MINISTRY HANDBOOK If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Luke 9:24 (NLT) 1 561-237-5046 2401 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309 CalvaryFTL.org/RLH RedeemingLoveHome@CalvaryFTL.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS Redeeming Love Home Ministry Summary... 2 Criteria... 3 Interview and Intake Process... 4 Approved Clothing and Possessions... 5 Redeeming Love House Ministry Rules... 6 Disciplinary Actions... 8 Weekly Schedule... 9 Statement of Faith... 10 Ministry and Detox Referrals... 12
REDEEMING LOVE HOUSE MINISTRY SUMMARY Redeeming Love Home is a discipleship ministry of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. MISSION STATEMENT: To make disciples of Jesus Christ. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19 20 (NKJV) VISION: To make disciples by training women to die to self and to live to serve God and others. But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. Isaiah 43:1 (NKJV) And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall loveyour neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30 31 (NKJV) PURPOSE: To minister to women who are in need of discipleship by teaching, training, encouraging, and modeling for them a victorious life in Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3 4 (NKJV) PEOPLE: We minister to women who want to be disciples of Jesus Christ, but are in need of a more structured environment than what a regular church service can provide in order to obtain spiritual victory. When Jesus heard that, He said to them, Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. Matthew 9:12 13 (NJKV) 2
CRITERIA While Redeeming Love Home is a great opportunity for many women, it is not for everyone. Redeeming Love Home accepts those whom we are equipped to minister to and points others in a direction in which they will be best served. In order to be considered a candidate for the ministry, you must meet the following criteria: Be open to an environment where the message and teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible is the central focus. Have a desire and willingness to be challenged and discipled spiritually and practically in your relationship with Christ. Be between the ages of 18 and 35. Be physically able to participate in activities, including, but not limited to, chores, exercise/workouts, and various work projects. Must have a state or government issued photo ID. Be prepared to meet all your financial obligations, including probation or child support fees, during your stay at Redeeming Love Home as there will be no wages earned during your stay. Must be able to provide a one-time nonrefundable $250 donation to the ministry of Redeeming Love Home. A referral network is in place for individuals Redeeming Love Home is not equipped to help. These individuals may include those in need of detoxification or those with mental illness or severe physical illness. For many are invited, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14 (NIV) Be detoxed from all alcohol, narcotics, and antidepressants for a minimum of 30 days. 3
INTERVIEW AND INTAKE PROCESS The following list explains the admission process: INTERVIEW Application: Complete and submit the online application by visiting CalvaryFTL.org/RLH. A Redeeming Love Home staff member will call you after reviewing the application. Phone Interview: Eligibility criteria will be discussed and a decision will be made whether to move forward with an inperson interview or to refer the candidate to another program or ministry. In-Person Interview: The candidate will meet with staff members at Redeeming Love Home. The candidate will be required to bring a state or government-issued form of identification. Special accommodations will be made for out-of-state candidates. The candidate and the Redeeming Love Home staff will pray and seek the Lord as to whether or not His will for the candidate s future includes becoming a Redeeming Love Home disciple. INTAKE Day of Intake: Apart from special circumstances, or unless instructed otherwise, intakes occur on Fridays at 3pm. Approved candidates should arrive at Redeeming Love Home no later than 3pm. Paperwork: The candidate will sign the consent/waiver and ministry agreement forms. Donation: The candidate will give his nonrefundable $250 cash donation at this time. Drug Test: A drug screening and examination of all personal items will be performed. Orientation: The candidate will receive and review the orientation packet with a staff member. Only after successful completion of all the above steps can candidates be accepted into Redeeming Love Home. 4
APPROVED CLOTHING AND POSSESSIONS The following list outlines the maximum number of approved clothing and possessions one can bring to Redeeming Love Home. Non-approved clothing or possessions will be donated to the Second Chance Thrift Store upon entry into the ministry. CLOTHING NO alcohol, drugs, tobacco, secular music, or distasteful sayings on t-shirts. Twelve (12) undergarments (i.e. underwear and socks) Five (5) bras, including sports bras Five (5) t-shirts Five (5) shirts (i.e. dress shirt, blouse, etc. No v-necks.) Five (5) tank tops to be worn under shirts only Two (2) pairs of khaki pants for work Four (4) pairs of pants (i.e. jeans, dress pants) Four (4) pairs of casual pants (i.e. sweatpants, lounge wear) Three (3) pairs of shorts (long length, basketball shorts) Two (2) dresses/skirts (optional) Five (5) pairs of shoes (i.e. tennis shoes, flip flops, dress shoes, or boots) One (1) pair of tennis shoes for work only Two (2) sleepwear items Two (2) sweaters/sweatshirts One (1) bathing suit TOILETRIES Shampoo/conditioner Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss Deodorant/antiperspirant Soap/body wash Razor, replacement blades, shaving cream Makeup Hair care tools (i.e. blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron) Feminine products Contact solution No mouthwash containing alcohol ADDITIONAL POSSESSIONS A Bible and one devotional book Book bag Envelopes, stationary, and stamps ipod with Christian music or teachings One (1) framed photo for display One (1) reusable water bottle One (1) additional pillow and blanket Clothing and possessions will be inspected upon entry into Redeeming Love Home. 5
