ entering into a supporti!een!ironment for continued personal gro"th and formation.

#. D/namics.

The program should ha!e an atmosphere that culti!ates good relationships' "insrespect' attracts people to the Lord' and gi!es people faith. The leader and the team setthe tone.

3ach session' e5cept for the ninth and t"elfth tal,s' follo"s the follo"ing format&

%> minutes - arri!al' fello"ship' practice of songs-1 minutes - opening song' pra/er' remar,s

* minutes - tal,* minutes - discussion groups

#>-*> minutes - fello"ship minutes - announcements and closing pra/er

Thus the sessions "ould normall/ last about # 1?# to % hours.

andouts are gi!en out to participants at the end of each tal,. The/ include a brief tal,outline' a discussion starter' dail/ Scripture readings for the "ee,' and recommendedadditional readings.

%. @ttendance.

The CLP is open to all single Christian men and "omen' ages #1 - *> /ears old. TheCLP is open to Catholics and non-Catholic Christians' and occasionall/ to non-Christians(the latter subAect to the appro!al of the Chapter ead). Participants need not ha!e an/current religious or spiritual in!ol!ement.

3!er/ participant is e5pected to attend all sessions' since the CLP is offered as anintegrated pac,age for spiritual rene"al. o"e!er' some absences can be e5pected. 6nsuch cases' the participant should be gi!en a ma,e-up session b/ his?her discussionleader.

Participants "ill be allo"ed no more than one (1) absence in odule ne of the CLP'and not more than an o!er-all total of three (%) absences for the "hole program. 0e/ondthis' a participant "ill be reBuired to ta,e the "hole program again at another time. @n/e5ceptions "ill be granted onl/ upon the recommendation of the team leader and theappro!al of the Chapter ead.

Participants "ho finished odule ne or odules ne and T"o in a particular CLP but"ho did not continue for an/ reason (other than not being allo"ed b/ us to continue) ma/be allo"ed to resume "here the/ left off in an/ other CLP' subAect to therecommendation of the Chapter ead o!er the first CLP and the appro!al of the Chapter

ead o!er the second CLP.

*. Personal Dialogue (one-to-one).


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There are t"o (#) occasions "hen the discussion group leader meets indi!iduall/ andpri!atel/ "ith each of the members of his group. The first time is at the end of odule

ne and the second is at the end of odule T"o.

These meetings are often referred to as one-to-one meetings. Please see theappropriate section in this manual.


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ROLES "#- RESPO#SI&ILITIES

"% T!E TE"M

The Lord reaches out to men and "omen through the members of is bod/. The ne" life e"ants to gi!e e offers through men and "omen in "hom is Spirit li!es. ore thanan/thing else' the CLP is the forum "hereb/ the bod/ of Christians "ho ha!e been gi!en afuller life in the Spirit come together to share that gift "ith others.

The team members are abo!e all "itnesses. The/ are men and "omen "ho are li!ing thelife of the ol/ Spirit and "ho can "itness to its realit/ and effecti!eness for themsel!es. 6norder for them to be "itnesses' the/ ha!e to be able to spea, the truth in a simple "a/.People should not onl/ see the life in them but also learn about it from them.

6t is essential for the team members to be faithful and reliable. The/ ha!e to be persons "hocan be counted on. The/ need to do their best to care for the persons "ho are entrust ed tothem. @nd in order to be faithful' one has to ha!e certain characteristics&

1. e has to be gro"ing in commitment to the Lord and to the life and mission of CFC.

#. e has to be committed to the rene"al of indi!iduals in the po"er of the ol/ Spirit. ehas to belie!e in the message of the tal,s and to see the importance of helping a personbecome firml/ established in Christ.

%. e has to be committed to his part in the CLP.

&% T!E TE"M LE"-ER

e o!ersees the entire program. e focuses his attention on the participants and thed/namics of the CLP. e cares for the team members and helps them to better ser!e theLord. e should get to ,no" e!er/one in the program b/ name and be a!ailable to them tosome degree. @ll administrati!e tas,s should be entrusted to his "ife' to the assistant teamleader and to the ser!ant.

6f the team leader is a single' he assume the role and responsibilities of the CFC teamleader. The onl/ difference is that because he is single he entrusts all administrati!e tas,sto the single co-team Leader' to the assistant team leader and to the ser!ant.

C% T!E TE"M LE"-ER.S WI E or CO+TE"M LE"-ER

6f a couple is as,ed to lead the CLP' the "ife of the team leader listens "ith a special ear tothe sensiti!ities and peculiarities being reported at the "omen+s discussion groups.

She supports and ad!ises her husband (team leader) in addressing and meeting the needsof the "omen in the CLP.

6n some cases' she coordinates "ith the CLP Team Ser!ant in administrati!e and practical"or,.

6f the a single is as,ed to lead the CLP' she is called the C -T3@ L3@D3$. She ta,es onthe same role and responsibilities mentioned abo!e but "or,s "ith the Team Leader' "ho isa single male member of singles for Christ.


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-% T!E "SSIST"#T TE"M LE"-ER

e assists the team leader in running the program' and is in training for leading a futureCLP. e ta,es o!er in case the team leader is absent.

E% T!E SERV"#T

e carries the main administrati!e burden and should assume that he needs to co!er e!er/need that ma/ arise. e should not be a part of a discussion group. is Aob includes thefollo"ing ("hich ma/ be delegated to others)&

1. an the reception table' ha!e a chec,list of those attending' gi!e out name tags.

#. a,e a!ailable song sheets and handouts.

%. @rrange for a boo, table.

*. a,e a!ailable a guitarist and lead singer.

. Set up the sound s/stem.

9. Set up the ph/sical facilities li,e chairs' lights' lectern' etc.

;. Tape the tal,.


