TOOL 4

My Freedom Plan

Use this page for one harmful coping pattern, whether it is a habit or an addiction. Name the unmet need and choose a healthier response. Share with someone trustworthy. For addiction, trauma, or serious distress, seek qualified help alongside pastoral care. If your body may be dependent on a substance, talk to a doctor before stopping.

1. Name the need and the pattern

Trigger / unmet need / Behavior / cost / Relief it promises / Truth / healthy response
Trigger / unmet need	Behavior / cost	Relief it promises	Truth / healthy response

2. Choose a healthier response

When the trigger comes, I need ____. One healthier way to care for that need is:

3. Remove & re-route

Barriers I will prepare, and ways I will make my healthier response easier to begin:

4. My team

Trusted friend or discipler

Pastor, counselor, or recovery support (as needed)

Doctor (if my body is dependent)

Our check-in rhythm

My 30-day review date

5. Daily surrender

Morning and evening: “Jesus, I bring You my need and my response. Help me receive Your care and practice a healthier way.”

When the pattern returns

Reach out to your trusted person. Receive God’s grace, notice the need and trigger, and review what would help next time. Take the next step together. A setback is an opportunity to adjust the plan and receive support.

Course developed by Pastor Jeff Sparks for Colonial Presbyterian Church. Some of the material and the original course concept draw on Discipleship Pathway (2024), Rev. Megan Koch and Rev. Phil Wiseman, Table Church, Des Moines. CC BY 4.0 · creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 · Original: discipleship.guide. Scripture: Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Website format: lesson content and L.I.G.H.T. labels follow the September 30, 2026 booklet.