What’s Unique About Rescue Mission Programs & Residential Recovery Ministries?

Dr. Andrew Sears�City Vision University�www.cityvision.edu�Citygate Network Conference 2026

Slides Available at:

www.cityvision.edu/rescuemissionvalues/

Five Historical Waves of the City Mission Movement

Misalignment

New Wineskin

Recontextualization

New Theological Vision

(Difficult and Dangerous)

"Many of today's problems are a result of yesterday's solutions." —Thomas Sowell.

City Mission

Societies

Time

Early City Missions

Fifth Wave�Mission Movement

Sources: Global City Mission Movement, City Mission Societies, , History of Innovation in the City Mission and Rescue Mission Movements

Independent Gospel �Rescue Missions

Global & National �Mission Networks

New Wineskins

David Nasmith

1826

Jerry McAuley, 1872

5^th Wave Program Vision

What’s Unique about the Worldview, Mental Models & Program Methods of Ministries

Doctrinal Foundation, Core Theology & Worldview

Ministry Expression (Methods)

Theological Vision (Mental Models)

What to Believe

How to See

What to Do

A faithful restatement of the gospel with rich

implications for life, ministry, and mission

in a particular culture at a moment in history

• Mission, Vision & values
• Ministry “DNA”
• Philosophy of ministry
• Theory of change
• Priorities & Emphases
• Mental Models

Timeless truths from the Bible

about God, our relationship to Him,

and His purposes in the world

• Theological tradition
• Organizational statement of faith
• Worldview

Adapted from Tim Keller’s Center Church

Practical �Theology

Christian�Integration

& Strategic�Alignment

How the gospel is expressed

in a particular ministry in one

community at a point in time

• Programs
• Culture & staff
• Systems & Policies
• Funding model

Part 3

​

Part 2

​

Part 1

What Causes Organizational & Movement Decline

Misalignment & Decline

Organizations decline when their theological vision and strategy become misaligned with their context & audience

Context

Results

Change�in Context

Decreasing

Effectiveness

Misalignment

What are the Major Changes in Context?

1. Demographic changes in clients and presenting problems
2. Growing Post-Christian culture and related political changes
3. Increasing Complexity of serving those recovering from homelessness and addiction

​

These changes together require a New Wineskin or Recontextualization

of Theological Vision (Mental Models) and Ministry Expression (Methods)

Part 1. Distinguishing the Worldview of Christian vs. �Secular Programs

Dr. Andrew Sears�City Vision University�www.cityvision.edu

Christian vs. Secular Worldview

Christian Worldview Secular Worldview

Base Worldview Christian Worldview Secular Scientific Naturalism

Dominant Metanarrative Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration Cosmic Chance to Ecological Catastrophe

Source of Authority Bible + Science Peer-reviewed research, shifting diagnostic (Epistemology) (Wesleyan Quadrilateral) manuals (DSM), fluid ethical codes

Who are we? In God’s Image but fallen Humanist (inherently good)�(anthropology) holistic, social people Behaviorist (biologically/socially determined)

Fundamental Problem? Sin Psychopathology (varies by field)

Goal Heart-level soul transformation Symptom reduction, emotional stabilization, repentance, joy & Christlikeness temporal happiness

Focus of Healing Holistic spiritual transformation Internal human resilience and supported by clinical intervention pharmacological intervention

This is not science. Philosophical �assumptions that science uses.

Having the right espoused worldview “checklist”�(talk) is not the same as an enacted worldview (walk)

Growing Misalignment of “Walk” with “Talk” in Ministries

1. Because of the increasing complexity facing many ministries, they have good reasons to hiring more Christians with advanced education in counseling and social work (LPC’s, MSW’s, etc.)
2. Statistically most of these hires will be educated at secular institutions and/or with work history at secular institutions
3. These staff will inevitably bring some of these secular assumptions, mental models & methods into the ministry
4. Intensive education and training in Christian approaches for staff with secular training is essential
• LPCs & MSWs will have 10,000 hours+ of education & experience to be licensed
• How much education and training time in Christian approaches does it take to offset this?

