Growing in Wholeness A Practical Course to Encourage Personal Growth in Wholeness and to Develop the Church’s Ministry of Healing Developed by Roger.

Growing in Wholeness A Practical Course to Encourage Personal Growth in Wholeness and to Develop the Church’s Ministry of Healing Developed by Roger Matthews Version 10, 2019 © Roger Matthews 1993 – 2019 The scripture quotations contained herein are from The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Anglicized Edition, copyright © by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and are used with permission. All rights reserved. The liturgical material taken from Common Worship and Patterns for Worship is Copyright © The Archbishops’ Council. I acknowledge with gratitude the insights and ideas of many individuals and organisations who have helped to shape my understanding of the healing ministry. If any copyright material has been incorporated without proper acknowledgement or permission I would like to rectify the matter in future editions. Please contact Revd Canon Dr Roger Matthews Dean of Mission and Ministry Diocese of Chelmsford 53 New Street Chelmsford Essex CM1 1AT

Growing in Wholeness 2 Spiritual Healing 3 Emotional Wholeness
1 Foundations 2 Spiritual Healing 3 Emotional Wholeness 4 Physical Healing 5 Barriers to Wholeness 6 Sacramental Ministry of Healing 7 Good Practice for the Healing Ministry Use the numbers to go direct to the relevant session.

Introduction Welcome! Aims of the Course Programme for each session
Small Groups Linkwork Notes Not everything will suit you! Welcome people – be gentle, people may be nervous and unsure of what to expect! Introduce yourself and outline reasons for running the course Allow course members to introduce themselves - but be very brief as this first session is quite long. If you have a large group it might be best to have an introductory meeting to talk about the course, introduce each other, share expectations and hand out the notes. Review Course Introduction (p1). Include: · group formation - allow people to choose their own groups! · confidentiality · prayer support · linkwork · 2 types of note-taking: factual and personal thoughts · taking control of their own learning - some parts of the course will be more helpful than others! · get participants to write their names on their course notes - it avoids lots of confusion later!

A Prayer Come in weakness, find strength Come in sickness, find health
Come in chains, find freedom Come in confusion, find peace Come in sorrow, find joy Come in doubt, find faith Come in despair, find courage Come alone, find Christ. Amen. Carrs Lane Church, Birmingham

Session 1: FOUNDATIONS What is healing and wholeness?
Growing in Wholeness Session 1: FOUNDATIONS What is healing and wholeness? First session can seem quite full and theoretical but necessary to set a firm foundation. But you don’t need to explain every Biblical reference! It is best to be brief and tackle questions at the end.

Foundations Reading: Mark 2.13-17
Mark 2.13 Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. 14 As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. 15 And as he sat at dinner in Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples-- for there were many who followed him. 16 When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 17 When Jesus heard this, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners." Call to follow. Perhaps into the unknown. Adventure together. All to some extent sick and sinners. All need healing and saving. Wide context of healing.

Foundations What is Healing?
Ask course members to think of words and short phrases that reflect their understanding of healing. Write up on flipchart if you wish.

The Source of Healing and Wholeness
Exodus I am the LORD who heals you Psalm Who heals all your diseases Psalm He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds Isaiah By his bruises we are healed God is!

The Source of Healing and Wholeness
Human beings have a propensity to heal: spiritually, physically, and emotionally Healing is inherent in creation Healing is the norm, not the exception. (eg after bereavement or an infection. It can take time. Some interventions can speed things up, eg medicine or counselling.)

Healing as Truth and Freedom
Healing requires both a diagnosis (the truth about ourselves and the world) and Confidence in the healer (the truth about God, his character and purpose) Healing is the freedom that comes from accepting the truth from someone we trust Possibly compare with the effect of seeing a GP who you trust with one you don’t know.

God’s concern for his people’s freedom (Ps ) The Spirit of the Lord (Isaiah ) Jesus is the way, truth and life (John 14.6) The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth in us (John 14.16f) Notice the connection between healing and freedom Psalm 146:5-10: Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD! Isaiah 61:1-3: The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. (compare Jesus’ manifesto in Luke 4.) Jesus is, in himself, truth and life. His ministry was one of setting people free to be/become who they were made to be. The Holy Spirit continues that ministry in and through us.