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T!E SESSIO#S/ $O"LS0 M"I# POI#TS "#- -ISC'SSIO# $'I-ES

"% SESSIO# #o% 1 + $O-2S LOVE

1. Goals.

a. To help people understand that man b/ himself cannot sol!e the problems and e!ilin the "orld' but that sal!ation is necessar/ through 2esus Christ.

b. To present the realit/ of sin and Satan' the spiritual po"ers tr/ing to destro/humanit/.

c. To communicate the truth that God lo!es us and has a plan for our "elfare.

#. ain points.

a. God+s original and final intention for creation& the ,ingdom of God.

b. The realit/ of sin and Satan.

c. The !ictor/ of Christ for us o!er sin and Satan.

%. Discussion guides (see note belo").

a. @s, each indi!idual to gi!e a brief account of their personal histor/' including theirChristian bac,ground' and also "h/ the/ decided to come to the CLP. This Buestionenables /ou to sound out e!er/one+s position on Christianit/' the Lord and theprogram.

b. 7hat ha!e /ou thought in the past about e!il and its cause' and ho" does thatcompare "ith the Christian !ie" of e!il e5pressed in the tal,8

: T3& @ discussion starter has alread/ been pro!ided in the participant+s handout. Thesediscussion guides are gi!en for /our optional use. The/ ma/ be in addition to or inlieu of the discussion starter. se /our o"n Audgment' considering "here /our groupmembers are' or "hat /ou are more comfortable "ith.

&% SESSIO# #o% 3 + W!O IS 4ES'S C!RIST5

1. Goals.

a. To stir up nominal Christians+ interest in 2esus and Christianit/.

b. To cause Christians to thin, more about the di!init/ of 2esus and not Aust accept it asa matter of fact.

c. To get people to begin to pra/ and to read the 0ible outside the CLP.

#. ain points.

a. 7ho 2esus "as historicall/ and "hat he "as li,e personall/.

b. The claims he made -his authorit/' his relationship "ith God' his po"er to forgi!esins' his di!init/.

c. The conclusion& liar' lunatic or Lord8 Eour choice.


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%. Discussion guides.

a. o" "ould /ou describe the character of 2esus the man and the claims that hemade8

b. Do /ou see that 2esus+ claim to be God sets him apart from moral teachers andother religious figures' that he can+t Aust be another great moral teacher8

C% SESSIO# #o% 6 + W!"T IT ME"#S TO &E " C!RISTI"#

1. Goals.

a. To dispel "rong notions about "hat it means to be a Christian.

b. To inspire people to li!e up to the standards set b/ God for is people.

c. To inspire people to "ant to ha!e all God "ants to gi!e.

#. ain points.

a. isconceptions or incomplete notions about Christianit/.

b. The essence of Christianit/ is union "ith God. 7e become a ne" creation. 7ebecome children of God.

c. @s Christians' "e can trust in our Father 7ho pro!ides for us. Thus "e can bepeaceful at all times.


a. Share "ith one another ho" /ou are e5periencing concretel/ this ne" relationship"ith the Father through 2esus and the difference it is beginning to ma,e in /our life.

b. Do /ou belie!e /ou can li!e a life of peace and Ao/ because of /our trust in a lo!ingFather8

-% SESSIO# #o% 7 + REPE#T"#CE "#- "IT!

1. Goals.

a. To lead people to repent of sin and turn to faith in 2esus Christ.

b. To help people to gro" in e5pectant faith.

c. To get people to loo, for"ard to odule T"o' "hich "ould focus on ho" the/ areno" to li!e as true Christians.

#. ain points.

a. ur response to God+s lo!e and call is repentance and faith.

b. The meaning of repentance and the simple steps to turn a"a/ from "rongdoing andsin.

c. Faith is rel/ing on "hat God has said and claiming is promises for oursel!es.

d. God promises sal!ation and ne" life in the Spirit.


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a. 7hat do /ou need to do to repent8

b. 7hat do /ou hope to see change in /our life as /ou dedicate it more to God8

E% SESSIO# #o% 8 + T!E C!RISTI"# I-E"L/ LOVI#$ $O-1. Goals.

a. To call idealism out of people' and ha!e them appl/ their idealism to the highestideal' lo!ing God.

b. To help participants understand that lo!ing God is an attainable ideal and that lo!ingGod is not an option but a command.

c. To introduce people to !erbal pra/ers of than,sgi!ing and petition.

#. ain points.

a. The importance of ideals and goals in our li!es. The lo!e of God as the highest andgreatest ideal.

b. 7hat it means to lo!e God "ith our "hole heart' mind and strength.

c. 2esus is our model in lo!ing God.


a. 7hat are /our ideals8 6n "hat "a/s do the/ moti!ate and dri!e /ou8 @s, theBuestion and gi!e the people a minute to thin,' and ma/be to "rite do"n theirresponse. @s the/ bring up different ideals' don+t shoot them do"n and put peopleon the defensi!e' but instead raise up the Christian ideal and gi!e e5amples from/our o"n life.

b. o" are /our life directions ser!ing God8

% SESSIO# #o% 9 + LOVI#$ :O'R #EI$!&OR

1. Goals.

a. To communicate a !ision for right relationships among Christians' ho" it+s humanl/good' ho" it helps us gro" as Christians.

b. To correct "rong notions that participants ma/ ha!e about lo!e' to present "hat lo!eis and to help them appl/ Christian lo!e in their li!es.

c. To suggest concrete and practical "a/s of lo!ing one another.

#. ain points.

a. Lo!ing neighbor' together "ith lo!ing God' form the core of Christian life.

b. God+s lo!e contrasted "ith "orld+s idea of lo!e.

c. Christian lo!e is self-sacrificial. 6t is ser!ice lo!e.

d. @ll men in need of our help are our neighbors.