​

Why There is Growing Misalignment of the “Walk” of Ministries with Their “Talk”

Doctrinal Foundation, Core Theology & Worldview

Ministry Expression

Theological Vision (Mental Models)

What to Believe (Talk)

How to See

What to Do (Walk)

Adapted from Tim Keller’s Center Church

Practical �Theology

Christian�Integration

& Strategic�Alignment

X

X

10,000 Hours of Training in Secular Mental Models

& Methods Will Trump Any Stated Beliefs

Very limited training in Christian Specific Models and Methods

Most Bible & Theology Schools do not provide the practical theology needed

for Christian integration into Counseling & Social Services

The Need for Re-training of Professionals in Uniquely Christian Elements

Need Christian�Integration Training

Need Training to

Serve the Poor

i.e. trauma, addiction,

de-escalation, cross-cultural,

nonprofit management, etc.

Part 2. Summarizing the Mental Models of Christian Ministries

Dr. Andrew Sears�City Vision University�www.cityvision.edu

What Are the Mental Models Needed for Today’s Ministry?

1. Demographic changes
2. Post-Christian culture
3. Increasing Complexity

Context

Results

Change�in Context

Decreasing

Effectiveness

Misalignment

Requires mental models that help you to:

1. Address needs of new demographics
2. Code-switch to secular stakeholders �and learn from them
3. Provide a more sophisticated approach

without compromising Christian values

We Need Multiple Mental Models (Lenses) for Effective Ministry

• “For now we see through a glass, darkly.” �- 1 Corinthians 13:12
• The glass is different colors for different people, cultures and disciplines
• Most people, cultures and disciplines only see limited parts of problems�
• “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”�- Luke 6:41
• Each discipline/field presupposes their lens on the world
• We like to point out the distortions of others
• We need multiple lenses to serve effectively
• We all have planks in our eyes and see �through a distorted lenses, but can improve

Image Source: https://tithebarn.wordpress.com/2017/01/20/specks-and-planks-luke-6/

Mental Models: 5 Lenses for Life Transformation

How Philosophy of Who We Are Affects our Understanding �of How Life Transformation Happens

Psychological�Lens

Theological�Lens

Spiritual�Formation�Lens

Christian

Community &�Program�Lens

Improved Understanding of

Life Transformation

How Life Transformation

Happens

Who Are We?

(Philosophical Anthropology)

Philosophical & �Epistemological Framework

Applying science to the mind,

behavior & counseling

Psychological theory & skills in

clinical counseling

Answers from Discipline of

Psychology (head)

Modernist, Rational, Secular,

Individualistic

Applying

Christian worldview

to counseling & psychology

+Adopting correct theology &

Christian worldview

Answers from Discipline of

Theology (head)

Modernist, Rational,

Christian

,

Individualistic

Recognizes the importance of

spiritual disciplines

+Adopting spiritual disciplines

Holistic individuals (

head,

heart/will, hands

) will

-

centered

Holistic

, Christian,

Individualistic

Life transformation is more

caught than taught (or willed)

+Deep relationships in a

healthy Christian community

Holistic ministry (

head, heart,

hands + community

-

centered

)

Holistic Christian

Community

Most Counseling Programs at Christian Universities

Holistic Transformative Ministry Program Model

Christians Trained in Counseling at Secular Schools

1. Transformative Programs Enable Life Transformation of the �Whole Person (Head/Heart/Hands) by Integrating Four Disciplines�

Psychology/�Counseling/�Social Work

Bible & Theology

Spiritual�Formation

Christian�Community &�Program

Senior program staff should be trained

across all four disciplines in an integrated

way whenever possible

Four Quadrant Model of Academic Disciplines

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities & Social Sciences)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Individual

Collective

Internal (more subjective)

External (more objective)

• Ethnic, Gender, Cultural studies
• Anthropology
• Ethics
• Non-Western Christian theology
• Music/Worship
• Art for others

Micro

• Organizational & Business Management
• Microeconomics

Macro

• Social Psychology
• Sociology
• Law, Political Science
• Economics
• History
• Ecology

• Humanities
• Western Theology
• Ministry
• Counseling
• Individual Psychology
• Art for Self

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering
• Medicine/Psychiatry
• Healthcare/Life Sciences
• Nutrition & Exercise Science

A Holistic Understanding Causes of Homelessness & Addiction

• Lack of physical care of bodies
• Biochemistry of addiction
• Medical Treatments
• Hereditary predisposition
• Easy access to drugs/addiction
• Biophysical emotional predisposition

• Wounds from abuse
• Separation from God
• Unemployment
• Lack of emotional intelligence
• Personal isolation/broken relationships
• Spiritual emptiness
• Inadequate moral boundaries

• Cultural moral decline
• Subcultures where addiction is norm
• Cultural devaluation of emotion,

spiritual, relationships, etc.