REDEEMING LOVE HOUSE MINISTRY RULES The disciple is expected to adhere to the following rules while participating in the Redeeming Love Home ministry: PERSONAL CONDUCT No use or possession of drugs or alcohol (this includes mouthwash that contains alcohol). No use or possession of any tobacco products, including vaporizers (vape pen), nicotine patches, gum, etc. No use or possession of prescription medications. No threatening behavior or fighting. No firearms or any type of weapon that may be possessed. No foul language, profanity, or crass joking. No communication, relationships, or friendships with men (this includes contacts by phone, mail, e-mail, social media, visits, third-party messages, etc.). The only exception is a spouse or immediate family member. No pornographic or provocative material may be viewed or possessed. No sexual activity with oneself or others. No gambling or card playing. No borrowing or lending money. No listening to secular music. No computer/video games, laptops, iphones, ipod Touch devices, radios, or CD players. No listening to secular music. No murmuring or complaining. 6 REDEEMING LOVE HOME PROCEDURES The disciple must comply with drug screening. Redeeming Love Home is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Anything and anyone on the premises (including personal vehicles) may be subject to searches by the ministry team or anyone they authorize to do so. The use of personal vehicles is not permitted while in the ministry. Disciples may not make unauthorized phone calls. After 30 days, you will be allowed 10 minutes on the phone per week. All mail that is sent or received by a disciple is subject to screening or reading by a staff member. Disciples must attend every church service, class, group, and Redeeming Love Home function. A Bible, pen, and journal must be brought to each. Disciples are expected to arrive and depart from church services on time. Disciples may not ask volunteers, church staff, etc., to use a phone, for favors, money, or anything else without the director s approval. Uniforms must be worn when working at the church. The disciple is expected to be presentable and ready for work when they leave the house in the morning. All outside reading material must be approved by the staff. After the first 30 days, immediate family members and husbands may sit with the disciple at church, as well as visit the Redeeming Love Home property during family visitation the second Sunday of every month.
REDEEMING LOVE HOUSE MINISTRY RULES HOUSING RULES The disciple must take all personal property with her when she leaves. Redeeming Love Home will not be held responsible for anything a disciple leaves behind. Personal and common quarters must be kept neat and clean at all times. Visitors are not allowed in living quarters at any time. Disciples must remain on the property when not attending a Redeeming Love Home sponsored event. They may only leave the property if they have an approved pass. Furniture may not be moved or rearranged by disciples. Participants may not hang posters, pictures, or any other decorations. No plants or any living creatures are permitted in Redeeming Love Home. Disciples are not allowed to feed animals in the neighborhood cats, dogs, lizards, etc. The use of Facebook, Twitter, or any social networking website is strictly prohibited while enrolled at Redeeming Love Home this includes any time you have a pass. 7
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS The disciple is expected to adhere to the following rules while participating in the Redeeming Love Home ministry: All disciplinary action for misconduct will be issued at the discretion of the Redeeming Love Home staff and may include the following: A verbal warning A written report or assignment Loss of privileges (including passes) Extra chores Dismissal The following actions are grounds for immediate dismissal: Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, nicotine, firearms, or pornography Failure to comply with drug or alcohol screening request Physical violence, fighting, or threats thereof Blatant disregard for rules and/or authority figures Foolish behaviors that endangers oneself or others No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) Stealing Lying 8
WEEKLY SCHEDULE AT REDEEMING LOVE HOME SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 6:50am 6:50am 6:50am 8am 6:50am 10am 10am 7:15 8am Devotion 7:15 8am Exercise 7:15-8am Exercise 8:15 9am Devotion 7:15 8am Exercise 10 11am Devotion 10am 4:30pm Devotion and Sabbath Day 9:15am 4pm Serve at Boca Café 8 9am Devotion 8 9am Devotion 10am 3pm Work 8 9am Devotion 11am 12:30pm Clean House 4:30 9pm Serve at Boca Café 7pm Bible Study/ Movie 10am 5pm Work 10am 5pm Work 3:30 9pm Serve at Boca Café 10am 5pm Work 7 9pm Movie/Activity 10pm 10pm 10pm 10pm 10pm 11pm 11pm 9