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a. o" ha!e /ou e5perienced associating "ith Christians ma,ing a difference for /ou8o" could /ou ma,e this more a part of /our life8

b. Can /ou see concrete "a/s b/ "hich /ou can ser!e others' especiall/ those inneed8

$% SESSIO# #o% ; + T!E C!RISTI"# "MIL:

1. Goals.

a. To stress the importance of the famil/ in God+s plan.

b. To gi!e practical ad!ice for building up a strong Christian famil/.

#. ain points.

a. God+s plan for families.

b. 7h/ God+s plan is not happening in the "orld toda/.

c. o" "e can ma,e God+s plan happen in our families.


a. o" ha!e /ou e5perienced the negati!e effects of the "orld+s "a/s on /ourfamil/8

b. 7hat areas in /our famil/ life need to change in order to conform to God+s plan8

!% SESSIO# #o% < + LI E I# T!E !OL: SPIRIT

1. Goals.

a. To stir up e5pectant faith and an eager desire for a greater "or,ing of God inpeople+s li!es through the ol/ Spirit.

b. To e5plain the baptism in the ol/ Spirit and spiritual gifts.

c. To prepare people for the pra/er session ne5t "ee,.

d. To encourage them and to help them o!ercome an/ obstacles.

#. ain points.

a. The Christian life is not Aust human "ill po"er' but a ne" heart and ne" life fromGod in the ol/ Spirit.

b. !er!ie" of the baptism in the ol/ Spirit and spiritual gifts.

c. Description of obstacles to recei!ing the baptism of the ol/ Spirit and "a/s too!ercome them.


a. a!e /ou e5perienced the "or, of the ol/ Spirit8 6f so' ho"8 7hat more can /ousee that the ol/ Spirit "ould li,e to do in /our life8

b. Do /ou understand "hat it means to be bapti4ed in the ol/ Spirit8


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c. Do /ou understand "hat the gift of tongues is and "h/ such a gift is important forthe life of a Christian8

I% SESSIO# #o% = + RECEIVI#$ T!E POWER O T!E !OL: SPIRIT

1. Goals.

a. To lead people to recei!e the baptism of the ol/ Spirit and the gift of tongues.

b. To lead people to commitment of their li!es to 2esus Christ.

c. To instruct them about charismatic praise and "orship.

#. ain points.

a. Description of the baptism in the ol/ Spirit and spiritual gifts.

b. P$@E3$ S3SS6 :.

c. @ call to faithfulness to pra/er and one+s ne" life in the ol/ Spirit.

4% SESSIO# #o% 1> + $ROWI#$ I# T!E SPIRIT

1. Goals.

a. To teach the basic steps to"ard gro"th and maturit/ for Christians and call e!er/oneto mo!e ahead in their life "ith God.

b. To e5plain the importance of Christian support.

#. ain points.

a. 0aptism in the ol/ Spirit is Aust the beginning. uch gro"th and transformation stilllie ahead.

b. The basic tools to gro"th in the Christian life are pra/er' stud/' fello"ship andser!ice. @lso sacraments for Catholics.


a. o" are /ou coming along in /our personal pra/er time and dail/ reading of the0ible8

b. o" ha!e /ou enAo/ed our time and discussions together as a group8

c. Do /ou see the need for regular fello"ship "ith other committed Christians8

?% SESSIO# #o% 11 + T!E LI E "#- MISSIO# O C C SI#$LES ORC!RIST

1. Goals.

a. To e5plain the life and mission of CFC Singles for Christ (SFC).

b. To inspire people "ith the desire to be part of a committed Christian communit/such as SFC.

#. ain points.


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a. istor/ of SFC.

b. The SFC Statements of ission and Philosoph/.

c. o" "e support one another in SFC.

d. @ in!itation to be part of the life and mission of SFC.


a. Share about the times "hen /ou found it difficult to li!e out /our !ocation as aChristian man or "oman and son or daughter.

b. Do /ou see the "isdom behind the e5istence of a Christian communit/8

L% SESSIO# #o% 13 + TR"#S ORM"TIO# I# C!RIST

1. Goals.

a. To encourage singles to perse!ere and li!e out acti!el/ the ne" life in the po"er ofthe ol/ Spirit.

b. To e5cite them about becoming a part of the mission of SFC.

#. ain points.

a. The end of the CLP is Aust the beginning of a "hole ne" e5citing life "ith God.

b. God+s purpose in our transformation and gro"th is to raise up families in the ol/Spirit that "ill rene" the face of the earth.

c. 7e all need to gro" in personal holiness' build strong Christian families and homes'and pursue our "or, of global e!angeli4ation.

d. D3D6C@T6 : C3$3 :E.


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-ISC'SSIO# $RO'P LE"-ER2S $'I-E

"% P'RPOSE O -ISC'SSIO# $RO'PS

1. To help the participants to understand and digest the material presented.

#. To allo" them to e5press their thoughts and feelings' and to gi!e them a chance to as,Buestions.

%. To help people to open up and respond to God+s in!itation and grace.

*. To pro!ide a place for them to begin to e5perience Christian fello"ship' preparing the"a/ to participation in Christian communit/ (SFC) after the CLP.

&% T!E ROLE O " -ISC'SSIO# $RO'P LE"-ER

1. To help set the right tone.

a. Come promptl/ to each session at the time indicated b/ the team leader' so that theteam meeting ma/ be held as scheduled and there "ill be enough time for /ou togreet the participants as the/ come in' especiall/ the members of /our discussiongroup.

b. 0e "arm and friendl/' e!en if people are a little stiff at first. :e" people "ill "armup as /ou are "arm "ith them. Ta,e special care to establish an atmosphere of lo!eand interest in the group.

c. 0e Ao/ful and outgoing. eet other men and "omen "ho are not in /our group.3ncourage /our group members to get to ,no" more people outside their o"n group.

d. Participate enthusiasticall/ in "hate!er is going on. Sing the songs' listen attenti!el/(e!en if the tal, is familiar)' and follo" Buic,l/ an/ lead the team leader gi!es.

e. Pra/ out "here there is an opportunit/. 35press /our pra/er in a "a/ that teachesthe ne" people ho" to pra/' but does not o!er"helm them (e.g.' grant that "e ma/be mart/rs)' and does not use unfamiliar Aargon (e.g.' 2esus' than, /ou for /ourall-sufficient and substitutionar/ sacrifice' that purchased m/ redemption).