• Drugs, alcohol, sex, food & materialism

promoted in mass media

• Current cultural oppression (racism, etc.)
• Cultural inheritance from past oppression
• “Worship” of sex, hedonism and other

“gods” permeates culture

• Breakdown of family
• Economics of drug trade
• Lack of jobs
• Systemic Oppression (Racism, etc.)
• Political priorities
• Global exploitation
• Failed States/Governments
• Globalization of crime

Individual

Collective

Internal

External

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

All Causes Interpreted through �Lens of a Christian Worldview

Ministry Strategy for Clients: Serenity prayer: God, grant me the serenity to..

• Lack of physical care of bodies
• Biochemistry of addiction
• Medical Treatments
• Hereditary predisposition
• Easy access to drugs/addiction
• Biophysical emotional predisposition

• Wounds from abuse
• Separation from God
• Unemployment
• Lack of emotional intelligence
• Personal isolation/broken relationships
• Spiritual emptiness
• Inadequate moral boundaries

• Cultural moral decline
• Subcultures where addiction is norm
• Cultural devaluation of emotion,

spiritual, relationships, etc.

• Drugs, alcohol, sex, food & materialism

promoted in mass media

• Current cultural oppression (racism, etc.)
• Cultural inheritance from past oppression
• “Worship” of sex, hedonism and other

“gods” permeates culture

• Breakdown of family
• Economics of drug trade
• Lack of jobs
• Systemic Oppression (Racism, etc.)
• Political priorities
• Global exploitation
• Failed States/Governments
• Globalization of crime

Individual

Collective

Internal

External

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Accept the Things I Cannot Change (right now)

Change the

Things I Can

Wisdom to know the difference

Why the Secular Scientific Positivism Approach to Homelessness & Addiction Fails

Goal: Reduce Overdose Deaths

• Medication Assisted Treatments: Methadone, etc.
• Narcan

​

Goal: Stable housing + Cost Savings

• Housing first

• Unemployment
• Lack of emotional intelligence
• Personal isolation/broken relationships
• Spiritual emptiness
• Wounds from abuse
• Separation from God

• Cultural devaluation of emotion,

spiritual, relationships, etc.

• Subcultures where addiction is norm
• Drugs, alcohol, sex, food & materialism

promoted in mass media

• Current cultural oppression (racism, etc.)
• Cultural inheritance from past oppression
• “Worship” of sex, hedonism and other

“gods” permeates culture

State-Sponsored Enabling (Pathological Altruism)

• “Safe” injection sites
• “Safe” alternatives to opioids
• Decriminalization of hard drugs

​

Gov’t Manufactured Scarcity & Progressive Exclusion

• Progressive paradox in housing policy: government funding for homelessness is a rounding error compared to estimates of the cost of NIMBY housing regulations �(as high as $10 trillion in economic cost)

Individual

Collective

Internal

External

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Secular Scientific Positivism

Scientific Positivism By Definition Does Not Recognize Internal Dimensions Because They Cannot Be Proven Quantitatively

“It is the theory which decides what can be observed”- Albert Einstein

2. Transformative Programs Apply a 4 Quadrant Christian Worldview to Problems & Solutions

• Better care for personal health
• Assistance with physical needs
• Get on proper psychotropic medication as needed
• Remove access to addictive item
• Avoid HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
• Narcan & Non-addictive Medication Assisted Treatment

• Get a job
• Go to counseling
• Get healthy friendships
• Form identity (Imago Dei)
• Establish physical & emotional safety
• Make decision to follow God
• Deepen relationship with God
• Get healing from wounds of abuse

​

• Immerse in culture that worships God
• Avoid subcultures where addiction is norm
• Participate in communities that value � emotion, spiritual, relationships, etc.
• Avoid triggering contexts & media use
•  Pursue groups that help to cope with � group trauma & cultural oppression
• Pursue groups that positively address

cultural inheritance from past oppression

•   Spiritual revival

Micro (development)

