Over the course of our experience, we have found that certain things enhance healthy group dynamics and certain activities detract from the Journey Discipleship Course (hereafter “JDC”) being a healthy, healing experience. One of the important goals of JDC is to create a holy, safe and intimate context where the deep wounds of each group member’s heart can rise to the surface and begin to be healed through the care and prayer within the group.
Because many JDC participants suffer from emotional and/or sexual addictions, we have learned that certain boundaries must be erected to safeguard the intimacy and sanctity of the group. We have seen the effectiveness of JDC be greatly undermined when people intertwine the unique intimacy forged in JDC with socializing outside of the group.
In order to maintain our goals of providing intimacy and safety within the group, we ask that you refrain from social contact outside of the parameters of JDC with other group members for the course of the JDC.
An exception would be if a small group wishes to do an activity together outside of normal JDC activities. We ask that the small group leader be made aware and that the entire small group be invited.
Over the course of JDC, the coordinator or small group leader may make exceptions to this policy or modify aspects of this policy as seems appropriate to individual or small group situations.
Journey South Africa does value the importance of healthy friendships. We believe that the primary place for those heart investments to be made is in the context of one’s local church. We believe that it is important to develop relationships with people who do not share our same sexual vulnerability in the context of the church.
JDC is a unique context where we can discuss and receive healing from the fears which inhibit our greater integration into the Church and into healthy friendships.