Finding the Missing Piece with re:generation

As a child, Larry knew about God and went to church, but he didn’t understand or desire a relationship with Christ. But when Larry and Samantha started attending church together after marriage, his thoughts gradually turned toward the Lord.

He began immersing himself in different groups and activities, allowing God to slowly change him from the inside out.

When they landed at North Metro Church several years later, Larry quickly became involved. He continued maturing in his faith and served in various roles over the course of 20 years. He also attended NMC programs to continue his fight against alcoholism and pornography. With the help of God and friends, he persevered and triumphed.

But still, Larry felt something was missing.

“I had a pretty good relationship with God at that point,” Larry says. “But I was willing myself to be a different person. The temptations were always there, and I was depending on my emotions. I wanted to learn how to continually equip myself, transform my behavior, and be disciplined in my daily walk with God. I wanted to take my spiritual life to a different level–but I knew my heart wasn’t completely connected to Christ.”

Fortunately, NMC leadership was in the process of researching a successful discipleship program called re:generation (re:gen), which is based on a 12-step recovery model.

The aim of the program is to offer healing and freedom from destructive thoughts or habits, allowing a believer to experience truly abundant life in Christ. Members can focus on different addictions, or over 100 other common struggles like fear, shame, trust, control, betrayal, isolation, approval of others, and more.

It was exactly what Larry was hoping to find.

“I agreed to assist with one of the men’s pilot groups, led by Shane Groover,” Larry says.

“But before we got started, we met with a regional leader for re:gen to learn even more–and I was fascinated. Then he set us up with Fellowship Church in Roswell to experience the program in action. When I saw the environment, that did it for me. The testimonies moved me. I knew re:gen could change lives.”

During his visit to Fellowship, Larry uncovered his third challenge for the first time–a critical spirit. He learned he had issues with judging others and seeing their flaws rather than their positive traits, which in turn had affected several important relationships throughout his life.

Learning to Live as a Follower of Jesus

For the first two months of re:gen, Larry and the other class members learned the foundational principles of the program and identified their individual struggles. From there, they split off into small groups to begin attacking the pervasive and longstanding issues in their lives.

With specific ground rules in place, it didn’t take long to develop trust and start opening up. In Larry’s group, the challenges of pride, intimacy, codependency, and anger quickly made their way to the surface.

“re:gen is a safe environment to be real with each other and not put on false pretenses,” Larry says. “And what I love is there’s no interruptions, or cross-talking, or trying to fix that person while they’re sharing. We’re just there to lift each other up. And the best part is the sense of security, knowing everything we discuss is confidential.”

Larry’s group met consistently over the next eight months, working through each step to get to the root of their issues and learn to truly live as a follower of Jesus. Larry found all the lessons invaluable, but the lesson of forgiveness was especially profound.

“Forgiving people who have hurt you is one of the most important steps,” Larry says. “I also needed to let go of guilt and shame from my past. You have to treat yourself and others as Christ did to truly be free and do the things God wants you to do. We’re forgiven, even though we didn’t deserve it.

With re:gen, I have great hope of being a godly person and attacking all the demons in my life. We’re all broken and have a void to fill–but re:gen is a stepping stone to becoming complete.”

Freedom and Peace Abound in Christ

Through re:generation, Larry came to understand the driving force behind his behaviors. Now, he’s experiencing the benefits and joy of a new life in Christ.

He recently had a difficult conversation with his daughter–but instead of being critical or trying to fix the problem, Larry listened and displayed patience. As a result, they communicated without arguing or cutting off the discussion. Larry feels the Lord’s guidance and encouragement in his other relationships as well.

He also continues to win the fight against alcoholism, lust, and pornography. His re:gen group provides an authentic support system as they walk through their brokenness together. They pray for each other and meet outside of the church–and whenever someone experiences difficulties, they band together in unity to carry each other’s burdens.

But Larry’s greatest joy is knowing he’s given his whole heart to Christ. He’s living out his faith with a mindset of servitude and deep commitment to the Lord. And he has a peace that surpasses understanding. Going forward, Larry desires to write about the Christian faith and help others find their purpose in Jesus.

Whatever the future brings, Larry knows the Lord will lead the way.

“We’re all going through our own individual struggles,” Larry says. “But surrendering and getting your pride out of the way is key. You have to let go of control and just center on God. re:gen helped me make that connection. All these worldly things are nothing compared to being right with the Lord. It doesn’t take away the hardship, but I can function better through the storms. I’d recommend re:gen to anyone. I feel grounded and at peace–and that is the key to living.” re:generation is a biblically-based discipleship program offering healing, recovery, and freedom from any type of struggle. re:generation consists of weekly meetings, which include large group teaching and small group discussion, which meet for 10-12 months. Small groups are divided by gender and are "closed" groups to develop trust and confidentiality among group members. re:generation will be open to the NMC family members this fall, and men's and women's groups will begin in August. To learn more, visit northmetro.org/care.

Practical ideas to be effective in how we live, learn, and love.

Join us for our new North Metro Church University (NMCU) Workshops that are designed to give people practical ideas for being effective in how they live, learn, and love. Attend one of our many unique workshops led by our very own pastors. Registration is free and open to anyone in the church or community. Students who are in 8-12th grade are invited to attend as well. Check out the schedule and sign up for one or all of them.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25 | 4:00-6:00PM

BECKY EVERETTE

Using lessons learned from Job & his friends, this workshop will teach you what to do (and what not to do) when someone in your life experiences suffering. Come and learn practical tools for how to offer compassion to those who are hurting and, in turn, trust those burdens to the Lord.

SUNDAY, JULY 16 | 4:00-6:00PM

JOHN MAGGARD

With Culture Index(TM), you get to be a part of an individualized survey that will exhibit traits and behaviors specific to you. After the survey, you will be provided results that help identify how you are wired to perform, grow, and succeed. Come learn more about how God has gifted you and how you can use those gifts more effectively in your relationships - whether at work, in your personal life, or in ministry. We will have time dedicated to understanding the traits, reviewing your individual results, and discussing with other attendees in this hands-on workshop.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 | 4:00-6:00PM

NATHAN & KYNDELL WOODWARD

Parenting can be a daunting and isolating experience. It can feel like an insurmountable challenge, but it does not have to be that way. Attending this parenting workshop can help you understand the possible parenting traps you may have fallen into and equip you with the tools to succeed in future parent-child interactions. We will be covering topics like behavior, mental health, discipleship, and much more.