Knowing the truth makes us free (John 8.32) Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3.17) For freedom Christ has set us free (Gal 5.1) Briefly note these references.

Healing as the Discovery of Identity and Vocation
Human Nature: Image of God: Genesis 1.26f and 5.1 Created and known by God: Psalm 139 Need to look to God to find answers about ourselves. First our identity - made in the image of God.

Walter Wink says: “… we are somehow ‘like’ God in our mundane existence. But we are not yet fully human. For now, we are only promissory notes, hints, intimations. But we are able to become more human because the Human One has placed the divine spirit within us (Ezekiel 37:5, 14; 36:26), which will remove our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh”. Humanity is about being Jesus centred. Healing is about becoming more fully human.

Jesus became like us – people living within the constraints of earthly reality – in order that we might become like him – fully human. … Jesus incarnated God in his own person in order to show all of us how to incarnate God. And to incarnate God is what it means to be fully human”. “The goal of life, then, is not to become something we are not – divine – but to become what we truly are – human”. Walter Wink The Human Being, Fortress, 2002

Who am I? Whose am I? What then shall I do? Being ‘good-enough’ to do what God wants In the light of God’s truth and his call to freely follow, we discover the truth about our Identity and Vocation. Possible reference to Moses (Exodus 3) at the Burning Bush. God calls him by name (identity), tells him he is God (I am) and also that he is his God (of your father, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). There is then the call to go… Moses is very reluctant: I’m not confident enough, eloquent enough etc. Healing is not about becoming perfect but being good-enough, fit-enough, confident-enough to do what God wants in the power of His Spirit.

Healing as Peace Shalom - The Peace of God The Nature of God
The Lord is Peace (Judges 6.24) The Purpose of God Peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5.1) The Gift of Jesus Your faith has healed you, go in peace (Luke 8.48) Peace I give you (John 14.27) Peace be with you (John 20.19) Most people will readily understand the connection between healing and peace. This section can be covered quite quickly.

Healing as Peace The Fruit of the Spirit
The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8.6) Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5.22) Harmony with God, Others, Creation and Self At-one-ment (Ephesians 1:3-10, 2:13-22) Welcome and hospitality form the foundation needed before we can accept God’s peace and healing. Note the healing power of welcome and hospitality. If we are accepted and loved, we will find it easier to receive God’s healing. How welcoming are our churches? An unwelcoming, uncaring church, denies God’s healing power.

The Kingdom of God Central to the ministry of Jesus (Mark 1.15)
The key theological doctrine for the healing ministry Central to the ministry of Jesus (Mark 1.15) Not a place, but present when God's will is done Perfectly present in Jesus (John 5.20) He did what he saw the Father doing He inaugurated the Kingdom God’s kingdom embraces the cross (Phil 2.7ff) Suffering and death is reinterpreted Entered through Jesus (John 14.6) Fulfilled at Christ's return (Mt ) Phil 2:7 And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Also 1 Corinthians 15 Death is swallowed up in victory

The Kingdom of God A definition from Hans Küng
“It will be a Kingdom where, in accordance with Jesus’ prayer, God’s name is truly hallowed, his will is done on earth, men will have everything in abundance, all sin will be forgiven and all evil overcome.It will be a Kingdom where, in accordance with Jesus’ promises, the poor, the hungry, those who weep and those who are down-trodden will finally come into their own; their pain, suffering and death will have an end.

The Kingdom of God It will be a Kingdom that cannot be described, but only made known in metaphors; as the new covenant, the seed springing up, the ripe harvest, the great banquet, the royal feast.It will therefore be a Kingdom – wholly as the prophets foretold - of absolute righteousness, of unsurpassable freedom, of dauntless love, of universal reconciliation, of everlasting peace. In this sense therefore it will be the time of salvation, of fulfilment, of consummation of God’s presence: the absolute future.” (Hans Küng in On Becoming a Christian, page 215) Sounds good to me!!