#. To help e!angeli4e those in /our discussion group.

a. $emember the names and important details of /our discussion group members. 0/this /ou communicate a great amount of concern.

b. Tailor the program inputs to /our members+ needs during the discussion. Eou ha!efreedom to lead discussions as /ou thin, best' "ith the goal of ma,ing the messageof the tal,s connect "ith each one in a personal "a/.

c. Follo" up regularl/ "ith /our group members during the "ee,' especiall/ during

odule ne of the CLP. 6f necessar/' meet "ith them for further discussion.3ncourage them to be open' to perse!ere and to turn to the Lord to see, out is "illfor them. Contact those "ho miss tal,s and get together "ith them for ma,e -upsessions.

d. 6ntercede for them and do spiritual "arfare on their behalf. Fast and pra/ for them.

e. Do "hate!er is appropriate to bring to issue each one+s relationship "ith Christ. 6t is/our responsibilit/ to help them personall/ and to do all /ou can to bring them tocommitment to Christ.


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%. 6mportant general comments&

a. The team members+ lo!e for one another and for the participants is a crucial elementof the program.

b. Participating in the singing and full/ in the pra/ers is crucial' because that is the "a/the participants "ill learn ho" to pra/.

c. Faithfulness to all meetings is absolutel/ essential. 0eing punctual is presupposed.

d. Prepare for the sessions b/ stud/ing the goals and content of the sessionsbeforehand. Pra/ and thin, about the discussion starters and guides. no" "hat/our members should be ta,ing home from the session and help them to appropriatethat.

e. $3@D @:D ST DE T 6S T3@ @: @L

C% LE"-I#$ " -ISC'SSIO# $RO'P

1. The discussion groups form and begin right after the tal,. The men meet separatel/ fromthe "omen.

#. 7hen first meeting as a discussion group' tr/ to establish a rela5ed atmosphere. Don+tbe o!erl/ serious' but maintain control. 6nspire confidence in others that /ou ,no" "hate!er/bod/ is supposed to be doing. $emember that man/ people ha!e ne!er been inthis t/pe of discussion group. 0e clear about instructions li,e sitting in a circle' etc.

%. Start and end e!er/ discussion "ith a short pra/er. o!ing into odule T"o and oduleThree' /ou ma/ as, others in /our group to lead the pra/er if the/ seem read/' but don+tput them on the spot.

*. For the first session' start "ith introductions and let e!er/one get to ,no" one another.

. @ssure them that the principle of confidentialit/ is at "or, in /our discussions. 7hate!eris shared basicall/ remains onl/ "ithin the group. General reports during team meetings

maintain the anon/mit/ of sharers.9. Let the group ,no" that the/ are free to as, rele!ant Buestions or bring up rele!ant

problems.

;. For odule ne' if the participants are still not !er/ open or are still sh/' /ou ma/ ha!eto begin the sharing /ourself. This also is a good "a/ of sho"ing them ho" thediscussion? sharing is to be handled.

. ne "a/ to control dominant people in discussion groups is to spea, to the personbefore the session begins. 3ncourage their sharing but impress them "ith the

limited amount of time and the need for e!er/one to share.


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11. Don+t let the discussion get off the subAect. Gentl/ but authoritati!el/ tell them that it istime to stop this line of con!ersation. Suggest another time or place to the peoplein!ol!ed.

1#. 6t is usuall/ best to open up the discussion to an/ Buestions onl/ after /ou are sure the/ha!e understood the main points of the tal,s' or if the/ "on+t share. Huite oftenBuestions as,ed do not ha!e an/thing to do "ith the tal,.

1%. 7hen ans"ering Buestions' /ou don+t need to offer e!er/thing on the subAect' but onl/"hat "ill help the person most at this time in his?her life. n the other hand' be "illing tosa/ 6 don+t ,no" and?or 6+ll find out .

1*. Don+t ta,e up serious theological issues in the discussions.

1 . Don+t tal, do"n to people or appear to be an e5pert on something /ou are not.

19. @!oid Christian Aargon. There is a "a/ in "hich ne" people cannot enter into themeanings of the phrases "e ,no" so "ell.

1;. Ta,e notes and "rite do"n significant details of con!ersations in /our group so that /ou

can ,eep trac, of /our people+s progress and also as a basis for the team meetingafter"ards.

1


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% $'I-ELI#ES OR PERSO#"L -I"LO$'ES (one+to+ones)

1. First Dialogue.

@fter the tal, on $epentance and Faith ending odule ne' the discussion group leadersmeet indi!iduall/ "ith each of the members of their group. These meetings should beheld "ithin the "ee, prior to the start of odule T"o.

The purpose of this meeting is to see ho" the participants are doing' and moreimportantl/' to see "hether the/ are read/ to go on.

