Christian Discipline

In 1978, I received a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, to develop and implement a training program in southeastern Massachusetts, utilizing small church groups. This program would train participants to understand the effect of family relationships, both good and bad, and their influence on the use and abuse of drugs.The purpose of these groups, after training, would be to continue to meet within their church organizations, and act as a support group for families in crisis.Six groups were developed and trained in a variety of church locations and denominations, and included Catholic, Presbyterian and Baptist groups in Brockton, MA, Seekonk, MA, Fall River, MA, Taunton, MA, and Cape Cod. Each group was tested before and after the training in a variety of areas and subjects in regard to relationships and their influence on behavior.Each group showed significant growth in understanding and behavior through the use of this pre and post testing method. Three out of the six groups continued to meet and provide support services to their local church, after the completion of the training.The final report was submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, and was rejected because of the spiritual overtones and language of the program, even though they agreed the program was completely successful.this book is a compilation of the notes from each session that were mailed to each participant weekly during the eight week training program.