H7 Story: Re:gen Commencements
As FCC prepares to launch another semester of Re:Gen, we also pause to celebrate those who have completed this 10-month journey of Bible-based, gospel-centered discipleship. This session that began last August saw around 40 participants "commence" from the program—a word we intentionally use instead of "graduate."
Why commencement? Because Re:Gen is not about completing the Christian life; it's about beginning a lifelong pursuit of walking in freedom through Christ. Participants leave equipped with biblical tools to continue addressing sin struggles, healing from past wounds, and growing in their identity in Christ through the transforming power of God's grace.
Re:Gen is a Christ-centered discipleship and recovery ministry built around twelve biblical steps that guide participants through recognizing their need for God's grace, receiving His forgiveness, responding in obedience, and continuing a life of spiritual growth. Through honest self-examination, confession, repentance, forgiveness, and authentic community, men and women discover that the gospel truly speaks to every area of life.
Although many assume Re:Gen is only for those battling addiction, it is designed for every adult who desires deeper freedom in Christ. Whether someone struggles with fear, anxiety, anger, shame, grief, pornography, codependency, depression, abuse, broken relationships, or simply longs to grow spiritually, Re:Gen provides a safe place to experience God's healing through biblical truth and authentic community.
One recent participant, Brayden Gebauer, shared how God used Re to transform his life:
"The top three things I took away from Re:Gen were studying Scripture and learning what God says about fighting sin, the vulnerability and freedom that came from sharing honestly in a small group of brothers in Christ, and the lifelong friendships that were formed. Those friendships continue to encourage me, build me up, and point me toward Christ."
Ashleigh Reaves also shared how God used Re to bring healing, freedom, and transformation in her life:
"Re:Gen means never being the same. I am not who I was last August when I first started Re:Gen. It has meant allowing God to take the very hard things that I have carried and learning how to truly give them over to Him.
God has used Re:Gen not only to help me identify my own struggles, but also to allow me to hear and understand the struggles of others. He has used it to help me become more vulnerable with my struggles, become a better listener, and remind me that I am not alone.
I have learned that healing is not linear. God is greater than any struggle I have ever had. I have a strong group of women in my life serving in roles such as mentors, coaches, leaders, and fellow small group members who want to walk alongside me. I am not alone.
Re:Gen has taught me how to take an honest inventory of my life so that when sin is present, I can identify the root idol that is not Jesus, ask for forgiveness, and create a plan so that the next time I can recognize it and respond differently.
I am also excited to return this fall as an apprentice and continue walking alongside others as they experience the freedom found in Christ."
Stories like Brayden's and Ashleigh's are why First Christian Church is so passionate about Re:Gen. Over the years, participants have experienced freedom from destructive patterns, healing from past hurts, restored relationships, renewed spiritual disciplines, and a deeper understanding of God's grace. Just as importantly, Re:Gen has helped cultivate a church culture where vulnerability is welcomed, grace is extended, and people are encouraged to pursue Christ together.
Re:Gen meets every Monday evening at our Greeneville campus. Each gathering includes worship, biblical teaching or testimony, and gender-specific small groups where participants can grow in honesty, accountability, and hope. Childcare is available, making it easier for families to participate.
If you've ever wondered whether Re:Gen is for you, the answer is simple: if you're human, it's worth exploring. None of us have arrived. We all have room to grow, and through the power of the gospel, God continues to change lives. Whether you're carrying a visible struggle or simply desire a deeper walk with Christ, Re:Gen offers a place to find hope, healing, and lasting freedom.
Why commencement? Because Re:Gen is not about completing the Christian life; it's about beginning a lifelong pursuit of walking in freedom through Christ. Participants leave equipped with biblical tools to continue addressing sin struggles, healing from past wounds, and growing in their identity in Christ through the transforming power of God's grace.
Re:Gen is a Christ-centered discipleship and recovery ministry built around twelve biblical steps that guide participants through recognizing their need for God's grace, receiving His forgiveness, responding in obedience, and continuing a life of spiritual growth. Through honest self-examination, confession, repentance, forgiveness, and authentic community, men and women discover that the gospel truly speaks to every area of life.
Although many assume Re:Gen is only for those battling addiction, it is designed for every adult who desires deeper freedom in Christ. Whether someone struggles with fear, anxiety, anger, shame, grief, pornography, codependency, depression, abuse, broken relationships, or simply longs to grow spiritually, Re:Gen provides a safe place to experience God's healing through biblical truth and authentic community.
One recent participant, Brayden Gebauer, shared how God used Re to transform his life:
"The top three things I took away from Re:Gen were studying Scripture and learning what God says about fighting sin, the vulnerability and freedom that came from sharing honestly in a small group of brothers in Christ, and the lifelong friendships that were formed. Those friendships continue to encourage me, build me up, and point me toward Christ."
Ashleigh Reaves also shared how God used Re to bring healing, freedom, and transformation in her life:
"Re:Gen means never being the same. I am not who I was last August when I first started Re:Gen. It has meant allowing God to take the very hard things that I have carried and learning how to truly give them over to Him.
God has used Re:Gen not only to help me identify my own struggles, but also to allow me to hear and understand the struggles of others. He has used it to help me become more vulnerable with my struggles, become a better listener, and remind me that I am not alone.
I have learned that healing is not linear. God is greater than any struggle I have ever had. I have a strong group of women in my life serving in roles such as mentors, coaches, leaders, and fellow small group members who want to walk alongside me. I am not alone.
Re:Gen has taught me how to take an honest inventory of my life so that when sin is present, I can identify the root idol that is not Jesus, ask for forgiveness, and create a plan so that the next time I can recognize it and respond differently.
I am also excited to return this fall as an apprentice and continue walking alongside others as they experience the freedom found in Christ."
Stories like Brayden's and Ashleigh's are why First Christian Church is so passionate about Re:Gen. Over the years, participants have experienced freedom from destructive patterns, healing from past hurts, restored relationships, renewed spiritual disciplines, and a deeper understanding of God's grace. Just as importantly, Re:Gen has helped cultivate a church culture where vulnerability is welcomed, grace is extended, and people are encouraged to pursue Christ together.
Re:Gen meets every Monday evening at our Greeneville campus. Each gathering includes worship, biblical teaching or testimony, and gender-specific small groups where participants can grow in honesty, accountability, and hope. Childcare is available, making it easier for families to participate.
If you've ever wondered whether Re:Gen is for you, the answer is simple: if you're human, it's worth exploring. None of us have arrived. We all have room to grow, and through the power of the gospel, God continues to change lives. Whether you're carrying a visible struggle or simply desire a deeper walk with Christ, Re:Gen offers a place to find hope, healing, and lasting freedom.
