I spoke at the Stephen Ministry last night at Hyde Park Community Methodist Church in Cincinnati. It is a church that has many practical ministries and serves all sorts of people in need. I spoke on what I called, "Pre-Divorce recovery". Many churches, including this one, have support groups for Divorce Recovery but it is too late to really bring healing to a couple already divorced. I want to help people recover BEFORE they see the need to divorce.
With about 20 Stephen Ministers in attendance we discussed the needs they see in the community as the visit in the homes of the ill, shut ins and so forth. We discussed the fact that depression and anxiety are rampant and more is expected because so many people are living in toxic conflict that often leads to divorce and divorce leads to dysfunctional kids.
With all the Psychologists, Counselors and Psychiatrists as well as the anti depression medications, what can Peers from a church do to bring healing? Plenty! As a Clinical Counselor, Retired, I can say for a certainty that Professionals need the helps and follow through of Lay Helpers, Ministers, Support Groups and Self Help Classes in churches. And, we must not forget sermons and worship that provide faith, hope and love for people.
If your church does not have a Stephen Ministry or something similar, start praying and planning how to set one up. It can do a lot to prevent depression and anxiety and support hurting people as they face pain, illness and loss.
No comments:
Post a Comment