Charlie Fletcher, (pictured in the middle), stands in front of the Columbia, Ky. courthouse to mark the occasion for the birth of a new ministry idea: Lifeline.

The goal of Lifeline is to provide immediate help and crisis intervention to those who struggle with addictions. This is done by networking with local churches in a community to provide prayer, small group ministry, recovery plans, and referral to a long-term program, if necessary. Jan Fletcher, who wrote the manual for the program in Kentucky, drew heavily upon Rev. West’s concept. She has volunteered to help coordinate the spread of the Lifeline concept throughout Kentucky, a state with many small towns which are struggling with an illegal drug crisis.

The program is new, and it has been a challenge to develop an effective strategy for helping people understand the commitment required by the community to begin one. The first Lifeline, opened by Memphis TC in Jackson, Tenn., failed to meet Memphis TC’s expectations. However, the next one took off soundly, in Savannah, Tenn. The first Kentucky Lifeline, launched in Columbia in early 2001, also ran into difficulties gaining community support because the idea was so new. But the next one, as in the experience in Tennessee, has garnered much support from the community of Christ in Paducah. (see article.)

“Obviously, we are still developing the right protocol for launching Lifelines,” said Jan Fletcher. “But the promise of this program is so great, that all our efforts will eventually be proven extremely worthwhile.” Rev. V. Clayton Arp, state director for Teen Challenge of Kentucky, agrees. “When I first came to Kentucky to develop Teen Challenge in this mostly rural state, I thought we needed a miracle, because Beth and I saw the need for a half-dozen crisis centers here. But God had a better idea. Turning Point was the beginning and Lifeline is the next stage in His plan for Kentucky’s small towns,” says Arp.

Turning Point is an important part of establishing a successful Lifeline Ministry in your community. A Lifeline begins by training the churches and leaders in Turning Point - the model and curriculum for small, Christ-centered support groups. Then, a suitable space is rented for the Lifeline office, and volunteers are trained to provide TC curriculum instruction and help for those in crisis. Local churches provide the modest amount of support needed for office and phone costs. “A lot of preparation is necessary before launching a Lifeline, but much help will be given!” says Arp.

If you are interested in Lifeline, please call Rev. V. Clayton Arp at 502-561-2131.