Giving Is Already Our Lifestyle

Over the past few weeks we have been offering very important points for us to consider for making a Godly response to the pagan origins of December 25th. As Faith Leaders and Community Life Coaches, we have decided to provide practical answers and solutions for you and your family.

Here are three points we asked you to consider for responding to people who are caught in the midst of the December 25th controversy:

1.) Become all things to all men - 1 Corinthians 9:18-23

2.) Don’t cause your brother to stumble - 1 Corinthians 8:4-13, and

3.) Use the opportunity (holiday) to bless your enemies - Matthew 5:43-45

This time we are offering the fourth of five responses:

Response #4: Continue steadfast in the first-century church lifestyle of generosity - Acts 2: 40-47

In the early church, they developed a lifestyle of sharing with others and making intentional efforts to help those in need. This was not a practice that came out of pagan rituals or December 25th. The church did this as part of the overflow of the life of Christ within them.

Never think of gift-giving and helping the needy as only a December 25th thing. It's simply a Godly response. This date just happens to be a great time to do what should come naturally for Believers all year.

Today, we are urgently trying to communicate that in spite of the negative history, controversies and conflicts that surround December 25th, Christ must truly become YOUR reason for this season and all year round.

The world will continue to celebrate the sun god (in all its many names and forms) as part of their annual winter celebrations. WE must celebrate the Son of God and give a Godly RESPONSE to our non-believing family and friends, and to our Christian brothers and sisters who may not have this insight.

Many religious leaders are preaching strongly about the negative issues that surround December 25th. However, we believe that it is one thing to expose all the problems with this date, but it is another thing to actually offer a way for people to RESPOND in this season and bring Glory to God the Father.

Yes, we must speak the truth about December 25th, but what does it matter if we cannot present TRUTH in LOVE and take advantage of the opportunity to lead people to a genuine relationship with Father God through Christ?

Giving gifts and helping the needy is more than a December 25th thing; it's a Godly thing. God gave us the gift of His son. For God so loved the world that He gave..... 

We're Building People.

The Gift of Forgiveness

 

In the midst of global political and economic upheaval, people are struggling, trying to find a way to still celebrate the holiday season. The entire year has been challenging and even as it wraps up, it still shows no sign of letting up on the relentless assault on our lives.

For centuries, people of various faiths and religious beliefs have furiously battled over the appropriate way to deal with the holiday season. Even within Christianity there are debates about the way December 25th should be celebrated, or if it should be celebrated at all.

In the first two blogs of this series, we started discussing the controversies surrounding various December 25th celebrations and traditions; and how we, as Believers, must stop merely REACTING to the negative origins of this date and begin making a wise RESPONSE to this season.

We are offering at least Five Godly Responses to December 25th.

So far we have presented two responses:
#1: Become All Things to All Men from 1 Corinthians 9:18-23 (NKJV)
#2: Don’t cause your brother to stumble from 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 (NKJV)

This week we’re offering response #3 - Use the opportunity (holiday) to love, bless, do good and pray for your enemies, cursers, haters and persecutors. 

Many people are giving in to the pressure to buy gifts and they’re going to run up huge credit card bills to do it. Recently, we saw a celebrity on a talk show and he said the only thing he asked his family and friends to give him was a gift that doesn’t cost any money. So he simply asked for a letter, a poem, a song, a phone call, etc. It is truly amazing how one of the richest people in America has a request for the most important things in life. Meanwhile, many of the poorest people in America will try to spend money.

We plan to enjoy the holiday by spending time with family. We are focusing on our relationships; even the relationships that are not doing so well. We encourage you to do the same.

In Matthew 5:43-45 (NKJV), Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

This may seem radical, but we believe that we can use this holiday season as an opportunity to bless those who are our enemies. Jesus actually tells us to bless those who curse us.

What a marvelous time to do something so completely unexpected that it truly personifies what it means to be a child of our Father in heaven. Just like HE provides sunshine and rain (and rain was a wonderful thing for their agriculturally-based society) to evil and good people, we can express His goodness and mercy in a tangible way as well.

For many of us, we don’t have to think too hard to come up with a name or two of people whom we could bless in this way. Many people will be scrambling through shopping malls trying to find the perfect gift for someone who is very special to them. But what if we include in our lists, a couple of people who don’t like us very much?

In these harsh economic times, millions of people don’t have very much money for purchasing gifts and December 25th has become more of a burden of obligation than a time of celebration. However, we encourage you to consider those who spitefully used you or even persecuted you. It might be something as simple as sending a Christmas card or extending an invitation to dinner.