The Kingdom of God Beginning: Continuation: Completion
Salvation: I have been, I am, I will be “The Presence of the Future” or “The End in the Middle” 3 tenses of salvation (I have been saved, I am being saved and I will be saved) and Kingdom G.E. Ladd’s book “The Presence of the Future”

The Kingdom of God Future focus
Wholeness is to equip for ministry today and tomorrow Vocation, Lord’s Prayer “Daily bread” Not a return to a past “golden age” God doing a new thing (Isaiah 43.18f) Note link with vocation - always present and future oriented Helps understand ageing. Christian healing does not provide the elixir of youth!

The Kingdom of God Holds together a theology of suffering and glory
Chronic sickness, disability and the differently-abled Holds the big picture all creation: physical, social, political and personal Our attitude: Confidence and Caution No room for glib answers eg death of new born baby or young child. There is not enough time in this first session to do more than note the issue of disability. There is helpful material in A Time to Heal and In search of wholeness. Note that disabled people can have as much of a healing ministry as anyone else – all of us are “wounded healers”. It is right to be confident in the teaching of Jesus and also cautious – we understand only in part. Let’s not overclaim!

Dimensions of Healing Receiving God’s Time: Scope Love and welcome
Truth and perspective Peace Freedom Vocation Time: Past Present Future Scope Self Church Society Creation Healing is primarily about God. Healing comes as we are transformed in our thinking and emotions. We progressively come to ‘know’ that God loves and welcomes, he gives new pespectives on us and our life experiences, so we can come to a place of peace in our present context, and begin to move forward in freedom to fulfil our vocation. Healing is about putting the past into perspective (it’s not about forgetting) through God’s intervention in the present, which enables us to move more confidently into the future. Healing is not just for me or us. We have a duty to share it and spread it.

A Model for Personal Wholeness
Whose am I? Discipleship Chinese pictogram for the word ‘wholeness’ is made up of two symbols: the top “roof” represents “to enter” and the bottom “crossed I” represents “a king”. Wholeness comes when the King enters! Knowing God and accepting his truth will Transform our sense of identity. Fulfilling our vocation requires being free to follow where God leads. To be truly whole, our vocation/occupation must be integrated with or at least express something of God and our discipleship. Being followers of the way may mean having to abandon some activities. God the Holy Spirit : the King who enters to bring wholeness Who am I? Identity What shall I do? Vocation

Respect, Care and Listening
Wholeness Pyramid Wholeness Freedom Peace and Transformation Being Loved Respect, Care and Listening Welcome & Hospitality Need to get the basics right in order to build a healing community. The whole diagram represents salvation and life in Christ.

Some Definitions Health is:
“the strength to live, the strength to suffer and the strength to die. Health is not a condition of the body, it is the power of my soul to cope with varying conditions of that body” (Jurgen Moltman)

Some Definitions Christian healing
“brings a state of right-relatedness to God in every area of our being as we are set free to experience the restoring love of Jesus Christ in whatever befalls us on life’s journey” (Dr Gareth Tuckwell)

Some Definitions Christian healing is
“Jesus Christ meeting you at the point of your need“ (Bishop Morris Maddocks) The sub-text is that Jesus chooses the point of need!

Causes of Disease Again, ask for words/short phrases that reflect dis-ease, illness or brokenness. Perhaps write up on a flipchart in a way that reflects the four categories of healing but note that some causes don’t neatly fit into one of the 4 boxes. Note: If time is running short, this section could be moved to the start of Session 2. Skip to slide 37 & 38 (Section 1.11 on p 7 in the notes) and end there.

Categories of Healing Spiritual Cause: Ourselves
Remedy: Repentance & Forgiveness Aim: Renewal of our relationship with God in the power of his Holy Spirit (Titus 3:3-7) These 4 types of healing are based on the work of Francis McNutt. Introducing the four types here, provides a link to the topics to be covered n the next 4 sessions. Spiritual: Cause us, our sin: Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Categories of Healing Emotional Cause: Others
Remedy: Healing of memories, Prayer, Counselling Aim: Freedom to live today without the negative effects of past hurts and harmful relationships Emotional: cause is others. Past hurts impairs current behaviour. Hurt – painful memory – impaired emotions (mask) – wrong thinking – wrong action. Healing of memories. Feelings of worthlessness, inferiority, depression, psychosomatic illness.

Categories of Healing Physical Cause: Disease, accidents
Remedy: Prayer for healing, medicine, surgery Aim: Restoring physical condition so that we are well enough to fulfil our God-given vocation Physical: accident, disease. Cause??

