Objective: To engage the members of Concord (and others) in a 40-Day fast to improve relationships with God and others, to engage in small group discussions, and to implement a spiritual fast for supernatural breakthroughs.

Start Date: Friday, January 1 @ 7pm End Date: Wednesday, February 10 at 7pm

Step 1: Register for 40 Days to Change:

  1. On-Line: Click the CLICK HERE link on the right.
  2. In Person: Complete the registration form on Sunday and place it in the offering tray.
  3. By Mail: Place a stamp on the registration form included in your Sunday bulletin and place it in the mail.

Step 2: Purchase The Relationship Principles of Jesus by Tom Holloday.

Books are available for $15 in the Connection Bookstore. Read the book each day and answer the questions at the end of each chapter. 

Step 3: Pray

Designate daily prayer times for yourself, your family and join your church each Wednesday at 7pm during the forty day period.

Step 4: Participate in a modified Daniel Fast for 40 Days

In lieu of the extended 40-Day timetable, we will implement a modified Daniel Fast, which will allow participants to have a Sabbath Day of Rest on Sundays. On the Sabbath Day, participants must refrain from all fried foods, beef and pork. Participants are encouraged to have weekly celebrations and share a meal with their small group. Additionally, participants will be encouraged to walk. Walking will serve two objectives: a daily prayer walk to reconnect with God and daily exercise!

Step 5: Partner (Join a Small Group!)

  1. All participants are required to join a small group for the 40 Day period. Small Groups are encouraged to meet during the months of January and February to encourage one another and complete the small group curriculum.  Participants will be asked to join a small group on the registration form.
  2. Make yourself accountable to at least one other person during the entire fast. If someone falls and eats the wrong foods, do not condemn them. Help them start again. Walk in love and mercy.
  3. Return to this webpage each day (after January 1) to read Pastor Carter’s Blog and participate in the Facebook Discussion Forum.

Theme of the fast—fasting and prayer: Your goal in fasting is to become closer to God by voluntarily denying the demands of your flesh. Increase your prayer, Scripture reading, journaling and quiet time. Study the Scriptures with a new intensity. When the fast is over, you should have a new spiritual strength from overcoming the cravings that usually control your life and from dedicating yourself to God. Participants are also encouraged to join us on Wednesday evenings at 7pm for praise & worship, prayer and testimonies.

Biblical model: Fasting is described as a one of the spiritual disciplines. In the book of Daniel, chapter 1, Daniel describes an example of his personal fasting and the dramatic results. Isaiah described God’s chosen fast in Isaiah 58. Jesus fasted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and spoke of the necessity of fasting for believers. Spiritual fasting entails setting aside activities as well as reducing the intake of food and replacing these activities with the exercise of prayer and preoccupation with spiritual concerns. Fasting is a physical experience that reflects a spiritual commitment. (Matt 6:16-18; Ps 35:13; Ezr 8:23)

Following your own conscience: The precise details of your fast are between you and God. The apostle Paul says, “Each person is free to follow the convictions of his own conscience” (Romans 14, The Message). If you fast often, you may need to turn up your fasting another level during this time. If this is your first fast, you may not be able to endure as many restrictions as someone else who fasts frequently. In the future, live a “fasted lifestyle,” increasingly accommodating God and not the flesh.

Restricting television and entertainment: It will be difficult for you to consecrate yourself if you feed yourself on television and movies during this time.

Students & Children: Children are encouraged to join in with their parents in the daily readings and utilize the questions at the end of each chapter for open discussion. However, a modified version of the fast should be utilized especially for small children. They will be encouraged to give up sweets during the fast, as opposed to a stricter regimen.

ON-LINE Registration
CLICK HERE to register!

Pastor Carter's Blog
CLICK HERE to read Pastor Carter's Blog.

Daniel Fast Instructions 
CLICK HERE to review the Daniel Fast.

Facebook Discussion Forum
CLICK HERE to participate in the Discussion Forum.

Small Group Registration
CLICK HERE to join a Small Group!

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