One year the Holy Spirit showed me that I had buried unforgiveness regarding a childhood bully. Just mentioning his name brought up old feelings of anger and resentment. So the Lord impressed upon me to start the cleansing process by sending a Christmas card with a letter. It was to be the first step in blessing someone who persecuted me long ago.

What names and faces come into your thoughts as you consider this Godly response? Don’t hesitate. Take advantage of this holiday season to respond like a child of God. Give the gift of forgiveness.

We're Building People!

A Matter of Conscience

In the midst of global political and economic upheaval, people are struggling, trying to find a way to still celebrate the holiday season. The entire year has been challenging and even as it wraps up, it still shows no sign of letting up on the relentless assault on our lives.

In years past, people of various faiths and religious beliefs have furiously battled over the appropriate way to deal with the holiday season. Even within Christianity there are debates about the way December 25th should be celebrated, or if it should be celebrated at all.

In the last blog, we began discussing some of the controversies surrounding December 25th and how we, as Believers, can stop merely REACTING to the negative origins of this date and begin making wise RESPONSES to this season.

We are offering at least Five Godly Responses to December 25th.

Last week we presented response #1: Become All Things to All Men, according to 1 Corinthians 9:18-23.

This week we offer response #2: Don’t cause your brother to stumble - 1 Corinthians 8:4-13 (NKJV)

In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul was dealing with a matter that was very similar to the controversial December 25th issues. Some Believers were participating in the practice of eating food that was offered to idols. They didn’t feel restricted because they knew that the idols were not real gods and they also knew that what goes into a person is not what defiles them.

It’s the same for Christian Believers today who participate in modern December 25th rituals that have proven historical foundation in idol worship (The sun god and a season known as Saturnalia). They feel, just as those early Believers to whom Paul had written, that they are free in Christ Jesus. Therefore, they have no problem with celebrating December 25th with some of the pagan mixtures. 

Many educated Believers know that Christmas was started as something that was seperate from Saturnalia and sun god celebrations, but a lot of those pagan rituals became mixed in with the celebration of Christ; even confusing December 25th as Christ's date of birth, when it was actually a celebration of His coming to save mankind, not a commemoration of the day He was born.

However, Paul admonished those early Believers to not allow their freedom to cause another brother to stumble. He explained that due to his brother's conscience, he did not have internal permission to participate in that practice of eating food offered to idols.

If another Believer is struggling with our practices, it may wound their conscience. Paul actually says that we sin against our brother and Christ. The sin is not the practice itself, but it is in how the participation affects our brothers.

Let’s read the letter: “Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.”

We realize that even though there are many things that are okay for Chris and Carol to do, as Spiritual Wellness coaches and ministers in this community, they are not always expedient. Some things are not wise for us to do. Some things are not beneficial for us to do. There are many things that we were at liberty to say and do in Missouri that have proven to be offensive in Pennsylvania. So we don't do them for the sake of our brothers and sisters in this region and culture.

Why abstain? Well, because we have an extremely important mission and purpose. Some of our freedoms could go beyond merely offending another brother, and could actually cause them to stumble. Paul says that some of our freedoms could actually wound another brother’s conscience. Our freedoms can cause others, who are outside of the Faith, to continue in their ungodly practices. So, we have learned that some things are just not worth it. Why risk losing potential brothers and sisters or wounding current brothers and sisters?

What are we saying to you today? We're saying, please be very careful of what you practice in this controversial season. Allow the Holy Spirit to give you the 'yea and nay' about what you do. Don't question Him. Just obey Him.

We cannot, do not, must not, and will not dictate what goes on in your home. We’re not the December 25th police! God knows who is in your family and He knows the people who are part of your life. You might be connected to people with whom your response is based upon what we mentioned last week ….I have become, to those who are without law, as without law.

Most of today’s December 25th practices don’t cause people any internal conflict because they have no knowledge of the history. But if you are closely connected with Believing family members who have issues with these things, be very wise and sensitive to where they are in their conscience. They would require the response from last week's scripture .…I become to those who are under the law, as under the law.

Remember, a person’s beliefs are often deeply rooted in teachings, upbringing, personal interpretation, history and life-long understandings. It really is a matter of their conscience. Don’t force someone to violate their own conscience. It’s not simply a matter of whether THEY are right or wrong about December 25th. Don’t let your freedom cause your brother to stumble.

