WHAT ARE THE MINISTRY ACTIVITIES OF TEEN CHALLENGE?
The ministry typically consists of the following activities: (1) Outreach Evangelism, (2) Living Free Support Groups, and (3) Resident Recovery Programs.
OUTREACH EVANGELISM
Through street ministry, contact centers, coffeehouses, jail and prison ministry, ministry to gangs, schools, drug prevention programs, rallies, etc., Teen Challenge endeavors to reach out to the lost and hurting on their turf. Using full or part-time workers and specially trained volunteers, the outreach phase is intended to make contact with troubled youth and present them the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through these outreach efforts, addicts that respond are interviewed for the residential program. Youth not needing residential rehabilitation are ministered to within their community.
LIVING FREE SUPPORT GROUPS
Turning Point is an outpatient, church-based support group. Its purpose is to offer practical help to people who desire to be free from life-controlling problems. The program is structured to help people with addictive behaviors and those who are involved in their lives. They gain an understanding of themselves and others and learn to identify and break addictive behavior patterns in their lives.
RESIDENT RECOVERY PROGRAMS
The two phases of the recovery program
A. INDUCTION
The first phase of the residential rehabilitation program is called “induction” and covers a period of four months. During this phase the student is introduced to the Teen Challenge program, and he or she makes a decision to follow Christ and begins the Teen Challenge curriculum classes. The fourteen-lesson curriculum focuses on basic discipleship and is written specifically for persons with life-controlling problems.
B. TRAINING
This phase involves the student from the fourth to the twelfth month of the program, and consists of completing the curriculum classes and any other classes the center institutes. The student learns to handle responsibilities and privileges and often assists newer students in their classes and in the program.
MINISTRY ACTIVITIES
" Come to me , all you who are weary and burdened , and I will give you rest ." Matthew 11:28 NIV