G4 Resources

Understanding Levels of Motivation for Change (Part 2 of 3)

John Chapman1 Comment

In the first post of this series we discussed the five levels of motivation as they have been described by DiClemente.

  1. Pre-Contemplation
  2. Contemplation
  3. Preparation
  4. Action
  5. Maintenance

I would suggest that before you dive into this post you read the previous one, linked above, to get a better understanding of these concepts. The first post is designed to help you understand where you are within the levels listed above while this post is meant to ask three questions to help you understand where you are so that you may move forward in your journey. Continue reading →

Understanding Levels of Motivation for Change (Part 1 of 3)

John Chapman2 Comments

Levels of Motivation for Change

At the beginning of your journey through a G4 curriculum, we would invite you to take a journey with me through Sam’s story of recovery. As you read Sam’s story, insert your struggle in for theirs. Wherever you see struggle, insert the situation in your life that has become life-dominating. In each of the paragraphs there should be distinct shifts in behavior and belief along a journey of recovery. As you read, attempt to note the key features at each step, noting the differences from the previous paragraph. Continue reading →

Shame (Part 3 of 3)

John Chapman2 Comments

Practically Discerning Guilt and Shame

In the first post on shame, we covered the difference between guilt and shame and how to sort the two emotions despite their similarities. In this post we hope to provide an example case study along with a tool that will help you to separate the emotions. My desire for this post is that it will be a practical application for the previous two posts to help you first separate shame from guilt, thereby, being able to repent for guilt and disempower shame. Continue reading →

Shame (Part 2 of 3)

John Chapman2 Comments

Disempowering Shame.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)

From the verses above, we can find hope that sustainable change is attainable through perseverance and consistency. We hope that you will allow us to walk beside you as you begin this journey, knowing that so often the key to finishing well is starting well. We will walk with you as long as you walk with us on your journey. Continue reading →

Shame (Part 1 of 3)

John Chapman2 Comments

Understanding the Difference between Guilt and Shame.

We are glad that you are here and are willing to begin your journey with us at G4, as you pursue overcoming your specific struggle.G4-1

When life is difficult and we’re caught in the midst of a struggle we feel a range of emotions. Often because life moves so fast and we are experiencing different emotions at different times of the day it becomes difficult to track which emotion we are feeling.

Often we think that we are feeling justifiable guilt when we are actually feeling shame. Or perhaps we’re feeling shame when we should be feeling guilt. Sometimes we even feel both of them at once for different things happening simultaneously. Emotions can quickly become a jumbled mess that is difficult to sort out. Continue reading →