New Life Discipleship Program

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New Life...Christian Residential Recovery Program

Proven 67% Successful Addiction Recovery and Restoration
21 Weeks Residential Discipleship Work Program
- Full time Job, earning full time wages, paying child support, saving the rest for ReEntry.
- Recovery curriculum in group housing of 17-20, each man with private bedroom.
- Life Skills training in money management, transitioning from child to man, and survival.
- Christian Discipleship Training, Character Education, hands on service to others.

The New Life program is a 21 week, non-denominational, faith based residential guest house for Christian adult males or females who fall under the guidelines of Federal law governing residential homes for persons recovering from alcohol, drug, or other addictions, developmental problems, mentally or physically handicapped, or have mental illness, who reside in a home classified as a single family residence.

The program assists persons to full recovery from any addiction, particularly drug or alcohol addiction. The program teaches “Jesus Christ is literally creates a "New Life" for all who want it, the old life has passed away!" Submissive Christian discipleship is the proven process of change that proves you are a "New Creation", not a "recovering addict that must attend meetings and announce you are an alcoholic", exchanging the habit of drugs for a habit of meetings. The unique component of Layman Lessons ministry is the high level of expertise that also addresses the mental health component of chemical imbalance, their root causes and resolution. Every issue is not a spiritual issue, mental health chemical imbalances do exist, and medications are a blessing. While we acknowledge God as God, able to heal and do anything He wants at any time, we also acknowledge HE either caused or allowed the creation of aspirin, alka-seltzer, blood pressure meds, and mental health meds. Meds are not always a “spiritual flaw”. Neither is aspirin a "pain killer" that covers up the root problem, as it has great value in the blood to protect the heart.

New Life Guest Houses are for our program guests, and is not a boarding or rental house in any manner. Non-Denominational Christian discipleship training is the focus. We believe open, honest group discussion and interaction with various Pastors will contrast doctrinal views appropriately, so each student can pray and choose the Church that God leads them to choose.

Layman Lessons embraces all Christian Churches , and is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor associated with any Church, doctrine, or denomination. “New Life Program” persons learn to “Identify and do the right thing at all times”, for those:

Sick and tired of being sick and tired. Truly ready to “do whatever it takes” to change their lives. “Desperate people do not dictate conditions”…they submit totally.
Realizing their need for Christian network of support, including mentors, house guardians, financial management assistance and accountability, using Biblical guidance to “get a spiritual heart transplant” and find the purpose God has for their life…they can’t do it alone.
Have mental, physical, or developmental handicap, including prison, where assistance from Christian mentors, house guardians, staff or volunteers, assist to stabilize their quality of life.

The program is highly structured 24/7 training for 21 weeks, with opportunities for graduates to stay as trainees, interns, house leaders, or to share independent addiction free housing. Advanced Christian training and counseling both in group and individual sessions will focus on personal life skills (Thursday evenings) and spiritual growth (Tuesday evenings) confronting issues such as addiction, depression, personal finances, career, ministry, relationships, using programs such as “The Purpose Driven Life”, Henry Blackaby’s “Experiencing God”, Jim Cymbala’s “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire”, “I Dare You”, and others. GED and literacy training is available for all. Tutoring is available.
Persons admitted to the program will be supervised, monitored, tested regularly for drug and alcohol use, and expected to demonstrate consistent progress in all areas of their Christian walk.
Persons in the program must first read (and then have read to them by a staff person signing below) the entire Program Policy, and by personal signature agree that the documents have been personally read, understood, any questions explained by the staff or volunteer person signing as the witness. The personal signature acknowledges and gives irrevocable approval to the following:
1. Waiver of liability, stating that Layman Lessons is providing only a spiritual service and opportunity for improvement, and as such, Layman Lessons Inc., local affiliate of Layman Lessons, associates, staff, volunteers, Officers, Directors, and fellow residents, will not be responsible for any liability whatsoever, for any reason whatsoever. This waiver of liability means none of the parties, persons, or organizations engaged or interacting as “service providers” or volunteers will be prosecuted legally for any reason.
2. Permission for Layman Lessons to conduct a detailed background check, document any outstanding warrants or judgments, including child support obligations, etc.
3. Not a rental agreement, and the laws applying to tenants leasing or renting property do not apply, as this is a Christian Discipleship Program, not a rental or lease or boarding house agreement of any kind. Applicant agrees to leave the premises when asked.
4. Any and all public assistance, alimony, or other non-employment related funds up to a maximum of $500 monthly will be assigned to Layman Lessons Inc. for the duration of the residential programs to offset costs of food, shelter, supervision, and other expenses incurred. This includes food stamps, EBT, welfare, unemployment, monthly trust fund withdrawals, etc. Any funds received over costs of the program will be applied to child support, spousal support, or saved in trust for Re-Entry in a personal account for each individual. Individuals will complete whatever documentation is required to assign all such benefits to Layman Lessons Inc. for the duration of the program. The purpose and intent is to prevent duplication of benefits and/or fraud, intentional or unintentional, and to prevent any person from gaining materially from the dual and simultaneous assistance provided by ministry and government, as would be the case when shelter, food, clothing, and other benefits are provided by both entities. No individual will be allowed to “save” public assistance benefits while in our ministry programs.

Rules of Conduct for New Life Guest Homes

Ephesians 6:7 “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men”…

All persons will conduct themselves at all times in a manner appropriate as mature Christian adults, including, but not limited to:
1. Good personal hygiene at all times. Daily bathing, shaving, deodorant, hair and personal grooming is expected. Clothes are to be wrinkle free and appropriate.
2. Clean and orderly personal space, at all times, including:
  1. Beds made immediately upon arising, without exception
  2. Clothing stored appropriately
  3. All toilet and bathing items kept in plastic containers, stored in personal space
  4. Bed sheets and pillow coverings laundered weekly
  5. Towels (1 for men, 2 for ladies) must be kept in personal space, appropriately
  6. No eating or drinking in personal space
3. Clean and orderly “Common areas” at all times:
  1. All eating and drinking (other than water) are confined to the kitchen/dining area or outdoor area. Water in a clear enclosed container is allowed anywhere.
  2. Household chores for the good of all concerned will be shared by all and assigned by the house leader. Thankful hearts are expected at all times.
  3. If you mess it up personally, clean it up immediately.
  4. Bathrooms and kitchens must be left in clean and perfect condition before leaving the room, each and every time, without exception.
  5. The entire property and furnishings is a gift from God and must be left in clean and perfect condition at all times, without exception.
Common good: “Esteem others higher than yourself”, be flexible, cooperative, and sensitive to the needs of others instead of insisting on your own way. Only babies get their way all the time.
No smoking or tobacco use of any kind is allowed anywhere, anytime, for any reason.
No alcohol, depressants, stimulants, including excessive coffee or soft drinks, or non prescription drug use.
No inappropriate sexual activity or discussion. Visitation of spouses at any Training Center beyond the common area designated for guests is not appropriate.
Curfew is 10 p.m. Rise and shine at 5:30 a.m. daily.
The Staff and Team Leaders have been appointed by God through Layman Lesson Inc. to handle business within the home. They have been placed in authority over every house member by God’s design, to fulfill God’s purposes. Praying for and supporting all Leaders is expected.