Categories of Healing Deliverance from evil
Cause: Sin by self or others Remedy: Renunciation & repentance, prayer for deliverance Aim: Freedom from Satan’s bondage to follow God (James 4:7-8) Evil: Christians can be oppressed not possessed Symptoms can appear the same as other causes – don’t jump to conclusions Need for discernment Sin is always involved – repentance & renunciation needed Living in an evil world is not an excuse – need to take personal responsibility. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

All four types interrelate
Types of Healing Physical Healing Spiritual Healing Note overlaps: e.g. a lady with arthritis, bereaved, angry with God, consults spiritualist medium may need healing in all four categories! Emotional Healing Deliverance from Evil All four types interrelate

Focus on Jesus Teachers can point us to knowledge Doctors to medicine
Theologians to religion Philosophers to viewpoints But only God Points us to Jesus Because all that he is And all that we need Are found in the person of His Son! Words seen on a greetings card - author unknown.

Take care of Yourself Growing in wholeness is: Spiritually challenging
Emotionally draining Physically tiring Healing can damage our pride So do refreshing things and rest more during the course. But start here. You don’t need to get better first!!

Practical Work The River of Life See Page 8 of the Participant Notes:
Think about a river that flows from the hills to the sea. In parts it is straight and flows without obstruction, in parts there are many bends and constrictions. Sometimes the river will move slowly and safely, sometimes it will be fast and scary. Now think about your life‑history as if it were a river. Draw your 'River of Life' on a sheet of paper. Record the significant events that have changed the direction of your life. Start with your earliest memories and continue to the present day. Reflect on the presence/growth or the absence/decline of Peace/Shalom and the Kingdom of God in the various changes in direction and power of your river. Your "history" is unique and has helped to make you the person you are today. All the events of your life will have been working together for your good according to God's purpose for you, even though we may not yet be able to accept everything (Romans 8.28). We are called to thank God for everything (1 Thessalonians ). Can you begin to thank God for something that has before seemed only negative? Make a note of areas where more reflection/prayer is needed. In your small groups share one positive and one negative event on your river as you feel able. Pray together.

Session 2: SPIRITUAL HEALING
Forgiveness and Reconciliation Welcome back! Any queries from last week or from the linkwork? Page 11 of the notes. (This should be the easiest session, especially with a group of mature Christians. But be prepared for surprises as some people’s understanding of sin and forgiveness can be distorted) The image is a detail from Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son.

Spiritual Healing Reading: 2 Corinthians 5.16-21
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Promise of new beginnings. Healing is to be received and shared.

Categories of Healing 1. Spiritual Cause: Ourselves
Remedy: Repentance & Forgiveness Aim: Renewal of our relationship with God in the power of his Holy Spirit (Titus 3:3-7) This session deals with the first category of healing as described by Francis MacNutt – refer people back to pages 5-6 in their notes if necessary. Spiritual: Cause us, our sin: Titus 3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Confession Means speaking the truth about: ourselves 1 John 1.8
others Ephesians 4.15 God Romans Need for discernment – good, bad and the effect of context. 1John 1.8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Eph 4.15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, Rom 10.9 because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11 The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13 For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Sin Is Blunder, missing the mark Involves Thought, word, action

Sin Responsibility is ours Consequences Spoils relationships
always harmful not necessarily removed by repentance Spoils relationships Blaming others is an attempt to make us feel safe but ultimately is futile and childish. Must stop saying “he/she made me do it” Consequences could include prison, disease, loss of trust, pregnancy etc

Sin Sin is against: Others puts me first, treats others as disposable
Myself diminishes my God given abilities God denies the truth of Jesus and his good character and purposes Me by others For example: Others: Stealing, lying, slander, gossip Myself: Self-criticism, self-image, death wish God: God protects, provides, values. Unbelief denies this. Me: Abuse, rejection, excessive discipline, wrong words, thoughts, actions Ultimately sin is not believing in Jesus and trusting in his word. John 16:.7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 11 about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. (Check energy levels. You might need to offer a buzz/stretch break!)