We're Building People.

The Holiday Challenge

It’s that time again. It’s the holiday season. It’s time for family, fellowship, food and.... controversy. 

Following Thanksgiving, people usually start to immediately prepare for December 25th. That's because the day after Thanksgiving is the "official" start of the holiday shopping season. 

In the midst of global political and economic upheaval, people are struggling, trying to find a way to still celebrate the holiday season. The entire year has been challenging and even as it wraps up, it still shows no sign of letting up on the relentless assault on our lives.

In years past, people of various faiths and religious beliefs have furiously battled over the appropriate way to deal with the holiday season. Even within Christianity there are debates about the way December 25th should be celebrated, or if it should be celebrated at all.

Every year, we take advantage of this annual holiday launch to start talking about December 25th and what it truly means in America today.

Did you know that millions of people believe December 25th should not be celebrated at all?

Perhaps you are one of them.

When you learn about some of its background and history you can understand why. Here are just a few reasons why it is not celebrated in many sectors of American society. You might have family or friends who feel this way:

1.) December 25th is just a capitalistic marketing ploy to manipulate the masses to spend money.

2.) There is no Christian church validation that Jesus was really born on December 25th.

3.) December 25th is a day on which Jews have been shamed, tortured and murdered.

4.) Many of the most popular December 25th customs – including trees, mistletoe, stockings and Santa Claus – are modern reincarnations of pagan rituals.

5.) Most December 25th customs evolved from pagan rituals and practices and, therefore, should never be observed.

We agree that these are all very strong arguments for not participating in the festivities of the holiday. Many preachers across America will accurately and systematically destroy any reason a Christian Believer could possibly be connected to modern-day rituals associated with this season of the year.

However, as you know, we have built a reputation in addressing controversial topics and we’re about to add more fuel to that fire.

Many Christians and religious people have taken the position that it is wrong to embrace things that were perverted and sinful in their origins. They feel we should never attempt to use these things for God. However, that's exactly what God did for us. Even though we were born in sin and shaped in iniquity, Christ died for us while we were still sinners. For anyone who receives Him, He gives them the power to become children of God. He changes us and sets us apart for His purpose. He didn't allow our sinful origins to keep us away from His divine purpose.

Now, as His children, we have the opportunity to take advantage of a season that has very negative origins and highly commercialized, money-making schemes. This is one of the special times in which our families can be exposed to the reality of Christ and the true reason why He came to earth.

We believe that we must do much more than just debate about all the reasons why we should not celebrate December 25th. Most people simply REACT to the negative aspects of this date. We believe that we need to provide Believers some Godly ways to RESPOND to this season.

Beginning this week, we want to give you Five Godly Responses to December 25th.

This week we’re presenting response #1: Become All Things to All Men.

In 1 Corinthians 9:18-23, Paul writes, "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you."

We see the holiday season as the perfect opportunity to connect with many different kinds of people. This scripture does not mean that we become hypocrites and pretenders in order to indulge in secular practices. This is talking about connecting with people ON THEIR LEVEL of understanding. This is about identifying with them, the same way Christ identified with all of mankind.

Don't shun people because of what they believe or practice during this season. Don't isolate yourself from the office party or the family gathering because they may have traditions or rituals that are against your beliefs. Become all things to all men, so that you might by all means save some.

We're Building People.

Fruitful Living Review and Updates (November 2024)

 

Greetings Fruitful Life Family, Friends and Followers:

As you know, Fruitful Life is a community and ministry for all of us who are facing battles and struggles in mental, emotional, physical, financial, occupational, or relationship challenges; or simply working through life's many setbacks and side tracks. We are overcoming together as we turn to God and coming alongside others who will listen, offer support, and pray with us through the journey. 

The holiday season has officially begun.  To prepare for it, we brought back Licensed Professional Counselor and Master Life Coach Amethyst Roberson for another session. She called it “R.I.S.E - Navigating Grief During the Holidays.”  You can watch the session recording which has been provided in the link below.

Be sure to catch the podcast by Tiffany Mc Creight about Grief (see link below), and our annual series of blogs about Five Godly Responses to the Pagan Origins of December 25th. (See links below)

We’ve launched a new teaching series from the STEP Forward Life Institute. This teaching is about True Worship and it focuses on healing relationships in the Body of Christ. This series will be held every Wednesday in December and continue into the New Year until it is complete.

