Freedom Session has been successfully used in Spirit-filled conservative churches and biblically sound charismatic churches.  If you're reading this, I'm assuming you are leading one of the two because those are the churches where broken people tend to flock to.

Listen to the Lead Pastor’s comments where Freedom Session has operated since 2003: Simply put, in a world full of temptation, traps, and addiction, I personally don't know how any church can do honest and authentic ministry today with out a tool like Freedom Session. We've had hundreds of people from all walks of life attend Freedom Session. It is one of the most valuable ministry tools we have to offer.

Here’s another quote:  We have tried a number of recovery programs over the years with varying results, none of which were satisfying for me as a pastor. Then we were introduced to Freedom Session in 2004, tried it, and found that the program very effective. I believe that Freedom Session should be available for everyone, not just addicts. It is the best program that we have come across.

We realize that many churches cannot assign a staff member to run a program like this.  That’s why we have worked so hard to make the materials lay-staff-user-friendly.   That is why we’ve invested so much into the large group teaching DVDs.  We also know the importance of not letting facilitators get in over their heads.  We have very carefully worded the small group discussion questions to protect our facilitators.  We have also clearly defined their role as loving their participants and leading them through the program and we have provided the training they will need to feel equipped.

Freedom Session will allow you to more forcefully address the tougher issues your people deal with from the pulpit because you will have a follow up program where you refer those who call for pastoral counseling and follow up.  And it will change the DNA of your church because you will become know as a place where the broken can find hope and healing.  

Freedom Session can also become a “leadership training engine” in your church.  Freedom Session grads are routinely sought out to lead regular small groups, or other leadership roles in youth, childrens or adult ministry.  They come with an personal authenticity and expectation of honesty that is very refreshing and attractive to new people.  Freedom Session does not encourage participants to stay in the program year after year but to serve in the local church and take what they’ve learned with them. 

Freedom Session is also excellent training ground for developing upcoming pastors/teachers.  The soft copy teaching scripts in the FS Director Kit encourage creativity/personal illustrations.  They can watch us teach on the DVDs and then teach live themselves.

And lastly, Freedom Session will greatly reduce your counseling load.  We have regularly sent engaged and dating couples through the program.  Having young people deal with their own “stuff” prior to marriage gives them a huge head start on other couples who spend the first few years figuring out their family of origin issues. 

Why should we choose Freedom Session over other Christian Recovery programs?

"You shouldn't." However, "you should pray about it!"

• When we first saw the need for a healing/recovery ministry in 2001, we too looked around and tried various approaches.  We felt we needed a slightly different approach that probed deeper into the developmental and often buried wounds in the hearts of those who were seeking our help.  Long story short, in fall of 2003, Freedom Session was written.  We also needed a more "guided" small group discussion structure and extensive homework section.
• Right now, we believe Freedom Session is one of the most comprehensive and transferable recovery programs available.  And we believe its strengths will become obvious when compared with other programs.  It can be used effectively in large or small settings and be taught live (if you have a gifted and experienced teacher) or via DVD.  If taught via DVD, all you need are some authentic people who are open about their own lives and love hurting people.  

- pastor ken & bonnie