A healing ministry

By Ian Davidson (Chaplain 1988-1997)

The Christian Fellowship of Healing is a group of Christians from many denominations and backgrounds. We know from our prayer, study and fellowship together, and from those who come to us seeking help, that there is real need for a healing ministry.

This page sets out some tried and tested principles and ideas which you may wish to consider within any interested group in your church.

When a congregation asks itself sincerely, "How can we serve our parish, and minister effectively to those who are suffering physically or mentally?" and looks to the New Testament for guidelines, there can be no doubt that "healing" is found to be an activity high on God's agenda. In Matthew's gospel chapters 9 & 10 we see that Jesus called together the first Twelve out of his compassion for the "sheep without a shepherd".

If we look around us with compassion we will find that he is giving us the same call that he gave those first disciples. We are reminded that in the Christian ministry healing is not an optional extra but part of our mission statement (Luke Chapters 9 & 10). If we regard the Scriptures as our title deeds we are impelled to interpret their meaning and impact for people today. We are challenged to attempt great things for God, and to expect great things from him.

Healing is for the whole person. We find that all illness has an underlying spiritual component (a dis-ease) which has to be addressed. Physical or mental illness can be the stimulus to a new stage in our inner journey towards wholeness and union with God.

How do these things get started?

To begin with there is faith-building work to be done with a committed nucleus. A ministry does not take off because of "good ideas" but in response to faithful prayer and study, sometimes over long periods. There is also a sense of calling and conviction in many hearts that this is a work of God in which he wants me enlisted and ready to train. The Alpha course is often an acceptable starting point.

The Christian Fellowship of Healing

We will be glad to visit for a day or weekend devoted to the development of this ministry. An extended teach-in with demonstrations can be arranged and the time often culminates in a healing service. The chaplain is usually invited to preach a week or two prior to such a visit.

A study course can be arranged for Lent or for the autumn's resumption of church activity. There are several stimulating courses available at this point (see Resources).

A group from the congregation might attend one of our major healing conferences, or apprentice people to the daily life and prayer at the Christian Fellowship of Healing to learn their way around the different aspects of healing with, if appropriate, hands-on experience.

Who, What, Where and When?

The practicalities will vary enormously from place to place as each congregation is unique.

Who? People gifted and called to this work may not always be found among the eldership or deacons, Session or Vestry. Time commitments may need to be monitored very carefully if this is the case. If the work is to be in the Name of Christ and within the context of his Church then it must be done properly. Duly ordained people or their delegates will usually head up the team and a proper sense of accountability will be in place.

What do we ask them to do? Perhaps to visit the sick in pairs. They need to be able to move easily, naturally, from conversation into prayer and back again. They will feel comfortable with touch and the many variations of the laying on of hands. They will be part of a team; a body of people who offer support and encouragement.

Where? Perhaps they will use the church room, hall or vestibule on certain afternoons per week: it will be open, warm and prayed-in and will offer a quiet oasis of ministry or meditation, Bible-study or informal worship. Four or five people can form a team, creating a welcoming atmosphere, making tea, relaxing, keeping an eye on the door, keeping the records. They might be prepared to have an appointment system or prefer a casual drop-in basis. They should be trained together in the simple skills of Christian Listening. Two or three local churches might cooperate in such a venture.

When will healing be offered? Prayer can be offered "without ceasing" (ie, at any time) but in practice two or three opening times of 2-3 hours per week will be the first target. This might involve teams of up to two dozen volunteers to ensure the work is spread and no-one is over-stretched and stressed.

The Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

The Gifts of the Spirit are essential for any healing work. We must not forget that the Lord will baptise and use many human skills including medical and counselling techniques. Our main remit is, however, so to deepen in fellowship with God and with each other that the Holy Spirit can operate in all and through all ... "mingling all things for the benefit of those who love him" (Romans 8).

This fellowship building may be a testing, trying, searching time for all concerned as they learn to accommodate to each other's weaknesses and to celebrate each other's gifts. A real depth of mutual understanding will be forthcoming and a firm grounding in the study of the Gospels. God knows when his people are ready and will bring people to them to show them what to do.

Benefit of clergy?

The minister's place is pivotal although his or her gifting does not have to be in the healing work. There should be a loving rapport and accountability between the clergy-person and the healing group. He or she carries the final responsibility for what takes place, and will exercise a sacramental/pastoral function and oversight of the team, its training and activity. The "Ministry of Word and Sacrament" is most meaningful in a healing setting.

Healing Services?

These are not necessarily appropriate for every situation, but if you are led to offer them on a regular basis you are saying something about the gospel and your understanding of it. Ian Cowie's book Ideas for Healing Services contains much useful advice and material. Another approach is `every service a service of healing' -- in which case a slot for particular ministry time by the duty team is allowed for, usually towards the end of the service and often in a side-chapel of the main church. At these times the preaching, the confession prayers, intercessions and blessings have a strong healing impact. Behind all these practical arrangements lies the conviction that the Lord is present, the same today as yesterday. We come to church not to be entertained, taught or pressurised, but to heal and be healed in the Name of Jesus.

Resources - Books and leaflets

The Christian Fellowship of Healing produces leaflets on many topics meeting questions people ask. Send £3.00 plus 70p postage for the complete set.

Books available for borrowing from CFH include:

Courses/Conferences

^ Return to top