Reconciliation - A Transition From Dependency
RECON, developed by Rod Kenner, Men’s Shelter Administrator, is short for Reconciliation. The goal of the ministry is to help men, through the power of God in Jesus Christ, transition from dependency to become independent providers.
When Rod was hired the shelter was full, the Christian Life Program was full, plus there was a waiting list. "God challenged us to minister to the men who were waiting," says Rod. "RECON was developed as a result. We could effectively double our impact by systematically ministering to men in the shelter with Bible classes, skill development, trade refresher and development activities, and social improvement classes."
RECON encourages men in the areas of salvation, starting over with a new & renewed hope, developing a relationship with Christ and improving social skills. Rod explains, "City Union Mission is in the business of reconciling men back to a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. That right relationship helps men understand God’s plan and purpose for their lives and gives them another chance to start over on the road to becoming a provider. A man learns how to provide for his five basic needs: Income, shelter, food, clothing & transportation."
Rod also explains, "Through counseling and case management, men learn how to deal with issues of dependency that brought them to the Mission."
The length of RECON varies with each man, though it is typically a 90-day ministry that reaches men who aren’t ready for the structure and long-term commitment of our Christian Life Program. While they are in the program, they are participate in the Men’s Center work detail. When a man can demonstrate his ability to provide, gets a full time job, and shows knowledge and understanding of financial principles, he is moved from RECON to SA (Special Arrangements).
In-between RECON and SA there is a "Job Hunter’s" program available for those who need help finding a job. A man can spend up to three months in SA. The goal of SA is to provide housing and help him save money to secure the necessary items for independence while he is employed full time. The program is based on men finishing four bases, and applying the LEAVE principle by leaving a mental and physical state of dependency and becoming an independent provider. That basis for this principle comes from Genesis 2:24:
For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
In 2004, RECON classes included:
- Introduction to Christianity - A practical look at what it means to be a Christian at this stage in life.
- Fathering - Through the National Center of Fathering: The Urban Project, these materials and Biblical principles teach men what it means to be a father and how to become a better father.
- Addictions & Emotions - A close and personal look at addictive behavior and life changing emotional events.
- Disciplines of a Godly Man - Looks at those things needed for spiritual growth.
- A Look at the Gospel of John - Looks at Jesus’ life and ministry through John’s gospel.
- An Introduction to Romans
- Prayer - This class is taught using the book, The Prayer of Jabez
- Financial Management - This class covers basic budgeting principles and preparation for financial disclosure after getting employment. Later that year and into 2005, nationally known financial advisor Matt Schoenfeld volunteered his time teaching our Financial Management Class.
