Who we are
An introduction to the Christian Fellowship of Healing
by Helen Richardson and others.
Healing help
Every church which joins in intercessory prayer is already involved in healing ministry. It's not a case of "should we... ?" or "should we not ...?" have a healing ministry. It is clear however that more and more of our congregations around the land are re-discovering that there is blessing when we gather to pray for the sick and to lay on hands and sometimes also to anoint with oil.
Normal function
The first thing to affirm is that healing ministry is a normal function of the whole Body of Christ, the Church. All churches are in fact charismatic -- otherwise they could not be the Church.
We are all dependent on the "gifts of the Spirit" to make us function as "Church". One of these gifts is the gift of healing. While the whole congregation has a general call to healing ministry, there may also be some members in the congregation for whom this is a special calling and gift. They may well emerge when a healing ministry is established either as part of an ordinary worship service or as a special service for healing. They, for their own sake, need to see themselves as limbs of the body, part of the whole.
If we commit ourselves to Christ and His Church, we know that the next step He asks of us is to open up our lives to Him and to move in the direction He is calling us to go. Are we prepared to believe that the commands He gave to His disciples are also for us in this present day and age?
Jesus said ...
In Luke 9 we read that Jesus called the twelve together and sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. In Luke 10 we read that Jesus appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go. Jesus said to them
"When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you, heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The Kingdom of God is near you'.
Since Christ first gave us these commands, many who have committed themselves to Him down the centuries have believed those words were also for them, often at great cost to themselves.
We believe that, as His followers, we cannot separate the two commands given by Christ to His Apostles and the 72.
So, what do we do?
The Christian Fellowship of Healing came into being in 1961 at a gathering of 300 people. In 1977 it became a full-time ecumenical organisation and employed a full-time Chaplain.
Groups meet every Tuesday and Wednesday morning and afternoon, and Tuesday and Thursday evening. Several members are trained and experienced in giving help to those who come with mental and emotional problems. God also graciously encourages us through the healing of people with physical illnesses and difficulties, sometimes quickly, often gradually.
Ministry can take place within a group or, by appointment, in private. Intercessory prayer for anyone in need takes place regularly. Confidentiality is strictly observed in all areas of the work. Anyone can contact us by 'phone or just walk through the door at any time -- a friendly receptionist will be there to give the information required.
The basis of all areas of ministry within our Fellowship is prayer and the studying of God's word.
Give it away
Outreach has been part of our vision over the years. Would your church welcome a visit? If you are asking questions like these, we can help:
- What would it mean for our congregation to start "healing the sick"?
- How would we run a healing service?
- What would a healing group do?
- Does everyone have a healing gift
- Would we "lay on hands"?
- Do we need training?
- Where do we get help?
We produce a series of leaflets which answer most of the questions people ask. A tape library culls wisdom and inspiration from many traditions within the church. We have a book library covering the main authors in this field over the past 50 years. We also have a video showing the visual aspect of what we do, which can be borrowed by individuals or groups
Ordinary
We are ordinary people. We believe that it is ordinary people Christ calls to be His instruments. Are we able to hear what He is asking us to do for Him? -- for it is He, and He alone, who heals.
We can be found at 14 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh. You are welcome to join us on Tuesday or Wednesday from 9.45 till 12.30 and 2.00 to 4.30 when we have Bible Reflections, prayers and the healing ministry for individuals. Holy Communion is celebrated informally on Wednesday and, with special healing emphasis at an early evening Healing Service on Tuesday from 6pm - 7pm.
If you wish to be associated with us
For more details see Support us or download the Members and Friends form (PDF, 48 KB).
Friends
The first step is to be on our mailing list, receiving the Newsletter three times a year. You become a Friend for a subscription of usually £15 per year (concessions £10). You may like to pay by means of Gift Aid --- if you are a tax payer, please download the Members and Friends form (PDF, 48 KB).
Full membership
Full membership is for those who are ready to make a real commitment to the work. This is made afresh each year at the Dedication Service in September/October. Membership is thus renewable each year. Standard donation: usually £20 per year (minimum of £6). Please download the Members and Friends form (PDF, 48 KB).
How to join in
Some ways to begin to join the work of Christian Fellowship of Healing.
By joining in the Daily Prayer
Teams of people need to be available every day for those who come for help. If you come regularly at one point in the week you begin to be regarded as a member of the “team” which meets at that time. Growing, learning, led by the Spirit, we discover where each can be used best in the team. Newcomers generally try different mornings or afternoons discovering which seems most suitable. Prayer is our job.
By becoming an Intercessor. You can keep in touch with the work by undertaking to pray at home each day for three or four people whose names will be sent to you. We give no details of the problems to maintain confidentiality, but give first name and the healing graces they request (eg Love, Peace, Wisdom, etc). We ask you to hold them up regularly into the Light of God. If you would like to be an intercessor please contact the Prayer Secretary.
By being a Financial Supporter
The Fellowship is entirely dependent financially on what we receive from individual donors. We receive no official grants from any church or denomination. We are a faith-ministry trusting God to provide through His grateful people. This is accomplished through donations, regular giving by means of Gift Aid, and the occasional legacy. If you are a tax payer Gift Aid forms may be obtained from our office. Please consider your financial support for us prayerfully.
We are people
- who seek to offer acceptance and love to all who seek healing and growth.
- whose main focus is on prayer, as we grow by grace of the Holy Spirit towards wholeness of spirit, mind and body.
It is through the power of the Holy Spirit and with God-given gifts that we unite as an interdenominational group to seek healing and wholeness for ourselves and others.
Our mission statement sums this up:
The Christian Fellowship of Healing is a gathered fellowship of people who are growing in love and acceptance through the power of the Holy Spirit. We welcome all who come seeking healing and wholeness. We will also help to develop this healing ministry in other groups.