$eadiness to go on consists in being "illing to repent and turn a"a/ from serious"rongdoing. as the person repented for serious sin8 Eou need to as, them directl/and get a direct response. 6f the/ are unclear as to "hat is serious sin' go through thelist. :ote that "hat is important is @illingness to turn a"a/ from sin. Sometimes theactual turning a"a/ ma/ not be accomplished in a single' immediate act (e.g. brea,ingoff "ith a partner in a premarital se5ual or adulterous relationship or gi!ing up addictionto liBuor). 0ut if the/ are "illing to repent and continue "ith the CLP' the/ ma/ beallo"ed to go on. 7or, out "ith them a timetable for finall/ setting their li!es right' andfollo" up on them through the succeeding "ee,s. : :3 S LD 03 @LL 73D T

T@ 3 D L3 T7 6F T 3$3 @$3 S3$6 S T 6:GS T @T T 3 P3$S : 6S : T76LL6:G T T@ 3 ST3PS T @ 3:D.

$eadiness also in!ol!es a "illingness to follo" 2esus and to learn more about im.

These indi!idual meetings ma/ be held at an/ place con!enient to both leader andparticipant. 6t ma/ be at either+s home or office' in a church' in a restaurant' at a par,'etc. The onl/ reBuirements are pri!ac/ and a peaceful atmosphere.

6f there are an/ issues on "rongdoing that /ou cannot resol!e' refer them to the teamleader. @lso inform the team leader of an/ participant "ho cannot be allo"ed to go on'prior to the start of odule T"o.

$ui,e Auestions for the Meeting/

a. 7e ha!e been tal,ing and discussing basics of our faith. @re there an/ Buestionsthat ha!e not been ans"ered8 6s there an/ unclarit/ that 6 can help /ou "ith8

b. The first step to a full and committed life "ith the Lord is repentance' i.e.' turninga"a/ from serious "rongdoing and turning to"ard the Lord. 6f there is serious"rongdoing in /our life' are /ou "illing to ma,e a definite brea, "ith it8 Serious"rongdoing includes the follo"ing&

:on-Christian religions and non-Christian practices (e.g.' Freemasonr/' :e" @ge' T ' etc.) @ll forms of the occult' spiritualism' "itchcraft.Se5ual "rongdoing (adulter/' premarital se5' masturbation' acti!ehomose5ualit/' per!ersit/' etc.)

urder' stealing' cheating.L/ing' slander' gossip.Drun,enness' drugs.

:ote for Catholics& To ma,e repentance full and effecti!e' go to sacramentalconfession and ma,e a firm resolution to lead a ne" life acceptable to 2esus.

c) 6s there an/thing /ou "ish to share or discuss "ith me8 6s there an/ other "a/ 6 canhelp /ou8


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d) @re /ou read/ to turn a"a/ from sin' confess (if there is serious "rongdoing) andcommit /our life to the Lord8 @ccept im as Lord and Sa!ior8

#. Second Dialogue.

@fter the


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A) 3ncourage the participant (if Catholic) to go to confession' to go to ass and recei!eol/ Communion' and to pra/ prior for the baptism in the ol/ Spirit.

,) Pra/ together at the end of the meeting.

%. $eminders.

a) The principle of confidentialit/ is still !er/ much in force. eep to /ourself "hate!erinformation is brought out' e5cept "hat /ou cannot handle' in "hich case /ou shouldbring the same to the team leader. @n/ discussion of serious problems should beonl/ "ith the team leader (or if necessar/ "ith the super!ising nit ead or theChapter ead)' and should not be specificall/ ta,en up during the team meeting.The team meeting is a time of sharing in general' to see "here people are at. @l"a/sa!oid gossip' slander' or an/ "rong "a/ of spea,ing about an/ participant.

b) 6nform the team leader immediatel/ of an/ problem /ou cannot handle or of an/obstacle to being pra/ed "ith for the baptism in the ol/ Spirit. Don+t "ait till prior tothe pra/er session itself.


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Do /ou renounce Satan and all "rongdoing8

Do /ou belie!e that 2esus is the Son of God' that he died to free us from

our sins' and that he rose to bring us ne" life8

7ill /ou follo" 2esus as /our Lord8

Lord 2esus Christ' 6 "ant to belong to /ou from no" on. 6 "ant to be free

from the dominion of dar,ness and the rule of Satan' and 6 "ant to enter

into /our ingdom and be a part of /our people. 6 "ill turn a"a/ from all

"rongdoing' and 6 "ill a!oid e!er/thing that leads me to "rongdoing. 6

as, /ou to forgi!e all the sins that 6 ha!e committed. 6 offer m/ life to /ou'

and 6 promise to obe/ /ou as m/ Lord. 6 as, /ou to bapti4e me in the

ol/ Spirit. @ 3:.


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1. uch of the effecti!eness of the pra/er session on the participants "ill be related tothe ,ind of atmosphere "hich the team itself establishes. Thus the atmosphereshould be one of&

a) F@6T . 7e need to turn to the Lord and put our faith in im. 7e need to becentered on the Lord. @nd the more "e ha!e faith' the easier it "ill be for theparticipants. Faith catches . 6n an atmosphere of "orship and faith' it is mucheasier to ha!e faith.

b) P3@C3. 7e do not "ant to encourage emotional e5citement. $ather' "e "antto encourage rela5ed Ao/. Those conducting the pra/er should "e "arm and

friendl/ and rela5ed and should themsel!es con!e/ a mood of peace andcalmness to the participants.

c) P3::3SS. 7e should be especiall/ open to spiritual gifts during this time.The Lord "ill "or, through the team "ith prophec/ and "ords of "isdom' "ithdiscernment and faith' and e!en "ith healing. 6f "e obe/ the promptings of theSpirit' "e "ill see God "or, in man/ "a/s that "e might not ha!e e5pected.

