The Big Picture

Alcohol, drugs, pornography, and many forms of abuse are devastating worldwide problems.

These, along with other seductive beliefs and behaviors, have been wrecking havoc on individuals, families, entire communities, and even churches. The good news is that there is an amazing process of recovery which begins where we are at in our deepest needs and greatest defeats, and that enables us to grow into a whole new way of healthy living.

The Freedom Ascent Approach

Freedom Ascent is an approach to forming Scripture-centered mini-communities in which together and individually we engage with God through Scripture to let him speak to our deepest struggles and our greatest vulnerabilities.

Freedom Ascent is about much more than just a meeting, but weekly gatherings provide an important venue for our recovery community to learn together and to encourage one another, whether we meet on-site or on-line. Each session we discuss one of 50 selected Bible passages that are organized around ten biblical “strength-builders” which address recovery and living the way God has intended for us. Each session also includes memorizing Scripture as well as enjoying recovery songs and hearing the testimonies of others who have gone through great struggles in life and how God helped them.

This is not merely an informational class, but rather is an interactive experience in which we assimilate God’s Word into our hearts and minds to reshape our identity, our beliefs, the choices and responses we make, and the ways that we live out our relationships and responsibilities. This is a dynamic process, so participation in the year-long program can be repeated again and again in a celebratory and strength-building manner, much as an athlete continually works out to keep building strength and ever-increasing skill. In Freedom Ascent, Scripture keeps speaking into our life in fresh and vital ways.

Locally Sustainable

One of the key characteristics of Freedom Ascent is that it is culturally portable and locally sustainable. This means that it can be adapted for any culture, does not require expensive materials, and does not require on-going foreign dependencies — although facilitating conversations with Freedom Ascent practitioners in other cultures can be a great mutual support and provides additional insights. When led by trained facilitators, the local Freedom Ascent community provides a supportive environment for the healing power of transparency, vulnerability, and establishing a new identity in Christ despite the pressures and expectations of our surrounding culture where living behind a facade is a common way of life. And the wider Freedom Ascent community provides additional support for the local challenges of recovery support leadership.

Freedom Ascent groups take place on-site and/or online, and range from large groups down to groups as small as just two people. Recently we have discovered that “4x4” (four-by-four) groups are an especially helpful size of — four people who engage with God and with each other “to gain sure footing in the rough terrain of life” through Scripture-focused fellowship.

A Broad Definition of “Addiction”

Freedom Ascent uses a broader definition of “addictions” than merely substance abuse. Here is how one participant describes it:

“Something I have learned through participating in Freedom Ascent is that addictions aren’t only about substance abuse. Our addictions also have to do with our harmful attitudes, habits, ways of thinking and reacting. Many church members think of “addiction” in stereotypical terms, and assume we are struggling with drink or drugs. Now however, I can explain that addictions can be whatever we repeatedly depend on instead of the Lord for comfort in fear, stress, need, trouble, depression, or even in times of joy. This has really changed my way of thinking and living.”