• Housing development
• Community development organizations

Macro (advocacy & structural change)

• Just laws & policies
• Healthy social structures
• Macroeconomics for affordable housing
• Macroeconomic development

Individual

Collective

Internal

External

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Christian Worldview: Christian Faith & Dependence on God is the Organizing Paradigm

Epistemology Model in Clinical Counseling: �Secular Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence�Based �Practice

Research Pyramid

3. Epistemology Model in Christian Clinical Counseling: �Christian Evidence-Based Practice

Christian�Evidence�Based �Practice

What does this �actually mean?

4. Christian Epistemological Model: Wesleyan Quadrilateral

Why we need multiple epistemological models

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” - Albert Einstein

Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a Theological Lens on Understanding Organizational Culture

Fields: Science, Social Science, Counseling

Fields: Business, Leadership, Nonprofit Mgt

Fields: History, Church/Parachurch History

Fields: Bible & Theology

1. Ministries & staff should strive to have balanced competencies across 4 quadrants
2. Much of secular education follows an assimilative process to assimilate �the student into the reason quadrant (social services) & experience (business)
3. Without retraining, this will result in mission drift toward reason & experience

Mapping Your Current Organizational Values and Core Competencies

Specific Lessons Learned by Your Ministry

Learning from Your Movement

Core Theology

Fields: Science, Social Science, Counseling Christian integration into these fields

Fields: Business, Leadership, Nonprofit Mgt

Fields: History, Church/Parachurch History

Fields: Bible & Theology

Organizations Values �& Core Competencies

Evidence-Based Practice Model for Christian Ministries

Christian Evidence�Based Practice

5. Gospel-centric Holistic Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual-Moral Program Model

Sinful nature, repentance, moral boundaries & accountability

Genetic vulnerability, altered brain chemistry, disrupted physiological design

Separation from God, �numbing pain, spiritual

bondage & wrong beliefs

Disconnection, broken relationships, societal �& systemic structures

Christ-centric�Program

1. Transformative ministry involves addressing holistic causes of problems �emphasizing spiritual surrender while building capacity of clients/guests
2. A ministry’s core values will determine how much to emphasize each lens
3. Both the political left & political right will try to deny some of these exist

​

Distorted thinking patterns, emotional dysregulation,

unresolved trauma, and maladaptive coping mechanisms

Aligning Emphases to Fit Your Mission, Values and Context to Maximize Effectiveness

Integrating Models

Christ-centric�Program

Part 3. What’s Unique in Christian Program Design

Dr. Andrew Sears�City Vision University�www.cityvision.edu

What Causes Organizational & Movement Decline

1. Demographic changes
2. Growing Post-Christian culture
3. Increasing Complexity

​

Context

Results

Change�in Context

Decreasing

Effectiveness

Misalignment

Requires program models that

1. Address needs of new demographics
2. Code-switch to secular stakeholders �and learn from them
3. Provide a more sophisticated approach

without compromising Christian values

Program Model Distinctives

Transformative programs…

• Use Citygate’s 8 S Program Model based on needs of guests
• Use a Progressive Engagement Ministry Program Model
• Focus on Core Competencies of Ministries in the Continuum of Care where a Christian approach is more transformative (within their capacity)
• Emphasize developing their strengths in the Common Factors Model
• Explain their distinctives in following a Covenantal Model vs. a Contractual Model of counseling and social services
• Explain how their approaches adapt established counseling techniques such as Christian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Pursue the Radical Middle to enable transformation and can explain how that translates into distinctives relative to the “orthodox” secular models

2. Progressive Engagement Ministry Program Model

Boundaries

(typically, a faith decision)

Boundaries�(increased expectations)

Program Grad�Interns or Hires�(the 3)

Recovery Program�(the 12)

Case Management�(a la carte programs)

(the 120)

Core Culture/Staff

Positive Christian Culture

Positive Non-Christian Culture

Emergency Shelter�(the crowds)

Principles

1. Community culture is often the most�transformative element of any program
2. Boundaries & expectations increase across �tiers to strengthen culture
3. Changing demographics of homelessness make a progressive engagement model optimal �(increase in the episodic & transitionally homeless)

