Lifeline is small group ministry, offering a faith-based alternative to court-ordered secular groups such as AA, NA, Al Anon, and Anger Control.  AA has been the most successful of all programs over the years, finding its roots in the Oxford Movement and Wesleyan Revival, and in recent times, Bill Wilson’s salvation experience!  Returning the concepts of AA back to its Christian origins, gives the faith-based community a proven model of 12 steps!  Lifeline can use a variety of small group curriculum that is available, though all Lifeline ministries should utilize the five components of recovery, applied through the Life-plan.  I prefer the Living Free small group model and facilitator’s training, as well as curriculum available through Turning Point.  This training and material was developed by Jimmy Lee, one of our early Teen Challenge pioneers.

One of the goals of Lifeline is to offer clients a faith-based alternative to the groups mandated by the new concept of drug court.  Also, offering help to those who are not able to go to residential rehab, or ready to go, or even needing to go.  Many of the inmates being ministered to through corrections ministry, prefer and need encouragement and accountability, but choose not to go into a  residential program because of time already served by incarceration, and excess loss of family and work time.  Each Lifeline ministry is unique, and adjusts to the uniqueness of their community and regional needs.