#. The gift of tongues.

a) The participants should come to see tongues as another means of gro"ingcloser to Christ. 6t is a gift "e can all use right from the start of our ne" life in

the Spirit. @ person should claim this gift in confidence "hen he is pra/ed "ithto be bapti4ed in the Spirit. :o one needs to "ait for this gift or sh/ a"a/ from itbecause of un"orthiness. 6t is a gift God gi!es freel/' simpl/ because "e as,for it. :o one has to ps/ch himself up or feel emotionall/ read/ to recei!e thegift.

b) Three conditions dispose a person to recei!e the gift of tongues&

e should desire the gift. Simpl/ because it is a gift that comes from God.

e should as, in faith for the gift. Faith means rel/ing on God+s promise (L,11&1%) and loo,ing e5pectantl/ to 2esus to gi!e the gift.

e must cooperate "ith God b/ spea,ing out in faith and e5pecting God togi!e him the utterance. 7hat is needed is acti!e' not passi!e' faith.

c) There are some people "ho come see,ing to be bapti4ed in the Spirit "ho sa/that the/ do not "ant to ha!e the gift of tongues. This is a "rong attitudebecause it "ould be placing limits on God+s "or,ing. 6t is not being open to theLord. 3!er/one should "ant to recei!e the gift of tongues.


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d) Tongues ma/ not be of first importance in itself' but it has great conseBuencesin a person+s spiritual life. 6t can re!olutioni4e a person+s pra/er life. @ person"ho pra/s in tongues can normall/ pra/ more easil/' and his pra/er "ill be moreli,el/ to be filled "ith praise and "orship. 0ut e!en more significantl/' tonguesusuall/ turns out to be the gate"a/ to the charismatic dimension. 6t builds aperson+s faith in a !er/ concrete "a/. 6t gi!es him a clear e5perience of "hat itmeans to ha!e the ol/ Spirit forming something ne" through him. Eielding totongues is an important first step' and it is "orth putting effort into encouraginga person to /ield to tongues.

e) @t the same time' "e should ma,e it clear that spea,ing in tongues is neither anecessar/ sign' nor b/ itself a certain sign' that a person has been bapti4ed inthe Spirit. 7e should encourage the participants to be open to this gift' as a!aluable "a/ of pra/ing' especiall/ in praising God' but "e should not put toomuch stress on it that their attention "ill be on tongues and not on the Lord andhis gift of the ol/ Spirit.

%. Suggested Procedure in Pra/ing For 0aptism in the Spirit.

a) @s, the participant to sit do"n' Aust rela5' and be open to the "or,ings of theol/ Spirit.

b) @s, if there are an/ other specific areas that he?she "ishes /ou to pra/ for'aside from those alread/ discussed in /our indi!idual meeting. @s, if he?shedesires an/ specific gift(s) from the ol/ Spirit.

c) Start "ith praising the Lord. @s, the participant to Aoin /ou here. Then as, theLord+s protection for the participant and his lo!ed ones and also for /oursel!es.Claim God+s po"er and !ictor/ o!er the situation.

d) Do a short pra/er of e5orcism' "hich means the casting out of e!il spirits or thetelling of spirits to lea!e a person or place free. 6t should be done simpl/ andundramaticall/' in a Buiet !oice' so that onl/ those pra/ing for a particularperson "ill hear it. Simpl/ command "hate!er e!il spirits there are to depart. 6f/ou ha!e an/ discernment as to the ,ind of e!il spirit present' then simpl/command that spirit to depart. (: T3& This is not the ,ind of e5orcism called for"hen an indi!idual is actuall/ possessed. 6t is simpl/ the same ,ind of pra/erthat is part of e!er/ Catholic celebration of the sacrament of 0aptism. Toa!oid misconception some prefer to use the term pra/ing for deli!erance frome!il spirits ). Then al"a/s as, for an infilling of the ol/ Spirit for the !oid left b/e!il spirits.

e) Pra/ that the participant be deli!ered from the bondage of sin. Pra/ for all thoseareas of "rongdoing or of "ea,nesses' all negati!e emotions' all areas ofconcern and difficult/' and an/ other obstacles to the full release of the Spirit inhis life.

f) Pra/ for healing of memories and for inner healing.

g) Pra/ specificall/ for the baptism of the ol/ Spirit. For e5ample&


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Father' "e no" as, /ou' in the name of /our Son 2esus Christ' that /ou pourupon JJJJJ the ol/ Spirit so he?she ma/ recei!e ne" life .

r an/ other !ariation. The important thing is that /ou as, specificall/ that theol/ Spirit descend upon the participant. @nd 2esus "ill respond b/ bapti4ing

the participant "ith his Spirit.

h) Pra/ that the participant recei!e the gifts of the ol/ Spirit' especiall/ thosehe?she specificall/ desires.

i) Pra/ in tongues. Then /ou can as, the participant to pra/ in tongues. 0ut /ouma/ ha!e to help the participant to /ield to tongues. an/ "ill not understandor follo" the instructions gi!en in the opening remar,s. Thus after pra/ing "ith aperson to be bapti4ed in the Spirit' /ou should lean o!er or ,neel do"n andsuggest that he?she should tr/ to start pra/ing in tongues. Eou shouldencourage him?her to spea, out' ma,ing sounds that are not 3nglish or an/other language he?she ,no"s. Eou should then pra/ "ith him again. 7hen theperson begins to spea, in tongues' /ou should encourage him. an/ "ill still

be afraid that it is Aust them . Eou can often suppl/ the faith that "ill allo" themto /ield to the Spirit. nce the participant is able to pra/ in tongues' sa/ a shortpra/er of than,sgi!ing to the Lord. 6f no tongues come' or the person feelsinhibited' tr/ encouraging but ne!er force the person.

A) Pra/ that the participant be gi!en the grace to become a strong Christian. Pra/that he?she commit himself to the Lord.

