14 Month Residential Drug and
Alcohol Discipleship Program
Teen Challenge, often the last hope for many young men, offers
a fourteen-month residential faith-based discipleship program.
Teen Challenge of St. Louis is an induction center at which
students participate in discipleship training for at least
four months. After meeting induction program requirements,
the remaining ten months will be completed at Teen Challenge
International of Mid-America, a training center in Cape Girardeau,
Missouri.
Key components of the 14-month residential discipleship program
include the following:
- Spiritual Growth
Teen Challenge strives to initiate and develop the Christian
discipleship process to the point where the student can
function in society by applying spiritually motivated Biblical
principles to relationships in the family, local church,
chosen vocation, and community. Our philosophy is simple
yet effective. No tricks or gimmicks...just Christ. By developing
Christlikeness, individuals are able to become mentally
sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically
healthy, and spiritually alive. We believe that anyone with
serious life-controlling problems can truly change—if
they truly desire to change. Residents establish and improve
their relationship with God through personal reflection
and prayer, daily devotionals, chapel and local church services,
and biblical case management.
- Group Studies for New Christians
Group Studies is an interactive lecture/discussion class
designed to broaden understanding of vital life issues and
illustrate how applying biblical principles can improve
the student's ability to cope with these issues. The Group
Studies curriculum consists of 13 one-week courses and one
two-week course.
- Work Experience Program
Work is an integral part of life and is a vital link in
establishing a proper pattern for personal growth. The work
experience program at Teen Challenge of St. Louis is directed
to bring about a change in lifestyle and work habits. During
work detail, residents learn patience, tolerance, industry,
faithfulness, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, and
punctuality. Even though we are not equipped to provide
technical training for specific vocations, the general work
experience program provides students with the opportunity
to develop necessary job skills and a proper work ethic.
- Personalized Studies for New Christians
Personalized Studies is comprised of several learning activities
designed so that each student may work at his own pace.
The student is responsible to complete three learning “contracts”
consisting of scripture memorization, Bible reading, Bible
lessons, personal reading, and character development activities.
- Bible-Based Case Management Services
Although the advisors, staff, and volunteers of Teen
Challenge of St. Louis are not professional state-licensed
counselors, they are committed Christians who will share
their honest opinions and advice based on Biblical principles
and personal life experience. A discipleship advisor is assigned
for each resident to help establish personal accountability
and develop the disciplines necessary for successful Christian
living.
- Recreation
During free time, students are able to participate in athletic
activities and games including basketball, weightlifting,
jogging, and ping pong.
6 Month Residential Re-entry Program
Teen Challenge of St. Louis offers a residential re-entry
program at least 6 months in length to aid program graduates
in the transition to mainstream society. The Re-entry Program
aims to accomplish the following objectives:
- To provide guidance for students who have completed the
entire Teen Challenge program, assisting them to function
as a Christian in society.
- To aid in the application of Biblical principles to relationships
in the local church, vocation, and community.
- To assist in making the transition from a highly disciplined
environment to an environment that requires self-discipline.
- To provide an opportunity to develop and extract potential
leadership ability within each re-entry student.
During the re-entry phase of Teen Challenge, residents are
encouraged to accomplish at least the following goals:
- Establish the local church as a biblical foundation for
spiritual growth and as a source of healthy relationships.
- Become familiar with the process of finding employment
in the community and developing responsible work habits.
- Clarify and establish an educational and career path
while preparing for independent living.
- Establish a permanent residence outside of the Teen Challenge
program.
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