Strength of Christian Approaches

1. Faith and boundaries make community much stronger increasing transformation
2. Tight integration between tiers strengthens �program effectiveness

Rescue Mission Program Modeled on Jesus’ Ministry Strategy

Lowest Scale

• Covenantal model
• Not universally available
• Low regulation/secularization
• High trust/personalized
• Living systems

Highest Scale ($100+ million)

• Contractual model
• Most universally available
• Highest regulation & secularization
• Lower trust (depersonalized)
• Complex systems
• Highest medical capacity & bureaucracy

Christian Aspects Not As Transformative

Christian Aspects Bring More Transformation

Ministry Capacity

3. Focus on Program Aspects in the Continuum of Care where a Christian Approach is More Transformative

Metro-wide Macroeconomic

Investments in Housing

12 Step Groups

Spiritual Development

Hospital Services

Medical Detox

(ASAM Level 4)

Psychiatric services

Emergency Shelter

Transitional Housing at Scale (50-500)

Case Management

Licensed Addiction

Treatment Center

(ASAM .5-1)

Counseling

Meals

Residential Recovery Program

Christian Recovery Groups

Education & Employment

Permanent Housing

Church Partnerships

Small Scale Transitional Housing

Affordable Housing Advocacy

Medical Care

Medicaid Billing

Capability

Permanent Supportive Housing

Secular System Dynamics of Homelessness in the United States (Stocks & Flows)

Ministries�Especially �Effective

Source: https://www.cityvision.edu/system-dynamics-and-the-hydrology-of-homelessness-a-stock-and-flow-analysis-of-the-united-states-crisis/

Transitional: 40%

Episodic: 20%

Chronic: 40%

Secular System Dynamics of Addiction in the United States (Stocks & Flows)

Ministries�Especially �Effective

Source: https://www.cityvision.edu/epidemiological-dynamics-of-substance-use-disorders-in-the-united-states-a-systems-level-analysis-of-stocks-and-flows/

Chronic/Severe: 50%

Mild/Moderate: 50%

Client-Centered Therapy (Carl Rogers)

Christian Counseling & Programs

4. Emphasize Christian Strengths in Common Factors

Most Important Common Factors in Establishing Therapeutic Relationship

Corresponding Foundations of Christian Ministry Model

Common Factors in counseling are core elements that bring transformation across different types of therapy

4.

5. Covenantal vs. Contractual Model & Ethics

• The Clinical Contractual Model (secular model)
• Secular ethics codes (NASW, APA) view the therapeutic relationship strictly as an isolated 1-1 counseling relationship, teaching students to fear and avoid all "dual relationships" to prevent exploitation.
• More effective risk management and secular approach provides better ability to scale and universality
• Can be less effective with clients because of street level bureaucracy, professional detachment and impersonal nature of the shadow state of government-contracted social services
• Higher rates of staff burnout especially from moral injury from the iron cage of bureaucracy
• The Covenantal Community Model (ministry model)
• Rescue missions are deeply intertwined holistic organisms. Staff are taught spiritual discernment to engage in supportive community interactions, held to Biblical leadership standards of self-control and accountability.
• Caution with dual relationships recognizing high risk/reward and wisdom to navigate (ACCA Ethics)
• Higher risk at scale: need to wisdom to balance between risk of enmeshed relationships/inadequate boundaries/lawsuits and overly sterile clinical boundaries and regulation that limits effectiveness
• Superior outcomes especially when there is strong religious matching aligned with client/guest values helping to meet the heterogeneity of demand for value-laden services in a pluralistic society
• Higher trust radius provides stronger social capital from close ties of bonding capital within the church community and bridging capital using loose ties between groups (i.e. employment networks).
• Improved workforce resilience because their sense of "calling" acts as a buffer against the high rates of burnout in secular social work

​

​

Source: https://www.cityvision.edu/the-covenantal-versus-contractual-models-in-counseling-and-social-services-an-exhaustive-analysis-of-paradigms-ethics-and-institutional-impact/