Here’s what’s happening now:

Midweek Connection Schedule 

Feel free to join our weekly Midweek Connection as we unite from coast to coast in the United States. 

Wednesdays at 7:00PM Eastern Time, USA

The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/972473313 

· Prayer Watch – intercession for families and communities 

· Spiritual Wellness Support 

· Bible Study through Biblical Counsel and Coaching

Five Godly Responses to the Pagan Origins of December 25th

1. The Holiday Challenge

https://urbanlifefamilypost.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-holiday-challenge_25.html 

2. A Matter of Conscience

https://urbanlifefamilypost.blogspot.com/2022/12/a-matter-of-conscience.html 

3. The Gift of Forgiveness 

https://urbanlifefamilypost.blogspot.com/2022/12/the-gift-of-forgiveness.html

4. Giving Is Already Our Lifestyle

https://urbanlifefamilypost.blogspot.com/2022/12/giving-is-already-our-lifestyle.html  

5. In Remembrance of Yeshua (Jesus) the Christ

https://urbanlifefamilypost.blogspot.com/2022/12/in-remembrance-of-christ.html 

Sunday Fruitful LIFE-Cast

Sunday Video Postings

The Role of Prayer in World War Two

https://vimeo.com/channels/onlineprayer/542995872  

A Company of Hidden Intercessors

https://vimeo.com/channels/onlineprayer/545831387

Seven National Calls to Prayer 

https://vimeo.com/channels/onlineprayer/540356647 

Expanding and Excelling in Exile 

https://vimeo.com/501647305 

Midweek Connection Archive

Recordings from Wednesday Online sessions

Protected and Prospering in Exile 

https://vimeo.com/1027134462 

Faithful With Little

https://vimeo.com/channels/spiritualwellness2024/1029503811 

True Doxology (Introduction) 

https://vimeo.com/channels/spiritualwellness2024/1031776998 

Friday Prayer Watch

Recordings from Prayer Watch Gatherings

Humbling Ourselves and Turning from Our Wicked Ways

https://youtu.be/dWD_ZmzUrcE?feature=shared 

Rebuild the Ancient Ruins

https://youtu.be/dU71FnSAu4Q?feature=shared 

Restore the Former Desolations

https://youtu.be/SzdZFqXdeHw?feature=shared 

Repair the Ruined Cities

https://vimeo.com/97065282 

Health and Wellness

Mental Health and Wellness Support

 

Good Grief – Navigating the Holidays In The Depths of Grief  (Tiffany Mc Creight)

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8kx5c-cac909 

R.I.S.E - Navigating Grief During the Holidays (Amethyst Roberson, MA, LPC, NCC, CMLC-T)

https://vimeo.com/1024956204 

Self-Care Essentials: R.I.S.E. (Amethyst Roberson, MA, LPC, NCC, CL)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/rise-self-care-essentials 

Christianity and Mental Health (Uniting Faith and Counseling)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/christianity-and-mental-health 

Beyond the Altar (Amethyst Roberson, MA, LPC, NCC, CMLC-T)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/beyond-the-altar 

Elephant in the Room: Mental Health and Wellness in the Church

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/elephant-in-the-room 

The Latest Blogs

Articles, News and Updates

Community Connections

https://www.chrisandcarolgreen.com/community

Books and Publications

Processed for Success

https://www.chrisandcarolgreen.com/processed-for-success 

Renovation in Hearts and Homes 

https://chrisandcarolgreen.blogspot.com/2024/06/chris-and-carol-green-revive.html

YouTube Video Channel

Fruitful Life’s Video Archives

Fruitful Life Media

https://www.youtube.com/@FruitfullifeNetwork 

Responding with CARE Podcasts

https://vimeo.com/channels/respondingwithcare 

STEP Forward Life Institute

"You don't have to light up the whole world. That will happen as each one of us brightens the part of the world where God has placed us.”

Personal Growth and Spiritual Maturity

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/personal-growth-maturity 

Fruitful Life Education Certificate Courses

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/certificate-courses 

Our Resource Library – Recommended Books and Courses

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/library 

Staying Connected

Join the Fruitful Life Learning Community’s  Social Media Support Group Pages

Both of these are wonderful spaces to keep up with teaching series, encouraging video clips, prayer postings, and staying up to date with what God is speaking and doing in other ministries around the country and all over the world.

