Pathways to Freedom Introduction
Pathways to Freedom is for people who engage in sexual behaviours like viewing pornography, hook-ups, affairs etc and yet don't want to. There may be a part of you that wants to continue these behaviours but your healthy adult self knows these behaviours are unwanted. Pathways to Freedom is for adults, both men and women, married and single.
Our aim, as the New Community Pathways of Hope support team, is to provide faith and evidence-based support, education and encouragement to you if you're struggling with unwanted sexual behaviour. We want you to have hope and to find freedom from these behaviours.
Jesus says "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10. We believe Jesus knows you, loves you and offers you life to the full with healthy connections with God, others and within yourself
The first step - tell someone
If this unwanted behaviour has become a pattern in your life that you thought you were in control of, but you have realised you can't stop - you need support.
So you need to tell someone.
For too long this repeated behaviour has been seen as a moral choice that you just need to white-knuckle fight your way out of. This is not true and doesn't work.
It's now understood to be complex, so having the right supports who can encourage, educate, pray and provide helpful tools and guidance is essential for you to find freedom.
If you have never told anyone, it can be helpful to tell a trusted friend, pastor or counsellor first, as there can be a lot of emotion when you first tell someone. If you are in a committed relationship we have a document here in our Pathways to Freedom section called 'How To Disclose' - this is full of helpful information and guidance. If your partner has just found out about your unwanted behaviours we have a document 'I have been found out!' with helpful information for you.
So you need to tell someone.
For too long this repeated behaviour has been seen as a moral choice that you just need to white-knuckle fight your way out of. This is not true and doesn't work.
It's now understood to be complex, so having the right supports who can encourage, educate, pray and provide helpful tools and guidance is essential for you to find freedom.
If you have never told anyone, it can be helpful to tell a trusted friend, pastor or counsellor first, as there can be a lot of emotion when you first tell someone. If you are in a committed relationship we have a document here in our Pathways to Freedom section called 'How To Disclose' - this is full of helpful information and guidance. If your partner has just found out about your unwanted behaviours we have a document 'I have been found out!' with helpful information for you.
Alongsiders
We have people at New Community who have found freedom from these unwanted sexual behaviours and who want to support others so they too can find freedom. We call them 'Alongsiders'.
If you would like to speak with an Alongsider please contact either Ali (Wellbeing Pastor) ali@ncr.org.au to be put in touch or to message one of our Alongsider men, you can email directly - ncrpathways@gmail.com
Our Alongsider's own stories have been written and are read out in our Stories of Hope, Wellbeing Resources.
If you would like to speak with an Alongsider please contact either Ali (Wellbeing Pastor) ali@ncr.org.au to be put in touch or to message one of our Alongsider men, you can email directly - ncrpathways@gmail.com
Our Alongsider's own stories have been written and are read out in our Stories of Hope, Wellbeing Resources.
Pathways to Freedom Course
We run an 8 week Pathways to Freedom Course for men where you can find guidance, helpful tools and strategies, a healthier understanding of yourself and support. It is run by Stuart Conkie - Counsellor, and some of our Alongsiders.
You can find information here on the app.
If you're a woman and would like to attend a course contact Ali -ali@ncr.org.au
You can find information here on the app.
If you're a woman and would like to attend a course contact Ali -ali@ncr.org.au
If you're in a committed relationship
- If you are in a committed relationship and your partner would like support please encourage them to look at our Pathways to Healing section on the app.
- Take a look at our Talking Sex Podcast (here on this app) we have a mini-series on unwanted sexual behaviours - episodes 20 - 29
- We also recommend some couples counselling if you are both stuck or caught in cycles of emotion. We can recommend counsellors - contact ali@ncr.org.au
- Take a look at our Talking Sex Podcast (here on this app) we have a mini-series on unwanted sexual behaviours - episodes 20 - 29
- We also recommend some couples counselling if you are both stuck or caught in cycles of emotion. We can recommend counsellors - contact ali@ncr.org.au
Professional Help
If your unwanted sexual behaviour or the pain it covers is complex we recommend you seek professional help from a psychologist or counsellor. We can recommend some.
Prayer Ministry
We recommend prayer ministry to go alongside your other support and help. Contact ali@ncr.org.au