6. Explaining Ministry Approach as Christian Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CCBT)

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy

Core�Beliefs,

Theology �& Worldview

God

Christian CBT Applies Christian �Practices for addressing…

​

Behavior

• Behavioral guidelines in scripture
• Christian accountability
• Spiritual formation
• Discipleship

​

Core Beliefs & Thoughts

• Scripture memorization/meditation
• Worship
• Theology/Worldview
• Spiritual warfare of internal thoughts
• Mind of Christ

​

Emotions

• Worship
• Prayer
• Christian meditation/centering prayer
• Spiritual gifts

​

​

Others/World

Yourself/Identity

Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Common Christian CCBT Curricula Used to Transform Core Beliefs in Recovery

Neil Anderson & Zuehlke CCBT Model

Source: Christ-Centered Therapy. Neil Anderson, Terry Zuehlke, Julianne Zuehlke

7. Pursue the Radical Middle to Enable Transformation

• Secular models and religious models can both suffer from groupthink that results in political polarization that ultimately harms clients/guests
• Programs following the Radical Middle
• Are centered on what brings transformation for clients/guests, and because of that have aspects that offend both the political left and the political right
• Avoid the Lukewarm Middle of compromise to avoid offending others
• Strive to be 100% full of grace and 100% full of truth without compromising scripture
• Recognize that God’s power is often reflected in the tension this creates

Truth in Tension

Radical Middle Differences vs. Secular Models

• Causes (Etiology) of Homelessness & Addiction. Rescue missions believe that…
• We should follow an etiology and locus of control that optimizes potential for transformation rather than politically polarized perspectives that harm clients
• It is better to err or the side of giving clients a higher locus of control which comes from increased personal responsibility and while systemic causes are often valid, the destitute should first focus on themselves before attempting to change systems
• Harm-reduction & low barrier approaches. Rescue Missions…
• Reject a “one size fits all” approach driven by political polarization that ultimately hurts clients
• Apply tiered boundaries and expectations based on their context and client needs in a way to maximize life transformation (the term boundary is more helpful to use than the term barrier)
• Framing the debate according to the term “barrier” is polarizing and ultimately hurts clients, so it is better to use the term “boundary”
• The Myth of Values Neutrality. Rescue Missions believe that
• Values neutrality is an illusion. It functions as a distinct, implicit value system promoting naturalism, agnosticism, or individualized spirituality.
• Holistic
• Serving the whole person with no separation between spiritual & other needs

Typology of Faith-Based Organizations & Counseling Models

Strongest

Boundaries

Flexible�Boundaries

More Theologically Conservative

(Risk of Separation & Irrelevance)

More Theologically Liberal

(Risk of Assimilation)

Christian Counseling Integration

Secular�Counseling

Anti-Integration

Effective Integration: Biblical Worldview Dominant Weak Integration: Secular Worldview Dominant

https://youtu.be/MpvQwHDwNMo

Part 4. Conclusion & Action Items

Dr. Andrew Sears�City Vision University�www.cityvision.edu

What is a Recontextualization of Programs for the Fifth Wave?

Misalignment

New Wineskin

Recontextualization

New Theological Vision

(Difficult and Dangerous)

"Many of today's problems are a result of yesterday's solutions." —Thomas Sowell.

City Mission

Societies

Time

Early City Missions

Fifth Wave�Mission Movement

Sources: Global City Mission Movement, City Mission Societies, , History of Innovation in the City Mission and Rescue Mission Movements

Independent Gospel �Rescue Missions

Global & National �Mission Networks

New Wineskins

David Nasmith

1826

Jerry McAuley, 1872

5^th Wave Programs

Wave 5 Transformative Ministry Model for Rescue Missions

Doctrinal Foundation, Core Theology & Worldview

Ministry Expression (Methods)

Theological Vision (Mental Models)

What to Believe

How to See

What to Do

Rescue Mission Worldview

• Balanced holistic Christian worldview
• Statement of faith for staff (Apostle’s �or Nicene Creed or more specific)
• Christian Fidelity Principle: Stay �within historical theological stream�(For most rescue missions this means being �nondenominational with a theologically conservative�core that is distinct from political conservativism)
• Indigenous Principle: avoid too much�cultural distance from clients