1.) Spiritual Wellness Community

https://www.facebook.com/groups/fruitfullifecommunity 

2.) Hearts and Homes Community

https://fruitfullifenetwork.mn.co/

Support Chris and Carol and their Work at

https://www.chrisandcarolgreen.com/donations 

***

Fruitful Living Review and Updates (October 2024)

Greetings Fruitful Life Family, Friends and Followers:

As you know, Fruitful Life is a community and ministry for all of us who are facing battles and struggles in mental, emotional, physical, financial, occupational, or relationship challenges; or simply working through life's many setbacks and side tracks. We are overcoming together as we turn to God and coming alongside others who will listen, offer support, and pray with us through the journey.

During the month of September,  Chris’ mother passed away and their family gathered in St. Louis, MO. on September 27 and celebrated her life and legacy. Afterwards, Chris and Carol took a sabbatical during the month of October for physical, mental and spiritual rest and recovery. They will continue to operate on a limited basis throughout the rest of the year.

We thank you again for your support and prayers.

As we prepare for the election, please know that we have been offering wisdom for navigating these critical moments in time for 20 years. We encourage you to explore Community Connections (The Latest Blogs), Renovations in Hearts and Homes (Books and Publications), and Personal Growth and Spiritual Maturity (STEP Forward Life Institute) in the links below.

In the meantime, we have already begun preparing for the holiday season. Part of that preparation included bringing back Licensed Professional Counselor and Master Life Coach Amethyst Roberson for another session. She called it “R.I.S.E - Navigating Grief During the Holidays.”  You can watch the session recording which has been provided in the links below as well.

Here’s what’s happening now: 

Midweek Connection Schedule

Feel free to join our weekly Midweek Connection as we unite from coast to coast in the United States.

Wednesdays at 7:00PM Eastern Time, USA

The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/972473313 

Prayer Watch – Corporate intercessory prayer

Spiritual Wellness Support Group

STEP Forward Life Institute –monthly Live Zoom Bible study and class

The Latest Blogs

Articles, News and Updates

Community Connections

https://www.chrisandcarolgreen.com/community

 

 

Books and Publications

Processed for Success

https://www.chrisandcarolgreen.com/processed-for-success

Renovation in Hearts and Homes

https://chrisandcarolgreen.blogspot.com/2024/06/chris-and-carol-green-revive.html

 

Health and Wellness

Mental Health and Wellness Support

NEW Content: R.I.S.E - Navigating Grief During the Holidays

https://vimeo.com/1024956204

Self-Care Essentials: R.I.S.E. (Amethyst Roberson, MA, LPC, NCC)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/rise-self-care-essentials

 Christianity and Mental Health (Uniting Faith and Counseling)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/christianity-and-mental-health

Beyond the Altar (Amethyst Roberson, MA, LPC, NCC)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/beyond-the-altar

 Elephant in the Room: Mental Health and Wellness in the Church

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/elephant-in-the-room

  

 

STEP Forward Life Institute

....So you can Be who God called you to Be In Your Family and Community

STEP Forward Overview video

https://vimeo.com/968184743/0e26b86337

Personal Growth and Spiritual Maturity

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/personal-growth-maturity

 Fruitful Life Education Certificate Courses

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/certificate-courses

Our Resource Library – Recommended Books and Courses

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/library

 

Responding with CARE Podcasts

https://vimeo.com/channels/respondingwithcare

 

 

Staying Connected

Join the Fruitful Life Learning Community’s Facebook Group

This is a wonderful place to keep up with sermons and messages, prayer requests, and stay up to date with what God is speaking and doing in others around the country and all over the world.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/fruitfullifecommunity

***

Fruitful Living Review and Updates (August 2024)

 

Fruitful Living Monthly Updates

As you know, Fruitful Life is a community and ministry for all of us who are facing battles and struggles in mental, emotional, physical, financial, occupational, or relationship challenges; or simply working through life's many setbacks and side tracks. We are all turning to God and coming alongside others who will listen, offer support, and pray with us through the journey. 

We are now preparing for the official marking of 20 years of ministry and service in south central Pennsylvania. We completed the editing of our first three podcasts and they will go live during our 20-year anniversary commemorations throughout the month of September. Chris will celebrate his 65th birthday on September 8th. 

During the month of August we began the process of resetting and streamlining our work. We will discontinue the Community Site and connect with our followers through the private Facebook group page. 

We thank you again for your support and prayers.

Here’s what’s happening now:

20th Anniversary Podcasts

Responding with CARE Podcast with Chris and Carol Green

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Haolg1DPQlM  

Premieres Sep 8, 2024

Episode #1: Chris and Carol will introduce their podcast which will commemorate their journey over the last 20 years by interviewing extraordinary people who responded to their communities with CARE.

