Professional Documents
Culture Documents
This course is part of the formation program in CFC. It is available to CFC members starting on
their second year in CFC. It is an optional course for members and household leaders, but is a
required course for unit and chapter leaders.
This course may be conducted at the initiative of the different chapters, clusters or CFC areas.
1. To help CFC members understand better God's call to us to live as His people.
2. To help CFC members grow in becoming a community of Christians who are truly committed
to God and to each other.
3. To discuss the patterns and elements of our life together, in order to achieve greater unity and
better order in the body.
CONTENTS
SCHEDULE
This course may be given in a variety of ways: in a one-day recollection, as a weekend retreat, in
two separate half-days, over 3 evenings, or finally over 6 separate sessions. The separate sessions
may be done on consecutive days or on a weekly basis.
An open forum is suggested either at the end of the whole course or at the end of every session.
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TALK No. 1 : OUR BASIC COMMITMENT
Expanded Outline
A. Introduction.
1. CFC is not just a movement, prayer group, service organization, but a Christian
community. It has the following elements:
c) Brotherly commitment to one another. We are not just members of one organization,
but brothers and sisters in one family.
d) A distinct culture.
b) To preserve love and unity, we need order, which makes community life possible.
3. Thus this course will outline the elements of order in CFC. Our goals in this course are:
c) For elders and other CFC leaders responsible for the direction of CFC to be able to
serve with greater wisdom and authority, for the sake of order and unity.
4. All these will enable CFC to effectively pursue its vision and mission, and to serve God in
the way He calls us to.
B. Let us first understand better the life we are trying to live. Four Biblical terms that express
the essence of what Christian community is:
1. "Brothers and sisters". 1 Peter 1:22. Since by your obedience to the truth you have
purified yourselves so that you can experience the genuine love of brothers, love each
other intensely from the heart. (NJB)
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It is a full personal relationship (not a limited one), just like a family relationship.
Genuine, intense love.
b) According to Jesus, our most important relationships are with those who are in the
Lord. Lk 8:19-21.
Often we experience more intimate relationships with our CFC brethren that with
our blood relatives.
b) We understand that we are stewards of what we "own", and we hold everything "in
common".
While we do not own things jointly, our brethren "have a claim" on our time and
money. 1 John 3:16-18; James 2:14-16.
This does not mean that all will be on the same economic level.
a) The body has to be united so it can function together, as one, not independently.
b) We are subject to a secular government, but our real allegiance is to God and His
people.
Were citizens of countries, but for God whats important is whether we are His or
not.
In case of conflict, we stand with God and the Church. E.g., population control
issue.
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C. Thus, being brothers/sisters, community, body of Christ, Gods people/holy nation, what is
then the nature of our commitment.
a) Five basic elements: Personal life in Christ, family life, service, corporate life in CFC,
and Christian growth.
Read the major headings and make comments.
Not necessarily already in place. This is precisely why we need mutual ongoing
support.
What is important is that we understand the covenant, agree with it, and try to live
it out.
It could be for life, since we will continue to need support, and since our CFC
mission will extend beyond our lifetimes.
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A couple can leave CFC anytime, if they feel CFC is no longer God's call to them.
- Do with prayer and input from leaders/brethren.
a) Our commitment to God and to each other touches on our whole life. We dont just
dont just have activities, but a family relationship.
a) Our mission is to reach out to all and have them be fully a part of us.
Holistic Family Ministries, evangelizing every members of the family. Building the
Church of the Home.
b) Our work is primarily with Catholics, but we also will reach out to other Christians,
and bring our family life renewal ministry to the other Christian churches. Ultimately
we will reach out to non-Christians.
E. Conclusion.
1. God has called us to live as His people. We are able to live this out concretely in CFC.
2. We are no longer individuals, but one body.
3. As one loving united body, we can effectively and faithfully serve the Lord.
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COUPLES FOR CHRIST
LIVING AS A PEOPLE OF GOD
Participant's Handout
1. CFC is not just a movement, prayer group, organization, but a Christian community. CFC has
a corporate life, a covenant, fraternal commitment, and a distinct culture.