,) a!e a closing pra/er for the participant' some "ords that "ill encourage andupbuild him. 3nd "ith the Glor/ be.

l) Let the participant go bac, to his seat' e5horting him to continue pra/ing until

e!er/one is finished.*. Pastoral notes.

a) Eou should get a pra/er partner to pro!ide support. o"e!er' /ou as thediscussion group leader "ill lead the pra/er. The pra/er partner is in asupporting role. 6t is the discussion group leader "ho has been "ith theparticipant for the past < sessions and "ho has had t"o indi!idual meetings "ithhim?her. Thus' he?she best ,no"s the participant and "hat his?her needs are.

o"e!er' as is called for' the pra/er partner gi!es support to the e5tentnecessar/. @nd in some cases "here the discussion leader himself does notha!e the gift of tongues' it "ould be the pra/er partner "ho should handle thisportion.

b) Pra/ in a lo" but audible !oice. suall/ there "ill be other pra/ing teams in thesame room. Eour pra/er should be loud enough to be heard b/ the participantand /our pra/er partner' but not too loud as to disturb the other groups.

c) @ppl/ the right amount of encouragement and understanding for eachparticipant. Some people "ill /ield to the Spirit beautifull/ "ithout an/encouragement at all. Some "ill need Aust a little push. Some "ill need patient


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encouragement. Some should not be pushed at all. Let the Spirit lead /ou andgi!e /ou "isdom on ho" to help /our people.

d) Should the participant become restless' immediatel/ pra/ that the peace of theLord be upon him.

e) 6f the participant cries' alle!iate his embarrassment b/ telling him that tears area gift from the Lord. 6t is called the gift of tears or the gift of cleansing.

f) 0e a"are of "hat is happening to the participant. Don+t be lost in /our o"npra/ers. 0e sensiti!e to the situation and adopt /our pra/ers' /our procedureand /our "hole self to it.

g) There is no set length of time to the pra/er of this sort. 6t can range from asshort as fi!e minutes to as long as %> minutes or more. 6t is not ho" long itta,es that is important' but ho" effecti!el/ the participants are led to baptism inthe ol/ Spirit. o"e!er' /our pra/ers should also not be so long that the "holesession is stretched out. @ good rule-of-thumb is to ta,e no more than one hour

to pra/ o!er /our "hole group.

. $emember&

a) Stud/ this guide and other a!ailable materials "ell.

b) Prepare /ourself spirituall/' throughout the "ee, but speciall/ on the da/ of thepra/er session. Pra/' read Scripture' fast and intercede for /our people.

c) a!e faith and trust in the Lord


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P$@6S6:G T 3 L $D

Praising the Lord is an essential element in our li!es as Christians. 7e in SFC are apeople "ho are to li!e and ser!e for the praise and glor/ of is name.

Wh *raise the Lor,5

1. 0ecause the Lord is our Creator and "e are is creatures. 6t is but proper and fittingthat creatures should ac,no"ledge and gi!e glor/ to their Creator.

#. 0ecause it is our !ocation as Christians.

3ph 1&11-1#. 6n im "e "ere chosenK for in the decree of God' "hoadministers e!er/thing according to is "ill and counsel' "e "ere predestined

to praise is glor/...3ph 1&1*. ... a people God has made is o"n' to praise is glor/

@s Christians' "e are God+s people. 6f the purpose for "hich e made us ispeople is to praise is glor/ ' then praising the Lord must be the most importantact "e can e!er do. 6n fact' it must be our main occupation so that e!er/ moment ofour life should be a praise to the Lord.

1 Cor 1>&%1. The fact is that "hether /ou eat or drin, "hate!er /ou do /ou should do all for the glor/ of God

%. 0ecause the 7ord of God e5plicitl/ tells us to do so.

Psalm =&1#. Sing praise to the Lord enthroned in Mion

Psalm ##*. Eou "ho fear the Lord' praise im

Psalm 1>%&1. 0less the Lord' m/ soulK and all m/ being bless is hol/name

Psalm 1>*&%%. 6 "ill sing to the Lord all m/ life' 6 "ill sing praise to m/ God"hile 6 li!e

Psalm 1 >&9. Let e!er/thing that has breath praise the Lord @lleluia

eb 1%&1 . Through him let us continuall/ offer God a sacrifice of praise' thatis' the fruit of lips that ac,no"ledge is name

*. 0ecause praise is the ,e/ that unloc,s the po"er of God.

2oshua 9&1 -19'#>. The "alls of 2ericho collapsed after the 6sraelites praisedthe Lord in procession around the cit/.

@cts 19 -#9. Paul and Silas are deli!ered from their chains and imprisonment"hile the/ "ere pra/ing and singing praises to the Lord.


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. 0ecause this is ho" 2esus taught us to pra/.

Lu,e 11&1-*. The Lord+s pra/er has t"o parts. The first part is a pra/er ofpraise and the second is a pra/er of petition. Thus one thing 2esus teaches ushere is to start our pra/ers al"a/s "ith praise.

What are @e going to *raise $o, for5

1. For is perfection.

3ph &1=-#>. Sing praise to the Lord "ith all /our hearts. Gi!e than,s to theFather al"a/s and for e!er/thing in the name of our Lord 2esus Christ

#. For all the inumerable blessings e has gi!en us.

7e praise God for is greatness' goodness' generosit/' merc/' patience "ithour "ea,ness' etc.

%. 3!en for the e!ils e allo"s to happen to us.

$omans


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*. Clapping of hands.

Psalm *;. @ll /ou peoples' clap /our hands' shout to God "ith cries ofgladness

. Dancing.

1 Chro 1%&&*. praise im "ith timbrel and dance ...


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@. From the boo, of $e!elation.1. @lpha and mega ($e! 1&11)#. First and last ($e! 1&1;)%. Lord God almight/ ($e! *&


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F@ST6:G

The team is greatl/ encouraged to fast at least once a "ee, during the entire course ofthe program' not onl/ as a means of personal spiritual gro"th' but more so as apersonal sacrifice for the intention of the participants' the people "hom the Lord hasentrusted to our care.

