Discipleship Program

18 month program for men who are desperate for change

The 180 Center it is a nonprofit outreach dedicated to turning lives around by restoring hope and helping people in crisis through Biblical discipleship, conflict resolution training, and leadership skills that will result in the ability to move in the purpose God has for each individual. We provide spiritual training, human services, and practical tools with the goal to reconnect isolated people to God, their families, and a supportive community. 

The 180 Center welcomes people who are hungry and desperate for truth and want to discover purpose in their lives. We provide spiritual guidance through training in the understanding of the Bible, God’s love letter to humanity. Over a period of 18 months, we offer – several phases of commitment that will bring one to a place of freedom in and through our Lord Jesus Christ.

  1. Participants may send out mail, but there will be no incoming mail. Loved ones may keep in contact with you through the staff.
  2. Participants may not have visitors.
  3. Upon successful completion of first phase, participant may enter second phase.
  1. Participants must submit the names and numbers of people they may want to contact or from whom they want to receive mail. Staff will approve up to three contacts.
  2. Participants will be allowed supervised visits on Saturdays from 12 PM – 3PM
  3. Participants will be allowed one 15 minute phone call on Tuesday or Thursday between the hours of 6 PM and 8 PM, with the last call no later than 7:45 PM and only two attempts to complete these calls per day.

After six months, participants may be allowed supervised home visits and will be accompanied by another member of the program. Home visits will only be between 7 AM and 4 PM. This offsite visitation must be pre-approved and will be granted based on the participants progress.

Upon successful completion of the program, there will be a meeting with the participant and staff to discuss their future plans.

  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Godly Principles
  • Spiritual Development
  • Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment
  • Spiritual Counsel Work With Courts, Probation, and Parole
  • Bible Studies

Program Rules

  1. During your initial 30 days of participation in this program, you are not permitted to leave the premises without a valid reason (example, doctors appointment, court appearance, etc.) Participants will always travel accompanied by another member as designated by leader.

  2. The use of cell phones is prohibited during your stay at the ministry. Upon successful completion of 90 days, participants are allowed one 15 minute phone call on Tuesdays or Thursdays between the hours of 6 PM and 8 PM, with the last call being placed no later than 7:45 PM. Participants must submit the names and numbers of the people they wish to call to the leader for review. For the first year contact will only be allowed with mother, father, children and siblings.

  3. For the first 30 days, participants will be allowed no visitors. Family and friends are allowed to come to church service on Sunday only. ( This is a church service not a visit, conduct will be supervised.

  4. After six months, participants may have visitors on Saturdays from 12 PM to 3 PM.

  5. After six months, participants will be allowed supervised home visits from the hours of 7 AM to 4 PM. (These visits will require accompaniment by another member of the ministry. This off-site visitation must be pre-approved and will be granted based on the participants progress reports. )

  6. All personal music devices must have only Christian music on them and will be used only when bible study sessions are not in progress. Television use will be limited to approximately 2 movies on Saturdays and Sundays. Only teaching or Biblical movies and videos are acceptable on other days as designated and approved by leader.

  7. All participants will take part in the complete cleaning of living facilities on a weekly basis in addition to required daily chores. Failure to participate in the said daily and weekly responsibilities will result in consequences which could include dismissal from program. Participants with the means to donate food and or money are required to do so. The amount will be determined using a sliding scale basis and is not to exceed $220 per month for food. And $440 per month total contribution. The amount will be agreed-upon prior to the signing of this agreement.

  8. All participants of this ministry are required to live and move in community and agree to take part in all group activities including but not limited to the following, Church, recreational outings, Service projects, one-on-one, drug and alcohol groups, Christian step meetings, as well as any other activities deemed appropriate by leader.

  9. Upon signing of this agreement, participants agree to turn over any and all of the following: illegal drugs and or drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons, any prescription medication and any other items that may pose a threat to themselves or other members of the ministry.

  10. While in this ministry program, participants agree to abstain from the following: drugs, alcohol, fighting, gambling, self-mutilation, and sexual activity.

  11. Participants in the program are prohibited to have one on one conversation with the opposite sex unless accompanied by a leader or another disciple designated by a leader.

  12. Participants agree that they are aware of the leaders ability to conduct random drug and alcohol testing at any time, also random searches of living area and property. Upon signing of this agreement you state that you have read and understand all the rules set forth by this ministry and agree to abide by such. In addition, you understand that failure to comply with the rules of the program will result in consequences that could include immediate dismissal from the program.

  13. Participants agree to be filmed and photos taken for teaching and promotional reasons. Video will be edited and posted on various web sites ( facebook & youtube )

Interaction Guidelines

Overview:

The men that are committed to the 18 month discipleship program are committed to a set structure of rules. We would like to clearly communicate these rules to our church community and visitors. It is the responsibility of every disciple in the program to follow the rules that have been established for the program. We are merely informing you of these rules to establish a clearer understanding of the discipleship program. We ask that you respect the boundaries that have been created for the safety of the disciple, the church Community and visitors. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions please contact leadership at (203) 909 – 9194, our Contact Us page or email us the180center@gmail.com.

Needs of The 180 Center disciples:

The needs of the disciples are met by the Lord through His appointed authority at The 180 Center. Nothing is to be given to a disciple or received from a disciple without the knowledge and approval of the leadership. Examples of this are money, books, DVDs, CD’s, mail, phones, food, clothing, cigarettes, etc.

Scriptural discussion:

The 180 Center purposes to follow the Bible. The Lord delights in the fact that we are a Body ministry. We have open discussions and share personal testimonies and revelations. We welcome the transparency of your perception on the matter we are discussing during our time of study. We do ask if your perception or understanding is different from our presentation, please keep your discussion about your differences within the study period time frame. Please do not share your views during private one on one interaction with a disciple. The guidelines require that disciples are always accompanied by another disciple.

Transparency:

Scripture says we are our brother’s keeper. If you hear or observe something that may violate The 180 Center guidelines or inappropriate conduct or language, please do not hesitate to inform leadership immediately. The 180 Center practices transparency; please inform leadership if a disciple asks you to betray this practice by keeping something secret.

Respect for The 180 Center authority:

Attached are the rules each disciple must follow; please take time to read the rules. Although you may not understand the rules or agree with them, please show respect for The 180 Center authority by allowing effective implementation for the safety and growth of the disciples in the program. All questions about the rules may be directed to The 180 Center by calling 203-909-9194.

Donate To The 180 Center

The 180 Center could not survive without your donations. We are completely funded by the generosity of our church and partners. We thank all who have or are going to donate. God bless you!

If you’d like to donate, there is 2 ways:

01.

Donate via mail

Mail checks and money orders to: 
The 180 Center, PO Box 6806, Hamden, CT  06517

02.

Donate online via PayPal

To donate online, click the button below. You will be taken to a secure donation page (PayPal). We personally do not collect or store any payment information.