Adapted from Tim Keller’s Center Church

Practical �Theology

Christian�Integration

& Strategic�Alignment

Gospel-centered Life Transformation by

1. Integrating 4 disciplines: theology, psychology, spiritual formation & community
2. Applying a 4-quadrant lens for causes of problems and solutions (internal/external +�individual/collective)
3. Determining truth through a Christian Evidence-�based practice model ensuring competency�across Scripture, Tradition, Experience & Reason
4. Following a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-moral �model with emphases and balance in line with your ministry’s mission, vision & values

Program Methods & Design

1. Citygate’s 8S Program Model
2. Progressive Engagement Model
3. Focus on Christian distinctives in life�transformation
4. Strengths in Common Factors
5. Covenantal Model
6. Christian contextualization of CBT �and other counseling methods
7. Follow the radical middle between �secular and fundamentalist orthodoxies

as fits your context, guests/clients & theological vision

Values Alignment & Zeal

Professionalism

3. Hiring Program Grads

1. Hiring Secularly Trained�Professionals

2. Promoting Staff

from within

Strategy to Professionalize without Mission Drift

Radically Increased�Training in Skills & Values

Frontier of �Staff Quality

Frontier of �Staff Quality

(learning organization)

Strategy: Increase Staff Training by 200% to 400% to Advance Frontier of Staff Quality

1�Founding

Historic �Cultural

Center

Current

Professional �Cultural

Center

New Mental Models

How City Vision Can Help Your Ministry

Master’s & Doctoral Level

Certificates & Degrees

Training

• Christian Approaches to Counseling & Life �Transformation ADC 440/506/701 (Fall 2)
• Aligning Strategy with Theology and Values�MIN 640 & 701 (Spring 1)
• The Past and Future of the Rescue Mission Movement

• This Workshop & Chapter
• Rescue Mission Report Podcast & Newsletter�https://rescuemissions.cityvision.edu
• Staff training resources & toolkit�https://www.cityvision.edu/rescuemissionvalues
• Rescue Mission Books Podcast�https://rss.com/podcasts/rescuemissionbooks

​

Christian Approaches to Counseling & Life Transformation Course

Clinical �Counseling

Program &�Community

Case Management

Christian�Integration�Knowledge

Christian�Clinical�Counseling�Skills

​

Expertise in

Christian�Program & Community�Design

Expertise in

Developing�Community�Partnerships

Personal Maturity�& Lived Experience

of Counselor/Staff

Christian Teaching & Spiritual Disciplines

Life Skills Classes

Vocational Development�(job, financial health, housing)

Emotional Stability

& Relational Health

Support Community

(church, 12-step, etc.)

Physical Health�(psychiatric, medical, habits)

Client Development Dimensions

Intervention Dimensions

Christian Counseling & Program Competency Dimensions

Weeks 1-4

Weeks 5 & 6

Week 7 & 8

Final Project

Christian Counseling & Life

Transformation Ministry

Competency Cube

ADC 440/506/701 (Fall 2)

The Past & Future of the Rescue Mission Movement

Kairos Moment

New Wineskin

Recontextualization

(Difficult and Dangerous)

Develop dual expertise

Part 2. Innovation: The Fifth Wave�Rescue Mission Movement

Part 1. History of the Five Waves of the Rescue Mission Movement

Historical

Rescue Mission Movement

Emerging

Rescue Mission Movement

• City Mission History Project
• History Newsletter/Podcast
• AI Archive

• Best Practices Newsletter/Podcast
• City Mission database & Toolkits

1. Will be published later in 2026
2. Email Andrew@cityvision.edu if you would like to be a beta reader

Backup Slides

Dr. Andrew Sears�City Vision University�www.cityvision.edu

Mental Models: 5 Lenses for Life Transformation

Transformative programs…

• Enable Life Transformation of the Whole Person by Integrating Four Disciplines (Christian Counseling Lens)
• Apply a 4 Quadrant Christian Worldview to Problems & Solutions (More Detailed Academic Lens)
• Apply an Evidence-Based Practice Model for Christian Ministries (Epistemological Lens)
• Balance their competencies across the Wesleyan Quadrilateral
• Follow a holistic bio-psycho-social-spiritual-moral program model (Lens for Secular Audiences)

Mental models are similar to Philosophy of Ministry, �Theory of Change & Theological Vision

Theological Certainty

Scientific Certainty

Scientific and Theological Certainty

Earth is Not Flat

Earth Revolves Around the Sun

Invalidity of Currently

Trendy but Crazy Theories

(COVID-19 & Vaccine Conspiracies,�Climate Change is a Hoax, etc.)

