Article by Teresa Chang
A key role of every church is to provide different kinds of healing opportunities for its members. Some church leaders create counseling centers; some have specialty church small groups that deal with certain kinds of past hurts or addictive behaviors. Some have group healing rooms or ministries dedicated to inner healing. If you don’t have these ministries in place, we encourage you to build the programs and ministries your church needs to walk in deeper healing.
Depending on the size of your church and how many healing ministries you have in place, you may want to appoint a church leader over this branch of the church to help foster the growth of additional healing ministries, as well as ministers who know how to facilitate healing.
Here are a few things to think about as you build up your church’s healing ministries:
1. Train your leaders in healing.
Who in your leadership and congregation is gifted in this area of healing and mercy? Make it possible for these people to receive additional training through seminars and conferences, private studies, internships, etc. Equip them in a way that will benefit the people in their spheres of influence.
2. Maintain a victorious perspective.
Make sure you are prepared to serve and care for people who are struggling with specific problems such as sexual brokenness or addictive behavioral issues. Keep in mind that the groups, teachings and sessions you provide need to be consistent with your philosophy and have a victorious perspective. Remember to think in faith! We are more than overcomers through Him who loved us—that is the simple truth. Because of Jesus, we have authority to release healing. Take steps to recognize and learn the authority you have, so you can do what Jesus did on the earth (see Acts 10:38).
In everything you do, present truth in such a way that those who are hurting can see Jesus and move toward purity and wholeness.
3. Promote your vision for healing regularly.
Preach on the subject of healing on a consistent basis, and encourage people to celebrate those who are taking risks and praying for others. Flood your church with testimonies of healing.
