The Flame of Hope

 COMMUNITY

It all starts with God and the decision to follow Him. For Chronic Joy, that includes having a clear Statement of Faith.

In addition to our personal relationship with God, we were created for relationship with one another. Community spurs us on, encouraging and inspiring us. It’s where we care for each other and help one another up.

We know that it takes time for churches and organizations to flesh out chronic illness ministries within their walls. And it takes people willing to lead even when we don’t feel well, which is why we’ve created streamlined and easy-to-use tools and resources. Before we even wrote our first book, we developed resources to make this process easier:

• Build An Illness Ministry
• Small Group Policy
• Small Group Roles

We know that community can be challenging for those with chronic illnesses. There are often more days we don’t leave home than days we do, and committing to a traditional small group may be difficult.

WHY? BECAUSE:

• our churches may not understand the significant challenges associated with chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, and disability.
• they may not recognize our needs when we don’t look sick
• they may not yet know how to “do” community for those affected by chronic illness or how to flesh small groups out in creative ways.
• the time of day or length of meetings may be difficult due to symptoms, medications, treatments, or energy reserves.
• we may need transportation to the meeting.
• financial assistance might be needed to purchase materials.
• we may need wheelchair access to bathrooms, elevators, and classrooms.

Our printable guide, Creative Ways to Use Our Publications, helps individuals, churches, and organizations think out of the box to connect with one another and build community.

There are several churches that launched their own chronic illness ministry under the Chronic Joy® name to help those in their church discover hope, find purpose, and embrace worth. They help them encounter God’s indescribable joy as they learn to do life together, thriving in a life with chronic illness. Our Licensing Agreement provides the framework for churches and organizations to take that important step.

Are you interested in starting a small group or a chronic illness ministry in your church? This post makes a great conversation starter!