Apostles Creed

(Jesus is God, 12 tenets)

Theological Conservatism

(evangelical tenets, sexual morality)

Denominational Beliefs

(pneumatology, eschatology)

Minor Points

(age of earth, worship styles

cultural holiness standards)

Complex Systems,�Praxis

Practical Theology

Action Research

Theological Overreach

Overreach by �Science

Theological Certainty

Scientific Certainty

Scientific and Theological Certainty in Christian Ministry

Genetic Determination

(in Rare Cases, i.e. Down Syndrome)

1�Founding

2�Scaling

Genetic Determination

(addiction, sexuality)

Genetic Influence

(addiction, sexuality)

Apostles Creed

(Jesus is God, 12 tenets)

Theological Conservatism

(evangelical tenets, sexual morality)

Denominational Beliefs

(pneumatology, eschatology)

Minor Points

(age of earth, worship styles

cultural holiness standards)

Mental Health Debates

What attitude toward the following maximizes mental health outcomes:

• Attitudes toward sexual morality
• Balancing underuse/overuse of prescriptive psychoactive medications & MAT
• Attributive Style: to what extent do we blame external factors �for conditions vs. personal responsibility
• Abstinence vs. guilt reduction strategies
• Priority of housing first vs. treatment-first for those who are homeless

General: What morality and social values are optimal for long-term health of a society?

Most Pragmatic Questions for �Action Research

How We Limit Debate to One Side

Every Organization & Culture has an Overton window of norms and limits to debate

Relationship of Culture & Worldview to Research Methods

Researcher

Philosophical �Framework

Research�Method

Reality

Academic Discipline

Theory

Worldview

Culture

Christian�Integration

Cultural�Contextualization

Levels of Evidence Pyramid in Research & Its Limitations in Nonprofit Programs

Limitations

1. RCTs are only possible in a small domain of knowledge in nonprofit programs
2. Large-scale RCTs are very expensive, further limiting their availability
3. Often the effectiveness of a particular intervention more depends on the fit with a client than anything else
4. RCTs provide average results assuming homogeneous clients, but all groups will have significant heterogeneity in condition & goals
5. Using an intervention with strong average RCT results may be less important than matching the intervention with the client
6. The lens of Positivistic Naturalism emphasis on RCTs can create a bias toward interventions that lend themselves to the constraints needed by RCTs (i.e. CBT)
7. These limitations severely distort ability to evaluate effectiveness of religious interventions

Image source: https://isu.libguides.com/psychology/levels

What’s Unique? Example: Family Counseling & Addiction

City Vision Addiction Counseling Program Paths

Peer Specialist

Master Addiction Counselor

Clinical ADC Supervisor

Transfer up to 27 Credits to Liberty’s 60 Credit Master’s Leading to an LPC

CAC I & II

BS ADC Concentrations

Clinical Addiction Counseling

Christian Recovery Ministry

Diversified

MS ADC Concentrations

Clinical Addiction Counseling

Christian Recovery Ministry

Pre-LPC

Clinical Concentration and Path to Licensure not allowed by regulations in:�AK, AZ, DE, KS, LA, NJ, NM, NC (Masters), ND, SC, WV

City Vision Has More Addiction-Specific Courses than Any Other Christian University

6. Develop Holistic Competency Maps for Programs & Staff (Competency Cube)

Clinical �Counseling

Program &�Community

Case Management

Christian�Integration�Knowledge

Christian�Clinical�Counseling�Skills

​

Expertise in

Christian�Program & Community�Design

Expertise in

Developing�Community�Partnerships

Personal Maturity�& Lived Experience

of Counselor/Staff

Christian Teaching & Spiritual Disciplines

Life Skills Classes

Vocational Development�(job, financial health, housing)

Emotional Stability

& Relational Health

Support Community

(church, 12-step, etc.)

Physical Health�(psychiatric, medical, habits)

Client Development Dimensions

Intervention Dimensions

Christian Counseling & Program Competency Dimensions