2. Four Biblical terms express the essence of what Christian community is.
b) We are to live our lives in loving service--to God, to one another in CFC, to others and
the larger Church.
a) Global evangelization.
d) Basic work with Catholics, open to other Christians, ultimately to reach out to
non-Christians.
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TALK No. 2 : FUNCTIONING AS A BODY
Expanded Outline
A. Introduction.
1. God has a plan/purpose for us as a body. God has given us our life and mission in CFC.
a) To live a new life in Christ. We are to love God, one another, and others.
b) To be a community of servants.
c) To do mission.
Evangelization and renewal, based on family life. To make known the way of
salvation (1 Pet 2:9).
1. In order to fulfill God's purposes, we as individuals and CFC as a body need to be built up
and strengthened. How?
a) The primary way is through us ourselves. We build each other up, in the course of our
life together. Eph 4:15-16.
b) Everyone is involved in building up others and the community. There are no passive
people.
1 Thes 5:11. Col 3:16b.
2. The body is also built up through different gifts and roles of service given by God. 1 Cor
7
12:4-7.
a) God wants to give each and every member a gift, to be used for service.
b) There is interdependence.
3. We are also built up through our work of evangelization and service to the Church.
1. We are not merely individuals, but parts of one body. As such, there is a need for order.
c) Ex 18:13-27. For proper functioning of the body and for the care of members.
a) Since our call is to fullness of new life in Christ, there is a need for care and pastoral
support, to help put order in our Christian lives.
This is possible through our unique pastoral system of cell groups (households) led
by household leaders.
In addition: units, chapters, clusters.
3. Second, order in the whole body. There is a need for authority and governance.
1. According to the New Testament pattern of Christian community, leaders care for the
body as a whole. Heb 13:17. 1 Thes 5:12-14. In CFC there are different groups of
elders.
a) Bodies of elders.
CFC Council (Manila).
Board of Elders
Elders Assembly
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National Councils
Area Councils
b) Individuals.
Chapter Heads and up
2. In CFC, the highest governing authority is the CFC Council (in Manila).
b) Periodically assesses the life and mission of CFC and offers inputs to the CFC Council.
b) They have the authority of the Council, delegated according to their position.
Leaders are not free to just do their own thing. CFC has a clearly defined mission
and culture.
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Decide by consensus.
d) Appeal to a higher authority within CFC, all the way up to the CFC Council if
necessary.
e) Board of Elders looks into the performance of the CFC Council, can receive
complaints from any member, and sets an independent audit of CFC finances when
needed.
In turn, the trustees are elected by the Elders Assembly (composed of various
elders).
1. The elders preside over the process of building up the community, but they do not do it all.
2. Every CFC member has a voice in the direction of the body as a whole.
F. Conclusion.
1. God's desire is to form and build up His people so as to be able to use them for His
purposes.
2. We in CFC are called to be the body of Christ, to function as one coordinated whole, so as
to be useful to Him.
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COUPLES FOR CHRIST
LIVING AS A PEOPLE OF GOD
Participant's Handout
1. God has a plan/purpose for us as a body. God has given us our life and mission in CFC.
a) To live a new life in Christ.
b) To be a community of servants.
c) To do mission.
2. In order to fulfill God's purpose, we as individuals and CFC as a body need to be built up and
strengthened.
a) We build each other up. Eph 4:15-16. 1 Thes 5:11.
A very important position we hold is as son/daughter of God, thus brother/sister in the Lord.
One very important service is daily love.
b) We are given different gifts and roles of service. 1 Cor 12:4-7.
God wants to give each and every member a gift, to be used for service.
We are interdependent.
c) We are built up through our work of evangelization and service to the Church.
6. Every CFC member ought to take individual responsibility for the life and direction of the
whole body.
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COUPLES FOR CHRIST
LIVING AS A PEOPLE OF GOD
Expanded Outline
A. Introduction.
1. We saw God's call to function as a body, and the role of elders and other leaders.
2. In living out the roles of heads and members in CFC, there is a need for governmental
authority and submission.
a) We have committed our whole lives to the Lord, and as an expression of this, have
committed ourselves to our covenant in CFC. Personal guidance is helpful for us to
grow in our commitment.
b) Our community has been raised up by God to serve Him. Personal guidance is
necessary to be able to move as one effective unit.
a) Not functional, but arising out of our relationship as brethren in the Lord.
b) There are many relationships discussed in Scripture involving authority and submission.
