2020 is here! The decade has just begun, and we are so excited to see what our God will do within Adult & Teen Challenge over the coming year. We have much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to! Our vision continues to be strong and intentional:

Freeing all people from life-controlling issues through the power of Jesus Christ.

I love our vision because it reminds us that first – we must go after everyone who suffers the horrors of addiction. To see “all” people free – we must be working to reach everyone.

Next, our vision statement serves to broaden our concept of “addiction”. As we know, alcohol and substance abuse typically coincide with other behavioral issues that bring students to our doors. Whether it’s an issue of substance abuse, alcoholism, gambling, pornography, social media addiction or technology addiction, God has given us the answer —THE POWER OF JESUS CHRIST.

Finally, our vision statement reminds us of of who and what ATC is – our very core. Every one of our efforts must be driven by evangelism and focus on discipleship. Each of our centers serve different demographics and have different styles, but they are all united by one cross and one Savior. Our DNA is Christ. Always has been and always will be.

With the vision outlined above, the National Office team has been focused on three strategic initiatives in 2019:

1. Sustainability

• We have just finished the first pilot of the new accreditation strategy and are planning to complete accreditation visits at 45+ centers this year (taking our time to learn and adjust the process as needed).
• We have begun raising funds for student scholarships and hope to launch the details of the new Student Scholarship at our national conference!
• We are working with Sober Peer and Global Teen Challenge to identify and implement opportunities for app-based direct care through faith coaches and licensed counselors to serve a new demographic of addicted people who may have never considered ATC as the path to freedom.
• We are researching micro-enterprise – how it has already been used to support the mission, and how it could be deployed on a national scale.
• We look forward to sharing projectREACH, a joint task force effort to develop a national strategy for evangelism. Reaching the lost has to be the “why” behind all that we do in each and every center! Get ready to REACH your neighborhood later this fall!
• In 2021, we will be launching projectENGAGE, a nationwide strategy to provide alumni opportunities to re-engage with the ATC community.

2. Curriculum Optimization

The national office continues to develop innovative and spirit-led student curriculum. Books to look forward to this year:

• Breaking Free (407-607) – ATC’s best resource on ending the addictive cycle, building a new legacy in Christ, and establishing a new normal (re-entry and relapse prevention).
• Preparing for Success – to help our students build the life skills necessary to succeed inside and outside the program. This resource will address living in community, working well with others, theology of work, setting personal goals, finding a vocation and financial management.
• Family and Friends Care Support – an online course and set of resources within our LMS that families and friends can complete.

3. Leadership Development

• Our 2020 national conference is heavily focused on leadership development with great speakers and tracks to choose from. If you haven’t already done so, register today at https://staff.teenchallengeusa.org/events/national-conference/
• We have more than twenty-five courses live in our new Learning Management System (Bridge) and have begun on-boarding corporations and centers. New courses coming soon include:
  • An eight-module (8 hour) online ATC certificate course in Biblical Coaching and Counseling for Faith-Based Recovery. Developed by Dr. Jared Pingleton, a pastor, licensed counselor and professor recognized for his work by the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).
  • An online devotional commentary course (with book) on the book of Colossians in collaboration with the Seminary (AGTS) Faculty at Evangel University. This course is intended for both staff and graduates who would like to dive deeper into a Pauline letter.

Proverbs 16:3 states “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established”. The national team and board of directors have bathed the vision and our strategic initiatives in prayer, spending time daily to lift up this ministry to our good Father. With our work committed to Jehovah-Jireh, we’re ready to see the fruits of our labor (though we have seen much already!)

As you can see, we have much happening and are extremely excited about where God is taking us. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. If we can ever serve you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us the National Office. We love and pray for you all!