The Church
Start Guide
What We Do
We form communities of young people who embody the love of God by witnessing each other vulnerably share their wounds, shortcomings, and sin that led to their unhealthy sexual behavior.
Students uncover why they do what they do and find healing that not only changes their behavior, but transforms them into Christ’s image.
We Form Communities of Hope, Healing, and Freedom
Recovery from sexual brokenness is the journey of deep formation that only happens in relationship with Christ and community. Freedom from shame and addiction is possible, and churches get to partner with Christ in making it available for their local communities.
Our Approach
We create trauma-informed, grace-based communities by establishing safety through leaders vulnerably and appropriately sharing their own story first.
We guide students through biblical principles to identify the false narratives subconsciously shaping their reality and the subsequent beliefs, thoughts, and feelings that lead to acting out.
Through this process, students develop emotional intelligence, a deeper relationship with God, and the ability to authentically connect with others like never before.
Our goal is holistic restoration—not only stopping unhealthy behavior, but uniting and strengthening entire family systems.
How to Start a 423 Next Community
Step 1: Onboarding & Training
Recruit Volunteers
Prospective volunteers complete an application and begin the onboarding process with a 423 representative.
Volunteers should be recruited in pairs, following the rule of three, with two trained adults present at every meeting.
Onboard Volunteers
Volunteers are vetted, background checked, and interviewed to confirm they are safe to support students
in this sensitive subject matter.
Train Volunteers – Initial Training Includes:
- Legal and Ethical Training (pre-recorded)
- Mission and Vision of 423 Next Communities
- The three-fold problem
- The three-fold solution
- How to share your story with students
- Understanding your past
- Cultivating vulnerability in an ethical way
- How and when to disclose personal struggles
- Understanding the addiction cycle and engaging students’ stories
- Compassionate curiosity
- Helping students find the “why”
- How to facilitate group
- Structure of group
- Practicing Witnessing Community
Step 2: Promoting Group & Student Onboarding
- Announce the group using comprehensive promotional materials provided by 423 Next
- Student sign-up (printed or digital) including name, age, contact info, and parent contact info
- Parent permission is required for every student participant
- Ongoing communication with 423 Next prior to launch
- Students receive access to the 10-week Launch Curriculum
- Parents gain access to the parent resource platform
Step 3: Begin Meeting
Groups meet weekly for two hours.
What to Expect in a 423 Next Community
First Hour: Witnessing Community
The first hour is spent sharing about the journey of the past week and reflecting on the “why” behind thoughts and behaviors.
Storywork practices include:
- Engagement through attunement and active listening
- Exploration of past experiences, relationships, and challenges
- Extraction of patterns, emotional themes, and recurring struggles
- Reflection through gentle feedback and curiosity
Weekly sharing helps participants:
- Reflect on patterns and triggers
- Notice what drives behavior
- Receive insight from others
- Practice humility, honesty, and confession
The Recovery Line framework includes:
- Below the line: unhealthy and addictive behaviors
- Slippery slope: warning signs and red flags
- Above the line: healthy behaviors and spiritual practices
Second Hour: Formation & Tools
The second hour is a time to equip participants with tools and resources for growth.
Includes:
- The 10-week 423 Next Launch Curriculum
- Ongoing curriculum and approved resources
- Weekly homework discussion
- Commitments to Change
- Story Map sharing every 6–8 weeks
- Access to workbooks, webinars, and workshops
This Is Where Healing Begins
Freedom from shame and addiction is possible. We’re honored to walk with churches as they bring healing and restoration to their local communities.
Sample the Curriculum
We have taken the time and effort to create an extensive Legal and Ethical Policy to protect our students and volunteers.
Talking through sexual brokenness and addiction is complex, but there is a way forward. We’ve done the heavy lifting and make safety for all parties paramount.
Partnership Agreement
The Legal Policy & Code of Conduct
This will explain in detail the partnership we’re making as a ministry within your local church. Take time to review it, sign it, and email it to info@423communities.org