Most of these kinds of authority are also still relevant for us.
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2. Leaders lead and care for the body and its members. This is done by:
3. Personal guidance is given in areas concerning a member's participation in the life of CFC,
as follows:
c) Services to be performed.
4. Leaders do not direct the personal lives of members, i.e., areas of life not directly related
to their commitment in CFC.
b) Exceptions:
D. Submission.
c) 1 John 4:20. In the same way, our attitude towards human authority has a bearing on
our relationship to divine authority.
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2. The Bible urges a relationship of trust and full cooperation. Heb 13:17. 1 Thes 5:12-13.
a) Involves obedience, but not just looking for commands and obeying them. Rather,
taking active responsibility.
b) Involves initiative.
a) Look to leaders as having been given position and authority by the Lord.
b) We want to have order and unity so that we will be able to serve the Lord as a body
effectively.
5. If your judgment seriously differs, especially if you think harm would result, you can
appeal.
a) First to the head giving the direction. Next to the head over him. Can reach all the
way to the CFC Council.
b) Prevents power struggles and conflicts, thus bringing peace and unity.
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f) Frees the power of God to work in the body.
1. Guidance and submission in CFC should always function within the context of a loving
relationship.
a) Both head and subordinate must be committed to one another in brotherly love.
b) Those who exercise authority care for those under them; those who submit to
authority cooperate and receive guidance willingly.
F. Conclusion.
1. For us to live as a people of God and to function as a body, there is a need for authority
and submission.
2. Together, exercising our respective roles actively, CFC can move as one, and be effective
in the pursuit of our life and mission.
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COUPLES FOR CHRIST
LIVING AS A PEOPLE OF GOD
Participant's Handout
1. In living out the roles of heads and members in CFC, there is a need for governmental
authority and submission.
a) Personal guidance is necessary for the individual members to grow in their commitment
and for CFC to move as one effective unit.
b) Authority and submission are aspects of our personal relationship as brethren in the Lord.
a) The CFC Council directs the body as a whole. It delegates its authority to other CFC
leaders.
b) Leaders lead and care for their members.
Teaching, correcting, encouraging, building up, praying for.
Personal guidance regarding one's life in CFC.
c) Leaders do not direct the personal lives of members in areas which are not directly related
to their life in CFC. Exceptions:
An area needs significant correction.
The welfare of CFC is adversely affected.
3. Submission.
4. Authority/personal guidance and submission should always function within the context of a
loving relationship. It should result in joy for both head and member.
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COUPLES FOR CHRIST
LIVING AS A PEOPLE OF GOD
Expanded Outline
A. Introduction.
1. Eph 4:22-24. Holiness and righteousness should characterize the life of every Christian
community.
a) We should not allow sin and wrongdoing as an accepted part of our life together.
b) This is simply based on a right relationship with God and our commitment to love one
another.
2. Thus, if something is wrong in the relationship between members, go and seek reconciliation.
Mt 5:23-24; Mt 18:15.
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"against someone" means not just if we have an emotional difficulty or a somewhat
negative feeling about another person, but when there is objective wrongdoing.
We do not have to go to another for every small thing.
3. If we are unable to work out a dispute, seek a judgment from governing authority in CFC.
c) Do not go to secular courts against a member, unless this is the only alternative left. 1
Cor 6:1-7.
One should even prefer to be cheated rather than cause serious dissension in the
body.
Sin of one is harmful to others. It can block God's action in the body.
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a) The basic way is through correction.
b) For heads (parents in families and household leaders in CFC), correction is an ongoing
responsibility.
Mt 18:15-17. Our motive is to win over our brother. Though harsh, it is done out
of love.
1 Cor 5:1-5. "Hand over to Satan" = put them out of the Christian community,
since the community is protection against Satan. Again, our motive is his salvation
ultimately.
- Opinions incompatible with basic Christian truths (e.g., Jesus is not God; Jesus'
death and resurrection not necessary to be saved, etc.). Not just difference in
theological opinions.
b) There are other types of Scriptural discipline for less serious offenses.
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Ostracism/admonition. 2 Thes 3:14-15.
