Small groups for those affected by chronic illness, mental illness, and chronic pain work best with 3 to 6 people. Our streamlined and easy-to-use resources offer practical guidance every step of the way.
SMALL GROUPS
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 relationships with one another. Connection spurs us on, encouraging and inspiring us. It’s where we care for each other and help one another.
We know it takes time for churches and organizations to flesh out ministries within their walls for those affected by chronic illness, mental illness, and chronic pain. It also takes people willing to lead even when they don’t feel well—which is why we’ve created streamlined and easy-to-use tools and practical guidance. Before we even wrote our first book, we developed resources to make this process easier:
We know that connection can be challenging for those affected by illness and pain. 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:
- Churches may not understand the significant challenges associated with chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, and disability.
- Churches may not recognize our needs when we don’t look sick.
- Churches may not yet know how to do community for those affected by illness, pain, and disability or how to flesh out small groups in creative ways.
- Finding a time of day or setting the length of meetings may be difficult due to our 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.
Chronic Publications
THRIVE STUDY SERIES
ABIDE STUDY SERIES
LEADER COMPANION RESOURCE
Our printable guide, Creative Ways to Use Our Publications, helps individuals, churches, and organizations think out of the box to build strong connections.
Churches across the US have launched their own chronic illness ministry under the Chronic Joy® name to help those in their fellowship affected by illness and pain discover hope, find purpose, and embrace worth. Our resources can help churches encounter God’s indescribable joy as members learn to do life together. 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!
FREE PRINTABLES
Creative Ways to Use Chronic Joy Posts & Publications
Talking about the impact of chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, and disability on our lives can be incredibly difficult. Sometimes, we are unsure what we think or how we feel, either for ourselves or for our friends or loved ones.
Prayers for Small Groups
Chronic Joy’s small-group prayer guidelines help facilitate safe, growing, and trusting small groups. Our nine small-group prayers will kickstart the prayer lives of those with chronic illness, mental illness, or chronic pain.
Small Group Roles
This downloadable PDF provides helpful tips for organizing your small group and defining group roles.
Small Group Agreement & Prayer of Kinship
These useful tools provide a framework for grace and peace in chronic illness, mental illness, and chronic pain small groups.
Servant-Hearted Leadership
In the eyes of Jesus, we’re all leaders! What does it mean to listen, lead, and love like Jesus? Since each of us is a unique member of the body of Christ with different life experiences, to lead well requires constant dependence on the Spirit to grow us as servant-hearted leaders.
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY - COMPASSION. INCLUSION. RELATIONSHIP.
Resources created and curated by those who understand the sweeping impact of chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, and disability on every aspect of life. Vital, practical, Christ-centered, and inclusive. Together, we are the Body of Christ on earth.
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