Responding with CARE Podcast with Tannon Herman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCUzZCSeVQg 

Premieres Sep 15, 2024

Episode #2: Chris and Carol Green interview Tannon Herman as part of the commemoration of their journey over the last 20 years by highlighting extraordinary people who responded to their communities with CARE.

Responding with CARE Podcast with Amethyst Roberson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mpjOYmQUnU 

Premieres Sep 22, 2024

Episode #3: Chris and Carol Green interview Amethyst Roberson as part of the commemoration of their journey over the last 20 years by highlighting extraordinary people who responded to their communities with CARE.

Midweek Connection Schedule 

Feel free to join our weekly Midweek Connection as we unite from coast to coast in the United States.

 

Wednesdays at 7:00PM Eastern Time, USA

The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/972473313

Prayer Watch – Corporate intercessory prayer 

Spiritual Wellness Support Group

STEP Forward Life Institute – Live Zoom Bible study and class

The Latest Blogs

Articles, News and Updates

Community Connections

https://www.chrisandcarolgreen.com/community

Books and Publications

Processed for Success

https://www.chrisandcarolgreen.com/processed-for-success 

Renovation in Hearts and Homes 

https://chrisandcarolgreen.blogspot.com/2024/06/chris-and-carol-green-revive.html

Health and Wellness

Mental Health and Wellness Support

 

NEW: Self-Care Essentials: R.I.S.E. (Amethyst Roberson, MA, LPC, NCC)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/rise-self-care-essentials 

Beyond the Altar (Amethyst Roberson, MA, LPC, NCC)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/beyond-the-altar 

Christianity and Mental Health (Uniting Faith and Counseling)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/christianity-and-mental-health 

Elephant in the Room: Mental Health and Wellness in the Church

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/elephant-in-the-room 

STEP Forward Life Institute

....So you can Be who God called you to Be In Your Family and Community

New STEP Forward Overview video 

https://vimeo.com/968184743/0e26b86337

Personal Growth and Spiritual Maturity

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/personal-growth-maturity 

Fruitful Life Education Certificate Courses

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/certificate-courses 

Our Resource Library – Recommended Books and Courses

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/library 

Staying Connected

Join the Fruitful Life Learning Community’s Facebook Group

This is the best place to keep up with prayer requests and ongoing updates and reports on what’s happening in one another’s lives.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/fruitfullifespiritualwellnesscommunity/ 

***

Fruitful Living Review and Updates (July 2024)

Fruitful Living Monthly Updates

 

Greetings Fruitful Life Family, Friends and Followers:

 

As you know, Fruitful Life is a community and ministry for all of us who are facing battles and struggles in mental, emotional, physical, financial, occupational, or relationship challenges; or simply working through life's many setbacks and side tracks. We are all turning to God and coming alongside others who will listen, offer support, and pray with us through the journey.​

 

July Highlights: We took a sabbatical/ break. However, before taking that break we were invited to make a very special presentation to our county’s human service partners and agencies. We were also able to conduct our first interview with one of the ministry leaders that we financially support every month. Carol completed her master mental health coaching certification. Even while we were on sabactical our automated system continued to post weekly clips and messages.

 

We thank you for your support and prayers.

 

In Case You Missed It, here’s what’s happening now:

 

Midweek Connection Schedule

Feel free to join our weekly Midweek Connection as we unite from coast to coast in the United States.

 

Wednesdays at 7:00PM Eastern Time, USA

The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/972473313

 

Prayer Watch – Corporate intercessory prayer

 

Spiritual Wellness Support Group

 

STEP Forward Life Institute –Live Zoom Bible study and class

 

 

The Latest Blogs

Articles, News and Updates

 

Carol Green Earns Board-Certified Master Mental Health Coaching Credential

https://chrisandcarolgreen.blogspot.com/2024/07/carol-green-earns-master-mental-health.html

 

Chris and Carol Green Present CARE-Readiness Model to County's Human Service Agencies

https://chrisandcarolgreen.blogspot.com/2024/07/chris-and-carol-green-present-their.html

 

Community Connections

https://www.chrisandcarolgreen.com/community

 

 

Books and Publications

 

Processed for Success

https://www.chrisandcarolgreen.com/processed-for-success

 

