Relocate the Sinners: A Guide to Embracing Change

At Christ the True Light, I deeply believe in the transformative power of faith and community. That belief inspires "Relocate the Sinners," a program designed to give individuals a fresh start through a unique collaboration among congregations across America. This initiative serves as a guide to fostering change in our country, offering participants the opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. By immersing them in a supportive, faith-centered community, the program helps them break free from the circumstances that may be holding them back and embrace a brighter future.

The "Relocate the Sinners" program offers a transformative 2-3 year journey, pairing participants with host congregations across the country, one participant per host at a time. This immersive experience is designed to inspire personal growth while fostering deep community engagement. Participants receive comprehensive support, including spiritual mentoring and practical resources, to guide them through the program. As active contributors to their new communities, participants build meaningful connections and leave a lasting impact, enriching both their own lives and those they serve.

Program Overview:

"Relocate the Sinners" is envisioned as a 2-3 year program where congregations work together to offer a supportive environment for individuals seeking redemption and personal transformation. Participants would be embraced by a host congregation in a completely different region, far removed from their current surroundings. This relocation would immerse them in a fresh community, providing the opportunity for deep spiritual growth and intensive personal development.

Key Components of the Program:

A Central Hub: Our goal is to create a unified, multi-denominational network that connects potential volunteers with congregations. The focus will be on supporting individuals in need of relocation, without placing emphasis on denominational differences. This initiative aims to foster unity and harmony within the Christian community. To participate, candidates will need to meet basic qualifications, such as completing their probation period or securing probation approval if required.
Congregation Partnerships: This program connects congregations from different regions to foster a collaborative support network. Each congregation takes on the responsibility of mentoring and supporting individuals throughout their journey. To promote diversity and ensure a fresh start, a centralized hub will oversee placements, preventing candidates from joining congregations where they already have existing connections.
The Congregation's Responsibility: Providing suitable housing for candidates is essential and may require some investment. Congregations should aim to offer accommodations such as a shared home with someone of the same gender or a furnished apartment. In certain cases, even a renovated backyard shed could be a viable option, as many volunteers may find it adequate given their past experiences. The final decision on housing should be thoughtfully determined by the congregation based on the specific circumstances.
Meaningful Employment Opportunities: Larger churches with the capacity to offer sustainable employment will have the greatest impact. Candidates should begin in entry-level roles within the church, with pathways to grow into positions that align with their unique calling and skills. While not all congregations can provide direct employment, the focus should be on minimizing exposure to triggering environments. Unlike typical rehab programs that often expect participants to secure any job—regardless of the risks involved—our approach prioritizes safety and stability. Employment in high-turnover or negative environments is unsuitable. Our goal is to provide protection and unwavering support for our volunteers, ensuring their well-being and long-term success.
Our mission is to protect candidates and create a supportive environment where they can truly thrive. We understand that certain jobs come with shared challenges, and our goal is to shield candidates from potential triggers while offering a positive, forward-focused path. This is not a judgment of those working in such roles—we fully acknowledge that many sober, respectable individuals excel in these fields. However, if no other employment options are immediately available, candidates may need to take these roles temporarily. Even so, we remain committed to prioritizing opportunities that are more aligned with their well-being and long-term success.

Full Immersion Experience:

Participants will enter agreements designed to safeguard the congregation's assets while residing with their host congregation at the designated location. Fully immersed in church activities, they will embrace a transformative experience that fosters deep, supportive relationships and promotes profound spiritual renewal.

Candidates are encouraged to express themselves freely, provided their actions comply with the terms of the signed agreement. Reasonable expectations, such as adhering to a curfew when living with others, help maintain harmony. Open communication is key to avoiding unnecessary concerns among roommates. While flexibility will be afforded, significant issues—such as repeated late nights without valid justification—will be addressed promptly.

This program is not a rehab facility or a boot camp; rather, it is built on the foundation of mutual agreement and reasonable expectations. Congregations are encouraged to hold weekly or biweekly meetings with the candidate and their support leaders to foster accountability and collaboration. The program is designed to guide candidates toward self-sufficiency, helping them integrate into the congregation and, within 2-3 years, transition out to make room for new participants. Together, we can create meaningful change and build a brighter future for communities across America.

Comprehensive Support:

The congregation will assign a minimum of two mentors of the same gender to each candidate, ensuring they receive personalized and meaningful support. While this structure allows for flexibility, it is essential to adapt the mentorship approach to meet each candidate's unique needs. Mentors will arrange regular meetings with the candidate, incorporating activities such as Bible studies, park walks, or gym sessions. For example, if a male candidate enjoys fitness, a mentor who can join him as a workout partner should be selected to foster connection and shared interests.

Candidate preferences should be carefully documented both in their application and within the congregation’s records to ensure they are placed in an environment that is both comfortable and supportive. As participation grows and congregations deepen their involvement, this system has the potential to evolve further. The goal is to create a personalized and effective support structure. Designed for individuals actively pursuing transformation, this voluntary program seeks to adapt and improve over time, ultimately delivering even better outcomes.

Personal Development:

The program emphasizes both spiritual and personal growth, encouraging participants to pursue education, vocational training, and skill development as they rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their new communities—whether or not they take on a role within the church. Mentors are committed to offering support in every possible way. When feasible, congregations are encouraged to collaborate with participants to help achieve their educational or vocational goals. For those pursuing training or education, additional time may be required to complete these objectives before welcoming new candidates into the program.

Community Engagement:

Active involvement in the host congregation’s outreach and service projects is a cornerstone of the program, offering participants meaningful opportunities to give back and positively impact their new community. Beyond community service, fostering relationships within the congregation greatly enriches the experience. Through shared activities, thoughtful discussions, and moments of fellowship, participants can build connections that create a genuine sense of belonging. Informal gatherings, such as potluck meals and study groups, provide welcoming spaces to exchange experiences, support one another, and grow together in faith. This focus on relationships is essential for cultivating a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and strengthens communal bonds.

How to Get Involved:

If you’re interested in joining me to launch the "Relocate the Sinners" program, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to comment below or email me at suzanne@christthetruelight.com.

This mission is my life’s calling, driven by a higher purpose. Change must start somewhere—so why not here? My vision is to create meaningful partnerships that connect those seeking transformation with individuals ready to make a lasting impact in the world.

With over 380,000 church buildings in America, imagine the possibilities if each welcomed just one person in need per year. Together, we could inspire profound, positive change across the nation.

I look forward to hearing from you. Let’s make a difference—together! Thank you!