For refusal to abide by community order. This includes publicly denying CFC
teachings
For any other act that would seriously undermine the life and mission of CFC.
1. Peace can exist and discipline carried out in a loving way only if the body as a whole
guards its speech carefully.
a) Wrong speech can be destructive. This includes speaking against, judging, gossip,
criticism.
b) But if speech is disciplined, this can be one of the greatest sources of love.
a) We don't mean there is no judgment at all within the community, because those in
authority are responsible for judgments. For example: parents, magistrates.
What should not be done is to speak out against, to speak ill, to make accusations.
1 Pet 2:1.
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You must be willing to be identified.
c) The above is applicable as well if our difficulty is with our own head or with other
leaders in CFC.
If we are not the head, and a member makes accusations against another member,
we should tell him to bring it to the proper authority.
b) We should not give negative evaluations of how others conduct their service unless we
are responsible over their service.
E. What makes it work? How can we embrace discipline and foster peace?
2. Fraternal concern.
b) Real love for one another. We are responsible for each other's lives, and we exercise
that responsibility with loving care, with respect and compassion.
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COUPLES FOR CHRIST
LIVING AS A PEOPLE OF GOD
Participant's Handout
1. Holiness and righteousness should characterize the life of every Christian community. Eph
4:22-24.
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TALK No. 5 : UNITY AND DISAGREEMENT
Expanded Outline
Mutual love means service, obedience, care, self-sacrifice. We are to look to the
good of others.
Unity means not just the absence of division and conflict, but loving one another as
the love between the Father and the Son.
The elders and other leaders teach, direct, lead. The members submit and receive
guidance.
3. Aspects of unity:
a) Unity is not just external. Rather, it is a unity of heart and mind, of thought and
judgment.
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- Godly wisdom about how to live together as CFC.
b) Unity requires:
Elders/leaders who lead well, who are Godly, gifted and trained.
c) Humility does not mean giving up one's own mind. We are not robots; CFC is not a
cult.
But it involves willingness to give those in authority the benefit of the doubt, to be
cooperative, to handle disagreements in the right way.
For us, we do not discard the above totally, but we look to a higher value: love of
God and neighbor, involving unity of heart and mind.
We are not against using our minds, being creative, or having some diversity. But
our ideal is unity, not individual uniqueness.
a) If conflict prevails, disunity results. If meekness, unity grows and love thrives.
2. Spirit of conflict.
b) How? Manifestations:
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Factions, campaigns.
c) Conflict is either rooted in the flesh, or comes from a conviction that conflict is the
best way to raise issues and get action. Either way, this is not our way in CFC.
a) This is the spirit of those who know that they are servants of God and of their brethren.
Can enter into discussion in good faith, trusting that all involved want to know the
truth and follow it.
Trust that the Lord will guide and lead His people.
Being willing to accept a decision different from one's own opinion or preference.
In fact, because of greater mutual trust among brethren, there should be greater
ability to speak freely.
The situation is often entirely different. Basic Christian principles and relationships
are not in place.
A more aggressive posture might be the appropriate thing. E.g., Operation Rescue
(sit-ins at abortion clinics).
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a) If you see something to be improved, then share your opinion.
If your evaluation is negative, speak only to the person responsible for your area of
concern.
In all these, accept that the final decision belongs to those responsible.
They should take suggestions and even negative evaluation seriously (it might be
from the Lord!).
If they do not agree with the suggestions, then they should normally explain or
account for their decision.
2. In matters of major direction or teaching or culture in CFC (e.g., family life, evangelistic
thrust, etc.).
They listen to others and consult as needed, but they then make the decisions and
expect others to accept and support these.
If you still can't personally accept the decision, you can request a judgment from
the CFC Council, but should be willing to accept its decision.
D. Discussion in love.
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1. God is love. Love is essential in Christian community. Eph 4:15-16.
a) Secular approach: value opinions, policies, approaches. CFC approach: value love
relationship.
Secular: discuss issues, debate policies, evaluate performance. CFC: build one
another up; serve the Lord.
In fact, a Christian community is a place for the freest discussion, because we are
secure in our love relationship.
It is disloyal:
- to go to people outside to put pressure on the community to change.
- to expose community difficulties to media or others outside.