Renovation in Hearts and Homes

https://chrisandcarolgreen.blogspot.com/2024/06/chris-and-carol-green-revive.html

 

 

 

Health and Wellness

Mental Health and Wellness Support

 

Self-Care Essentials: R.I.S.E. (Amethyst Roberson, MA, LPC, NCC)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/rise-self-care-essentials

 

Christianity and Mental Health (Uniting Faith and Counseling)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/christianity-and-mental-health

 

Beyond the Altar (Amethyst Roberson, MA, LPC, NCC)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/beyond-the-altar

 

Elephant in the Room: Mental Health and Wellness in the Church

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/elephant-in-the-room

 

 

 

STEP Forward Life Institute

....So you can Be who God called you to Be In Your Family and Community

 

New STEP Forward Overview video

https://vimeo.com/968184743/0e26b86337

 

Personal Growth and Spiritual Maturity

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/personal-growth-maturity

 

Fruitful Life Education Certificate Courses

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/certificate-courses

 

Our Resource Library – Recommended Books and Courses

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/library

 

 

Staying Connected

 

Join the Fruitful Life Learning Community’s Facebook Group

This is the best place to keep up with prayer requests and ongoing updates and reports on what’s happening in one another’s lives.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/275183742084251

 

Enroll in the Hearts and Homes Community Page

This is the best place to catch weekly postings of video clips that provide encouragement, teaching, insight and wisdom.

https://fruitfullifenetwork.mn.co/

 

 

***

Fruitful Living Review and Updates (June 2024)

Updates from January to June 2024

 

Greetings Fruitful Life Family, Friends and Followers: 

As you know, we came through a very trying and difficult season from 2019-2021. We learned a lot about our limitations and unrealistic expectations. Since that time we have made many changes and part of that has meant emphasizing the original call that God gave us for the ministry of Fruitful Life. 

Fruitful Life is a community and ministry of “presence" for people who are just like us; who are facing battles and struggles in mental, emotional, physical, financial, occupational, or relationship challenges; or simply working through life's many setbacks and sidetracks. We are all turning to God and coming alongside others who will listen, offer support, and pray with us through the journey. 

During the month of June we began our new Midweek Schedule. We also updated and reproduced one of our books from 2015 and republished it under a new title. We continued to post new Fruitful Living podcast entries. We completed and added two new courses in the STEP Forward Life Institute. And at our attendee's request, we began working on lesson outlines and notes for the monthly LIVE STEP Forward Life Institute sessions. 

This month we received a powerful testimonial from Hosea and Amethyst Roberson, which they shared in our last Spiritual Wellness Support group session. 

We also received the wonderful news that AJ and Shavaun Jackson (aka Givers of Hope) who are domestic missionaries serving in the Nashville, TN area, had a car donated to them. Please join them in giving praise to God for this awesome breakthrough in their pioneering journey in that community. 

Special note* We will be unavailable for a great deal of the month of July. We are taking a sabbatical/ break, followed by a trip to St. Louis, Missouri to assist in the round-the-clock care for both of Chris’ parents. We look forward to seeing a few family and friends, as well. We thank you for your understanding, support and prayers. 

Also, watch for Mental Health Courses that will be made available on the STEP Forward Life Institute's web page by Amethyst Roberson (MA, LPC, NCC, CMLC). 

In Case You Missed It, here’s what’s happening now: 

New Midweek Connection Schedule

Feel free to join our weekly Midweek Connection as we unite from coast to coast in the United States. 

Wednesdays at 7:00PM Eastern Time, USA

The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/972473313 

Prayer Watch – Corporate intercessory prayer

Spiritual Wellness Support Group

STEP Forward Life Institute – Bible study and class 

 

The Latest Blogs

Articles, News and Updates

 

Community Connections

https://www.chrisandcarolgreen.com/community

 

Fruitful Living Podcast Series Expands

https://vimeo.com/channels/fruitfullivingtv

 

Book by Chris and Carol Green

Just in time for Summer and July 4th Holiday

Revolution in Hearts and Homes

https://chrisandcarolgreen.blogspot.com/2024/06/chris-and-carol-green-revive.html 

 

Health and Wellness

Mental Health and Wellness Support

 

Mental Health Awareness Month: Self Care Presentations

https://chrisandcarolgreen.blogspot.com/2024/05/mental-health-awareness-month-self-care.html

 

Christianity and Mental Health (Uniting Faith and Counseling)

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/christianity-and-mental-health

 

Beyond the Altar: Amethyst Roberson, MA, LPC, NCC

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/beyond-the-altar

 

Elephant in the Room: Mental Health and Wellness in the Church

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/elephant-in-the-room

 

STEP Forward Life Institute

– Add to your faith…. Knowledge. Continue to be equipped and empowered for the work of the ministry in your home and community.

