Friends Accountability Circle Team of Seven (F.A.C.T.S)
Friends Accountability Circle of Seven is the life of CLFC. A member of who does not belong or commit to a FACTS is a contradiction and does not make sense. We join CLFC because we love to experience and share the Fivefold Blessing. Since CLFC is a big family of friends how can I experience these blessing tangibly?This could only be possible within FACTS. This is not a program or a strategy of our club, this is CLFC. Our global advocacy of the Jesus' Friendship must not only be a spirit that we cannot feel, taste and see. Instead, it must become realistic in our experience daily. We must think globally but act on it locally.
The FACTS has two sides. First, “being in a Facts” you and I must belong to a group of seven. Where CLFC exist in a community a member must have at least seven person he or she will have time with them once a week. Second, “Leading a FACTS” making it your life time desire (not a goal) to be able to lead seven persons in this Lifetime Friendship Journey.
Why Seven?
At least you can set aside a day for each member of the FACTS to pray and connect by all means. If we want to get its significance we all know the NUMBER SEVEN signifies perfection in the Bible. Here are some events in the Bible where Number Seven is used; Creation completed, Jericho was defeated under Joshua, Captain Naaman of Syrian Army was cleansed from leprosy in the Jordan River, Four thousands people fed by Jesus using seven loaves of bread. And the Holy Spirit commanded the early church to choose SEVEN MEN to do the work of serving the church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:1-7) What if the group will grow more than seven? Well the issue here is convenience for the leader and members so it is up to the group. Number seven is just an ideal but no spiritual connotation. Life in the FACTS is important than the number.
What is the Life in the FACTS?
This is the place where the “One Another” in the Bible will be applied.be members of one another have fellowship with one another.... be devoted to one another.. serve one another
be of the same mind with one another...be at peace with one another... accept one another
receive one another...welcome one another...forgive one another...honor one another
employ gifts for one another... encourage one another...build up one another... bear one another's burdens...bear with one another...submit to one another...admonish one another
instruct one another...stir up one another to love and good works In short life inside the FACTS is simply Friendship and Fun, Assessment and Assistance, Care, Teach, Serve and Share.
What are we going to do during FACTS Meeting?
Basically, its time to share what is in our heart, a problem, struggle, weakness or joy and victory. It is also a time to learn from each other.
Suggested Seating Arrangement- Round Formation so that you can see each other while sharing.
Suggested FACTS Meeting Outline
1.Assessment Time: This is a time where each one must share about his/her life, feelings and anything he/she wants to share. Some guiding questions that each members will answer;
a. How is your day?
b. How is your work/ study?
c. How is your family?
d. How is your health?
e. How is your relationship and fellowship with God?
f. Are there any sins in your heart that needs to be confessed and be forgiven?
g. Any exciting experiences in your life this week?
h. etc
2.Caring Time:This is the time where each members affirm at each other. If there are sins shared, we must assured that we still love the brethren though we don't approve the sin. Encourage to repent and explain the the cruelty of the consequences of the sins but this must be done lovingly without condemnation or feeling holier than the sinning brethren.
3.Teaching Time. This time leader or facilitator will share insights and principles from the Word of God.
4.Praying Time. This time we call on the name of the Lord, seek His face and will for our lives and situations. Each member must talk to God personally, privately then gather together for closing. If possible we will hold hands together a we close in prayer.
What are the things we do not do in FACTS Meeting?
1.We do not Interrupt. When one friend is sharing the rest must listen. “Slow to speak quick to listen”
2.We do not Gossip. In FACTS Meeting we do not discuss the problems, struggles and weaknesses of other people who are not present with us but ourselves. We discourage to share prayer request of other people even co-CLFC members ones there is no instruction to make his her request public among CLFC members.
3.We do not Break Confidence. Everything shared during our FACTS Meeting must remain inside the FACTS. We will observe confidentiality.
4.We do not Judge or Condemn. The FACTS Meeting is the time to refresh our spiritual life. We do not encourage the sinning friend to go on sinning but to return and go back to the loving arms of God.
5.We do not Compare and Compete. This is a place where everyone is accepted.