- to draw outsiders into community disagreements.
b) We are to relate to outsiders in a way that will increase their respect for CFC.
E. Conclusion.
1. We have been called to CFC. Part of it is Jesus' call to perfect unity.
2. We will have disagreements but we should handle these in a good way. With love and
loyalty.
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COUPLES FOR CHRIST
LIVING AS A PEOPLE OF GOD
Participant's Handout
1. Jesus calls for perfect unity. Jn 17:20-23.
a) With unity, we experience the power and victory of the Lord.
Acts 4:32-33. Phil 1:27-28.
b) We achieve unity:
By loving relationships.
By means of authority/government and submission.
c) Unity is not just external, but one of heart and mind, of thought and judgment.
Requires humility.
d) We should be loyal.
Keep community disagreements within the community. Col 4:5-6.
A family spirit should prevail.
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COUPLES FOR CHRIST
LIVING AS A PEOPLE OF GOD
Expanded Outline
A. Introduction.
b) V. 13-15. Our goal: maturity in Christ. We are to be Christlike, to enter into union
with Christ.
c) V. 16. The condition for the body's growth: the proper functioning of each part.
a) There are certain activities and services which form the life and mission of the body.
b) Each member takes personal responsibility for such vision and mission.
3. We will look at 4 major areas: caring for others, faithful participation at activities, service,
and finances.
2. Specifically, basic care is provided through the various pastoral groupings in CFC.
a) All belong to households. This is our basic means of caring for all.
We do not limit our contact to the formal meetings, especially for those who live
or work close to each other.
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Our relationships should not be limited to our household. We are not islands, but
all part of the larger body.
4. While we have a special love and care for our brethren, we should look to the good of all.
Gal 6:10.
C. Meetings.
3. Continued failure, without valid reason, to attend meetings is a ground for termination of
CFC membership.
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D. Service.
a) CFC exists not just for its own sake or even just for the welfare of its members, but so
it can do a wider work of evangelization and renewal.
Inward: we love one another and thus experience unity, order and peace.
Outward: we give of our time and energy to serve others.
The two go together and are both essential.
Thus one strength of CFC: fully 20% or so of total membership are leaders!
b) Household leaders become unit leaders, who later can become chapter leaders.
c) Many other services: CLP team, music ministry, service teams, Family and Special
Ministries.
3. Our posture.
E. Finances.
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1. Giving money to CFC is not part of our covenant. However, financial support of God's
work is part of growing to Christian maturity.
3. Our posture.
Do not be ashamed of being able to give only a small amount, if that is all you
really can afford.
If every member gave regularly (monthly), even if not a full tithe, there would be
enough money to fully pursue our ministry.
F. Conclusion.
1. It is a privilege for us all to be called by God into a body where we can learn to know, love
and serve Him.
2. We have a responsibility to do our share to make CFC truly a body God can use.
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COUPLES FOR CHRIST
LIVING AS A PEOPLE OF GOD
Participant's Handout
1. Eph 4:7-8,11-16.
a) The body is given gifts to build itself up and to equip members for ministry/service.
b) Our goal is maturity in Christ.
c) The condition for the body's growth is the proper functioning of each part.
3. Meetings.
a) Our posture: Heb 10:24-25.
An opportunity to worship God as a body.
An opportunity to rouse and encourage one another.
b) We are not free to decide if we will attend or not.
A part of our covenant.
We can be absent for good reason. Inform our head.
c) Continued failure to attend, without valid reason, is a ground for termination of
membership in CFC.
4. Service.
a) CFC exists to serve God and the Church.
b) There are various services in CFC.
Most important is pastoral leadership of households.
c) Our posture:
Be open to any service.
Seek the Lord about how you can contribute. 1 Tim 3:1.
Trust the Lord for what is needed for the service. 1 Cor 12:11.
5. Finances.
a) Financial support of God's work is part of growing to Christian maturity.
However, giving to CFC is not part of our covenant.
The Scriptural teaching is to give a tithe, i.e., 10% of our income. Malachi 3:7b-10.
b) Our posture: generosity. We should desire to further the global mission of CFC.
Everyone can and should make a contribution.
c) Be open to other uses of our finances, such as resource sharing, almsgiving, fundraising,
support for other groups or individuals. These are over and above our tithe.
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