STATEMENT OF FAITH DOCTRINAL WE BELIEVE in what is termed The Apostles Creed as embodying all the fundamental doctrines of orthodox evangelical Christianity. WE BELIEVE there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory; that this triune God created all, upholds all, and governs all. WE BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER, an infinite, personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and answers prayer; and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. WE BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, God s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings; His substitutionary atoning death; bodily resurrection; ascension into heaven; perpetual intercession for His people; and personal, visible return to earth. We believe that He is one and the same as God. He was fully human and fully God. WE BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower in ministry all who believe in Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is an abiding Helper, Teacher, and Guide. We believe that Jesus Christ baptizes the seeking believer with the Holy Spirit and power for service, either at the time of or subsequent to regeneration, which is a separate work from the indwelling Spirit for salvation. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of all biblical gifts of the Spirit as reflected through the fruit of that same Spirit. WE BELIEVE that all the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, and that they are the infallible rule of faith and practice. WE BELIEVE that all people are by nature separated from God and responsible for their own sin, but that salvation, redemption, and forgiveness of sin are freely offered to all by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. When a person repents of sin and accepts Jesus Christ as his/ her personal Lord and Savior, trusting Him to save, that person is immediately born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit, all of his/her sins are forgiven, and that person becomes a child of God, destined to spend eternity with the Lord. WE BELIEVE that Hell is a literal place of eternal suffering, and the consequential destination of those who do not receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. WE AWAIT the pre-tribulation rapture of the church, and we believe in the literal Second Coming of Christ with His saints to rule the earth, which will be personal and visible. This motivates us to holy living, heartfelt worship, 10
STATEMENT OF FAITH committed service, diligent study of God s Word, regular fellowship, and participation in adult baptism by immersion and the observance of communion. WE ARE NEITHER FIVE-POINT CALVINISTS, NOR ARE WE ARMINIANS. We adhere firmly to the biblical teaching of God s sovereignty and man s responsibility. We avoid any theological systems of belief that go beyond the written Word and thereby divide the body of Christ. WE DO NOT BELIEVE in positive confession (the faith movement belief that God can be commanded to heal or work miracles according to man s will), human prophecy that supersedes the Scriptures, the incorporation of humanistic and secular psychology into biblical teaching, the overemphasis of spiritual gifts and experiential signs and wonders to the exclusion of biblical teaching, or that true Christians can be demon-possessed. WE BELIEVE in the universal church, in the living spiritual body, of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. WE BELIEVE the Lord Jesus Christ committed two ordinances to the church: 1) baptism and 2) communion. We believe in baptism by immersion and communion as a symbolic memorial of Christ s sacrifice on the cross for our sins, both of which are open to all believers in Jesus Christ. WE BELIEVE in the laying on of hands for the sending out of pastors and missionaries, and in conjunction with the anointing of oil by the elders for the healing of the sick. PRACTICAL WE BELIEVE the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ s (agape) love, which is greater than differences we possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians. WE BELIEVE worship of God should be spiritual; therefore, we remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct our worship. WE BELIEVE worship of God should be inspirational; therefore, we give great place to music in our worship. WE BELIEVE worship of God should be intelligent; therefore, our services are designed with great emphasis upon the teaching of the Word of God that He might instruct us on how He should be worshiped. We seek to teach the Word of God in such a way that its message can be applied to the individual s life, leading that person to a greater maturity in Christ. We teach both expositionally and topically. WE BELIEVE worship of God should be fruitful; therefore, we look for His love in our lives as the supreme manifestation that we have been truly worshiping Him. WE BELIEVE that the church government should be simplistic rather than a complex bureaucracy and we depend on the Holy Spirit to lead, rather than on fleshly promotion. WE BELIEVE that the Bible clearly delineates that spiritual gifts are for the edification of the body and that they are to be exercised in love. We believe that love is more important than the most spectacular gifts, and without love, all exercise of spiritual gifts is worthless. In our services, we focus on a personal relationship with God through worship, prayer, and the teaching of the Word of God. We do not practice speaking in tongues during worship or while a Bible study is in progress because we do not believe that the Holy Spirit would interrupt Himself. God is not the author of confusion. These gifts are encouraged in more intimate settings, e.g. afterglow services and small groups where their benefit can accomplish the purpose for which they have been given the edification of the body of Christ. 11
MINISTRY AND DETOX REFERRALS BARC (Public Detox Broward)...954-831-1580 CARP (Public Detox Palm Beach)...561-844-6400 ARC (Salvation Army)...954-463-3725 Agape (Women s Rehab Moore Haven)...863-946-2228 Broward Outreach...954-926-7417 Blessed Hope...207-991-1778 Refuge Ranch... 772-591-0992 Women In Distress...954-761-1133 Faith Farm Boynton Beach...561-737-2222 Faith Farm Fort Lauderdale...954-763-7787 Faith Farm Okeechobee...863-763-4224 Mercy Ministries...615-831-6987 Renew Women...423-752-0004 12