What is fasting5

Fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. Fasting is not&

1. Dieting' "hich stresses abstinence from food for health or ph/sical reasons. 6t ismoti!ated b/ !anit/.

#. unger stri,e' "hich has for its purpose the gaining of political po"er or theattracting of attention for a certain cause. 6t is moti!ated b/ the desire for po"er.

!o@ ,o @e fast5

The normal means of fasting in!ol!es abstaining from all food' solid or liBuid' but notfrom "ater. o"e!er' one could also engage in a partial fast' "hich is a restriction ofdiet but not total abstention. 2ust consider "hat /our bod/ can ta,e or ho" far /ou/ourself "ant to go.

7e can fast on the da/ of the session itself. 7e can start our fast after the pre!iousnight+s supper or at midnight and end our fast "ith supper before the session orcontinue the fast until the session+s fello"ship.

Who shoul, fast5

The list of 0iblical personages "ho fasted is li,e a 7ho+s 7ho of Scripture& oses thela"gi!er' Da!id the ,ing' 3liAah the prophet' 3sther the Bueen' Daniel the seer' @nnathe prophetess' Paul the apostle' and of course 2esus Christ the Son of God. So "e+rein good compan/ "hen "e fast.

Generall/' the "hole team should fast once a "ee, during the "hole course of theCLP. 0ut ob!iousl/ there "ill be some people "ho for ph/sical reasons should not fast.For e5ample' diabetics' e5pectant mothers and heart patients. 6f /ou ha!e an/ Bues-tions about /our fitness to fast' see, medical ad!ice.

What is the Scri*tural asis for fasting5

1. t 9&19-1


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Wh shoul, @e fast5

1. The first and most important reason is that fasting is a means of "orshipping Godand centering our li!es and our e5istence on the Lord.

Li,e the prophetess @nna' "e need to "orship in fasting and pra/er (Lu,e#&%;).

@s in the case of the apostolic band at @ntioch' fasting and pra/er go together(@cts 1%-%).

#. Fasting is also a "eapon for spiritual "arfare ( t 1;). 7e can e5pect Satan tobe angr/ at the "or, "e are doing' and he "ill be tr/ing to stop us and theparticipants from recei!ing "hat God has to offer. 7e need to fast in our fightagainst e!il forces.

%. Fasting is a "a/ b/ "hich "e can control our bod/ and the desires of the flesh. 6nlife "e cra!e for so man/ things (not Aust food) "hich "e do not need until "ebecome controlled or ensla!ed b/ them. 0/ fasting' "e learn to discipline oursel!esand to ,eep our desires in the proper perspecti!e. Fasting helps us ,eep ourbalance in life.

*. Fasting re!eals the things that control us. 7e co!er up "hat is inside us "ith foodand other good things' but in fasting these things surface. 6f pride controls us' it "illbe re!ealed. @nger' bitterness' Aealous/' strife' fear -- all these "ill surface duringfasting. @nd ,no"ing these things "ithin us is a great benefit to one "ho longs tobe transformed into the image of Christ. 7e can no" come before the Lord andpra/ for healing in these areas.

. Fasting is a "a/ b/ "hich "e grasp the realit/ that "e li!e not b/ bread alone' butmore importantl/ b/ the 7ord of God ( t *&*). 7e are totall/ dependent on theLord for our e5istence. @nd our spiritual life is much more important than ourph/sical life.

9. Fasting is a "a/ b/ "hich "e can relate' though admittedl/ in a !er/ small "a/' tothe sufferings of people "ho don+t ha!e adeBuate food or other necessities of life.0/ actuall/ e5periencing doing "ithout' "e can empathi4e more "ith their plight.

;. ther !alues of fasting are increased effecti!eness in intercessor/ pra/er' guidancein decisions' increased concentration' deli!erance for those in bondage' ph/sical"ell-being.


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C N3:@:T F T 3 CFC S6:GL3S F $ C $6ST

Trusting the Lord+s help and guidance'

1. I shall live as a follo@er of Christ/

Pra/ dail/ for at least 1 minutes.$ead Scriptures dail/ for at least 1 minutes.Li!e a righteous life and a!oid situations "hich are occasions for sin.Put good order into m/ pri!ate life and support m/ parents in building aChristian famil/.Participate regularl/ in the "orship life of m/ church.

#. I @ill @orB to@ar,s the evangeli ation an, transformation of m @orB *lace0 mfamil an, m communit /

Put good order in m/ "or, situation.0e a "itness of the lo!e and po"er of the Lord 2esus in m/ "or, and in m/famil/.0e a good ste"ard of all resources entrusted to me.0e a good citi4en of m/ countr/' obe/ing its la"s and protecting itsen!ironment.

%. I @ill e a committe, an, active mem er of the C C SI#$LES OR C!RIST/

@ttend m/ small group meetings regularl/ and support the good order of themeetings.Faithfull/ participate in all the acti!ities of the group.$elate in lo!e' lo/alt/ to and respect for all m/ brothers and sisters in the Lord.

6ntercede dail/ for the group and its mission.*. I @ill maBe m self availa le to the Lor, for service/

0ring other single men and "omen to Christ.Gi!e generousl/ of m/ time and resources to the LordOs ser!ice' "hene!er 6 amcalled and follo" directions of those "ho ha!e responsibilit/ for m/ ser!ice.Support the "or, of Couples for Christ and its inistries.

. I @ill stu, an, seeB to gro@ as a Christian *erson/

@ttend all courses' retreats' seminars and conferences of the CFC S6:GL3SF $ C $6ST.Diligentl/ stud/ all materials gi!en to me.

a/ our Lord 2esus Christ help me to be faithful in li!ing out this commitment e!er/da/for is greater honor and glor/ and for the good of m/ brothers and sisters.

Christian Life Program

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