 

New STEP Forward Overview video

https://vimeo.com/968184743/0e26b86337

 

Spiritual Warfare Training Course

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/spiritual-warfare-training

 

Add to Your Faith Foundation

https://fruitfullifeleadershipeducation.talentlms.com/catalog/info/id:211

 

Personal Growth and Spiritual Maturity

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/personal-growth-maturity

 

Fruitful Life Education Certificate Courses

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/certificate-courses

 

Our Resource Library – Recommended Books and Courses

https://www.fruitfullifelearningcommunity.org/library 

 

Staying Connected 

Join the Fruitful Life Learning Community’s Facebook Group

This is the best place to keep up with prayer requests and ongoing updates and reports on what’s happening in one another’s lives.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/275183742084251 

 

Enroll in the Hearts and Homes Community Page

This is the best place to catch weekly postings of video clips that provide encouragement, teaching, insight and wisdom.

https://fruitfullifenetwork.mn.co/ 

 

***

Chris Green Earns Master Mental Health Coach Certification

Today, Chris Green officially became a Board-Certified Master Mental Health Coach (BCMMHC) upon completion of the mental health specialization program: Crisis Response and Trauma Care, administered by the American Association of Christian Counselors through Light University. 

“Many of our religious and civic leaders have been misinformed and still approach this issue from ignorance, stigma, fear, and very bad theology,” Chris explains.

Many still believe that all people need to do is just quote a scripture, say a prayer, and God will take care of the mental health issue by injecting peace into their minds. But God says through Biblical text, that His people perish because of the lack of knowledge. In this aspect of our human experience, we suffer from debilitating ignorance.

In response to this errant mindset and theology, we just wanted to get educated, trained and empowered to address this crisis by learning from other, more knowledgeable and experienced Christian organizations and institutions who bring a balanced and holistic approach to helping individuals and families who are struggling with mental health challenges. We wanted to immerse ourselves in proper education, so that we could better understand the mental health crisis in our own families and communities."

This specialization program in Crisis Response and Trauma Care involved 24 hours of training and exams that prepares leaders to come alongside of those who are hurting, and to help the interventionist properly and adequately respond when a traumatic event happens. The good news is that God is always with us in our trouble, and He has no greater plan than to work through His people as a conduit, to provide a "ministry of presence" that speaks to people in crisis, that God will make a way.

This specialization course was preceded by a 41-hour rigorous training program that included:

 1.) First, the completion of a 14-session course called Foundations of Mental Health Coaching - This introductory course was designed to provide students with an orientation to the field of mental health coaching. Topics covered included the role and scope of mental health coaching within the local church, ethical guidelines and professional standards in coaching, crisis intervention techniques, and the integration of faith and biblical wisdom in coaching.

 2.) Next, the completion of a 14-session course called Mental Health Coaching Skills -The purpose of this course was to provide students with the fundamental theories and skills of Christ-centered mental health coaching. Key elements of the coaching process, included methods of change, listening, effective communication, giving hope, operating small groups, and counseling theory.

 3.) And finally, the completion of a 13-session course called Mental and Behavioral Health Disorders - This course introduced students to the fundamentals of mental and behavioral health disorders. Particular emphasis was placed on factors that cause mental disorders, as well as conventional treatments. Conditions discussed included addiction, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

As a Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach, credentialed by the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC), Chris has earned a voluntary global credential that trains and charges its recipients to maintain the highest clinical, ethical and biblical standards of practice.

“I'm very pleased to have earned this credential," Chris concluded. “Now my wife (Carol) and I are better prepared to assist people through our coaching business and ministry. We're also able to become a more successful connection and liaison between those who need help, and the very capable mental health professionals in our community. We are part of an army of mental health coaches that are being trained and deployed across the United States. It's a new day for those who have been suffering in silence in our families, neighborhoods, church pews, classrooms and office cubicles."

Chris and Carol Green are the creators of the CARE-Ready Life Coaching® model of inspiration, education and certification, and the founders of the STEP Forward Life Institute™, an online community service preparatory platform. Through their business and school, they empower people to become the change they want to see, and to become the kind and caring light this world so desperately needs.