“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
A ministry of Horizon Christian Fellowship of La Crosse, the heart of the 5:17 Discipleship House is to provide a faith-based option for those who have struggled with life-dominating sin and need more intensive discipleship. If you are tired of trying to fix up the old life, we believe Jesus will give a whole new life to you through a relationship with Him. Being a faith-based ministry, the desire is not only to glorify the Lord in the work that He does in individual lives, but in seeing how He will provide for all of the needs to run the house. This will be done as we seek God in prayer and share the vision God has placed on our hearts with other believers who God has moved to hear.
- Willing to seek God and His word for the ultimate authority on all counseling (Isaiah 9:6, Col 2:3).
- Willing to submit in a healthy, biblical way to the God-given authority of the home leaders/servants (Eph 5:21)
- Willing to comply with the structure of the home on any given phase.
- Come willing and realizing you need help, in order that God may work by His grace (James 4:6). Our purpose in being here is discipleship not what is comfortable or easy. This means our greatest end goal is being conformed into the image of Christ which will have, as one of its many by products, sobriety. (Rom 8:28-29, 2 Cor 3:18).
- The 5:17 Discipleship House is a faith-based ministry (we do not receive any governmental or denominational funding. We are totally dependent upon God to move upon the hearts of people to provide for our needs.) We do not charge rent for anyone who is accepted into the house. Our desire is to give freely what has been freely given to us. That said the home runs on the basis of the residents maintaining and keeping the home through daily chores, community service, and helping serve in the coffee shop. The desire is that we would learn to be givers rather than detractors from society, by the grace of God.
- During the duration of their stay at the 5:17 Discipleship House there will be NO personal cell phone, NO media other than what is related to the 5:17 Discipleship House plan. The person will be allowed time to make weekly phone calls to family during free time, and given more freedom concerning these things as they reach Phase 2 and Phase 3.
- Due to our inability to regulate things, and desire to see people set completely free we do not accept applicants who are currently using psychiatric medications for any reason. We do not accept applicants who are on prescribed drug substitutes such as Methadone or Suboxone, etc. If you are currently using these medications and are still interested in the 5:17 Discipleship House we encourage you to talk to your doctor and appropriately be weaned off of your medications. All other prescribed medications will be delegated by the house overseer.
- The 5:17 Discipleship House is a tobacco-free home and we would ask anyone who desires to participate to set aside all tobacco use, including the use of patches and gum.
(All of the phases will be structured around the book of Ephesians and the different aspects of the Christian life laid out for us by the Holy Spirit.)
PHASE 1: SIT (Ephesians 1-3) – 3 months
Detox (if medical attention is required, we ask that be taken care of before entering the house).
Learning to rest in your identity in Christ.
Learning to have a daily devotional life with the Lord, and centering your life around Christ-centered fellowship.
PHASE 2: WALK (Ephesians 4:1-6:10) – 3 months
Learning to live out the victorious Christian life practically in everyday life.
Learning to pour out onto society and be a giver rather than a taker in light of how much Christ has given you.
Learning to grow, and to begin the renewing of the mind.
PHASE 3: STAND (Ephesians 6:11-24) – 3 months
Learning to remain stable in the midst of a fallen world.
Preparing to leave the house and re-enter the world.
Finding gainful employment and healthy housing prior to departure.
Learning to deal with trials and temptations that will come.
Learning to go into the battle and serve in ministry.
Learning to be a witness of the life-changing message that has changed your own life for eternity.
Learning to be a counselor, and counseling those who are in the lower phases of the program.
PHASE 4: HORIZON SCHOOL OF MINISTRY – Preparation to serve in ministry or as house overseer.
(Gospel Foundation, Romans)
(Acts of the Holy Spirit)
(Inductive Bible Study)
(Evangelism)
(Biblical Counseling)
(Revelation/Eschatology)
