The Healing Community

The church today is not really all that different than the religious community to which Jesus ministered when he came to earth. It was made up of people with all different types of needs, problems, and life circumstances which affected their perceptions, motivations, beliefs, and behaviours. Jesus' ministry was spent primarily preaching, teaching, and healing those men and women who were the outcasts of the world (Mark 1:40). Of course, he continues to transform lives today.

This book has been divided into five major sections.

Section I describes the history, philosophy, program, and services which have proven to be highly effective forms of ministry in our local community. Every geographical area is different, and not all of the programs may be suitable for you. Each section can be taken and used as is or expanded to become program statements for public relations or ministry opportunities.

Section II, Policies and Procedures, is an important section for those of you who feel called to direct your own counseling ministry. Very few pastors/counselors are trained well in general administrative development, and it is important that your center operate in a smooth, administratively sound manner. This section will help you.

Public relations are so vitally important. Simply put, if the people to whom you want to minister do not know who, what, where, when, and about you, you'll never reach them. Public relations, which are discussed in detail in Section III, are a combination of planning and sales, mixed with prayer. This section may be the most important, as it will help you to develop a detailed plan of action for your ministry.

In Section IV, we continue with practical samples of public relations material that you are free to use. These helps will give you many ideas from which to grow.

Finally, Section V provides for you all the necessary clinical and sample administrative forms to be used to develop your counseling ministry. We do not believe in "re-creating the wheel." Therefore, we have provided sample paperwork to assist you in creating your Center.