Freedom Ministries

New Life Community Church Freedom Ministry

The NLCC Freedom Ministry is one of many Community Freedom Ministries developed as part of Freedom in Christ Ministries (FICM) in the United States. FICM was started in 1988 by Dr. Neil Anderson and its message and methods are based on the New Testament teachings in the best-selling books Victory Over the Darkness and The Bondage Breaker. These books teach the "repentance and faith" model for ministry that we call "discipleship counseling."

This discipleship counseling approach not only enables the one seeking help to experience freedom in Christ but also equips that individual to maintain their freedom so that he or she can begin to move on to maturity in Christ.

The primary ministry tool used in discipleship counseling at the NLCC Freedom Ministry is The Steps to Freedom in Christ, a thorough moral and spiritual inventory written by Dr. Anderson and published by Bethany House. It is a practical application of James 4:7 that instructs all believers to "Submit, therefore, to God, resist the devil and he will flee" from them. The "Steps" guide a believer in repentance and faith through seven areas in which followers of Christ often struggle in their walks with God. They are as follows:

• Confusion, misunderstanding and faulty belief systems based on past or present involved in cults, the occult and false religions
• Deception through the world system, self-deception and ungodly defense mechanisms
• Resentment, unforgiveness and bitterness
• Rebellion against God's ordained authorities
• Pride and selfishness
• Fleshly sin, including sexual sin and controlling fears and anxieties
• Sins passed down through family lines

The session of going through The Steps to Freedom in Christ is called a "freedom appointment" and is conducted by trained lay encouragers, not professional counselors. A prayer partner also sits in on each "freedom appointment." The "freedom appointment" typically takes anywhere from half a day to a full work day to complete. Freedom appointments are held at our Asheville church during normal business hours. Exceptions can be made for extenuating circumstances.

There is no fee charged for this ministry.

The NLCC Freedom Ministry is fully sanctioned by the New Life Community Church pastoral staff and elders and is under the leadership of elder Rich Miller.

If you are struggling in your Christian life and would like to talk with someone about going through The Steps to Freedom in Christ, please call the church office and we will connect you.  Office hours are Mon. - Thurs. 8:30 am - 5 pm - 828-254-0040