The Fit to Lead Batterer Intervention Program is a state-certified program that is doctrinally sound, Scripture saturated, and scientifically proven to reduce recidivism and increase marital satisfaction and commitment.

Mission and Purpose

Cross Strength Ministries (CSM): Redemption. Restoration. Recovery. (R³) Domestic Violence Services and Training

To create and coordinate a comprehensive, empirically tested, biblically sound, community effort that will protect victims of domestic violence, by providing immediate safety and ongoing services, resources, and referrals.

Secondly, through education and awareness, CSM/R³ strives to develop a working relationship with legislators, law enforcement, judicial officers, attorneys, clergy, educational facilities, non-profit organizations, coalitions, and the community that will provide programming aimed at changing distorted ideas and attitudes that contribute to domestic violence with the goal of stopping abusive and violent behavior, by going beyond behavior modification and striving to extinguish the motivations behind the behavior so that it will not manifest itself in other forms of maladaptive behaviors – or actions.

Most importantly, we hold true to the fact that the perpetrator (abuser/offender/terrorist) is the only one who is or ever will be accountable and solely responsible for their decision to be abusive and violent.

Research has consistently demonstrated that when the community comes together to hold the offender accountable, they are more likely to modify their behavior.

Fit to Lead Batterer Intervention Program (BIP)

Mission Statement

To be committed to the protection and safety of victims of domestic violence by holding the offender accountable as well as completely and solely responsible for their actions.

Vision Statement

Fit to Lead fulfills its mission by introducing male offenders to the basic principles of integrity through a knowledge and understanding of Biblical Manhood as defined in Scripture by God’s command and ultimate authority through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and atonement on the Cross, as the propitiation of sin for those who repent and believe through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Fit to Lead BIP is to identify and replace distorted thoughts and beliefs, such as self-aggrandizing authoritarianism (Luke 22:26), that lead to controlling attitudes that drive behaviors that demean, demoralize, condescend, patronize, dishonor, disrespect, defile, and cause Spiritual, physical, psychological, emotional, financial, and sexual harm to victims of domestic violence.

Utilizing the most effective psychological theories, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the sufficiency of Scripture; These distortions are exposed, rebuked, and replaced through the truth of biblical masculinity which is an attitude of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for, and protect women through Jesus’ example of servanthood. Research has consistently shown that increased religiosity promotes marital satisfaction and commitment. Studies have also clearly shown that religious programming is more effective in program completion and reducing recidivism. 

Program Philosophy

Our philosophy is predicated on the fact that Domestic violence is nothing short of domestic terrorism. It is the act of holding a victim hostage to the power and control of the terrorist by any means necessary: financial, sexual, emotional, physical, and Spiritual. Domestic violence is not a marriage problem, it is not a physical problem, and it is not a mental health issue or psychological problem, but a willful and deliberate act by the abuser to gain power and/or control over a person.

Domestic violence is rooted in the spiritual problem caused by a sinner’s absolute refusal to deny himself and die to his sinful desires of the “lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life” (1 Jn. 2:16).

It is a fallacy to think that Domestic violence belongs solely to the field of psychology or counseling. The fact is that when you study abuse, you are studying the very psychology of sin. We read in 1 John 3:4 that all sin is lawlessness. And lawlessness is rebellion against the only One who is entitled to power and control, God Himself. For He alone is sovereign.

Since there is no person, programming, or psychological theory that has been developed or is capable of changing a person’s heart – and the empirical data clearly demonstrates the greater level of success in Christian offender programming – Therefore, we believe that offenders do not need more “education,” they need transformation.  Because “the gospel is the power unto salvation,” which causes the transformation, and the Holy Spirit is the only power capable of changing a heart, we declare God’s Word, in that it is only through the blood of Jesus Christ that a person can become “a new creation.”  

Biblical men are called to be leaders. However, the misconception via misinterpretation of twisting Scripture – God’s leadership role for men is often distorted and misunderstood to mean that men have some sort of “Male privilege” – But the Bible is clear: There is no such thing. Quite the contrary, Biblical Men are called to serve, not be served.

• Biblical masculinity expresses itself not in the demand to be served, but in the strength to serve and to sacrifice for the good of woman…
• Biblical masculinity does not assume the authority of Christ over a woman but advocates for it…
• Biblical masculinity does not presume superiority but mobilizes the strength of others.[1]

Biblical men – Real men do not abuse (terrorize) the ones they love. They lead in the same manner as Christ leads the church: “… and “gave Himself up for her.” Biblical men – Real men can find their only “privilege” in that they alone must demonstrate sacrificial love by being first to the cross. 

Because individuals do not understand or possess a fear of the Lord, they do not “love their neighbor,” as a matter of consequence, their behavior is abusive, malicious, reckless, violent, and depraved. This behavior cannot be tolerated by society, as God does not tolerate it and calls it evil. More importantly it is our job, mandate, and command, as Christians – to see to it, that the victim of these violent terrorists is protected, and justice served.

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Prov. 31:8-9).

Fit to Lead is based on a cognitive-behavioral approach to intervention, prevention, and prediction that has proven validity across the empirical spectrum. Although we saturate each lesson with Biblical doctrine and a Christ-centered approach, it is because cognitive-behavioral therapy is found throughout Scripture as God commands: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2).

---

[1] Piper, J. & Grudem, W. (1991). Recovering Biblical manhood and womanhood. Wheaton, ILL: Crossway Books.