Stage 2: RESTORATION (nurturing)

Restoration is important for both old and new believers.

In relation to the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20), this is a similar condition to a plant growing in "stony ground", which relates to the hard life experiences that people go through. We cal them “internal issues”. The issues range from bitterness, emotional hurt, unforgiveness, and rejection to failure, etc. The person probably knows what is right but is too preoccupied with the internal conflict to care about anything else. Sadly, the believer is not actively involved in church life and his/her personal life is not maximised either.

The result is a desperate cry of "I could be....".

There is good news for such people: God’s Word has potential to bring inner healing (Psalm 107:20).

The Principle: WHOLENESS (spirit, soul and body)

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ". (1 Thessalonians 5: 23)

Our OLM response

Restoration is the answer to this need. The principal ministry gift is the pastor. Restoration is a process which takes place in three phases:

1. Preparatory phase: Simplified teaching on the biblical principles in a way that prepares them for inner healing.

2. Restoration weekend: This phase tackles the hard ground (internal issues) in the believer’s life and involves inner healing and bringing stability, hope and refreshment to the individual. From my experience the main challenges which people face have to do with emotions that are hurt or damaged. Some of the hard cores are rejection, idolatry; involvement in the occult, religious spirit, emotional wounds, bitterness, mental strongholds, sexually related sins, unforgiveness or addictions. All this happens during a weekend out.

3. Protection phase: The third part is a series of interactive teachings that follow after the restoration weekend. The teachings are designed to reinforce and secure the victories and breakthroughs gained. It is important for believers to know how to keep and enjoy their victories, in spite of the attacks of the devil. Significantly, the paradox of “being in the world and not being of the world” is handled.

Following RESTORATION is the EMPOWERMENT (stage three).