Forgiveness Heart of the Gospel Comes first
Romans All have sinned, all justified by grace Luke end Prodigal Son Comes first Romans 5.8 While we were sinners, Christ died for us

Forgiveness Is to be received Invites repentance Psalm 32.1-5
Mark 1.15 repent, and believe in the good news Turning to face a new direction: "I turn to Christ" Psalm 32:1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Mk 1:15 The Kingdom of God is at hand… Connection with baptism

Forgiveness Is needed daily 1 John 1.5-10 If we say we have no sin …
Growing in wholeness increases our awareness of sin Heightened awareness of sin often indicates a growing faith, not the opposite!

Forgiveness Means letting go
Psalm As far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. Isaiah You have cast all my sins behind your back Micah 7.19 You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea But may need to revisit some areas of pain to gain deeper forgiveness Forgiveness can be like the layers of an onion. If we feel condemned with reminders of sin, then the reminder is probably from Satan and should be resisted. If we are led deeper or gain a new perspective or realise we need to do more, then reminder is from God and should be welcomed.

Forgiveness Enables restitution Can be linked to physical healing
Luke Zaccheaus Can be linked to physical healing Mark Paralyzed man James Confession and prayer 2 Corinthians Reconciliation 1 Corinthians Holy Communion Mark 2 has link between sin and healing but please emphasise that not all sickness is the result of personal sin. 2 Cor 5.19 in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, 1 Cor For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. This is the opposite to the intended effect of Communion, which is healing.

Forgiveness Is to be shared
Matthew Lord’s prayer – forgive as forgiven Matthew Unmerciful servant

Forgiveness Is a decision Means facing truth
Colossians 3.13 Forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you Response of the will Means facing truth Luke Do not judge, and you will not be judged Romans 3.23 All have sinned Facing truth: say “I forgive you” not “That’s OK” (Could you say this when someone runs into your shin with a supermarket trolley!) Recognising that someone has sinned against you is not standing in judgement (which is about penalties) rather it is simply recognising the truth.

Forgiveness Public or Private
James 5.16 Confess your sins to one another … so that you may be healed Ministry of Reconciliation (Sacramental Confession) Confession may need to be as public as the sin. Power of hearing forgiveness declared by another Christian.

Forgiveness Brings release Is a process
Mark Whenever you stand praying, forgive Freedom for others and ourselves Catching monkeys Is a process Never force someone to forgive before they are ready Letting off the hook. How do you catch a monkey? Coconut shell filled with nuts tied to a tree. Monkey holds nuts and is trapped by its closed fist. Release simply needs the monkey to let go of the nuts, but it won’t!! Forgiveness is not to be rushed. Emotions and will both play a part. For some, emotions need to be released first, for others, the decision is needed first to release feelings.

Forgiveness Leads to Acceptance
God's forgiveness of my sins leads to his acceptance of me My forgiveness of others enables me to accept them My forgiveness of myself enables me to accept who I am My "forgiveness" of God enables me to accept him as he is Acceptance of others does not necessarily mean we like them! Of course, we cannot forgive God in the sense that he is, by definition, perfect. However, we may need to “forgive” our false understandings of God. What we are actually doing is repenting of our false views and expectations but sometimes this can be a helpful starting point for people who feel let down by God. See also the helpful Grove Booklet by Judith Crane Forgiving God.

Forgiveness There will be a need to forgive everyone with whom we have a close relationship, including parental and authority figures No authority figures are perfect so the need for forgiveness is inevitable. This always includes parents/guardians and normally teachers, clergy, youth leaders, bosses etc.

True and False Guilt Healing comes through Forgiveness is not betrayal
understanding the truth which leads to allocation of responsibility and then Confession / forgiveness Forgiveness is not betrayal Sin against children is not their fault As adults we can allocate responsibility in a way that is impossible as children (or immediately after an incident) Children will often assume they are to blame if they don’t understand, e.g. for parent’s divorce. Forgiveness leads to greater respect, love and compassion. Failure to forgive means we live in unreality. We cannot be forgiven for things which are not our fault. However, sometimes we need forgiveness for our actions that indicate our participation in the guilt of others, eg community, family or tribal sin. For more information on this, see Russ Parker's Healing Wounded History. Healing comes through understanding the truth which leads to allocation of responsibility and then confession/forgiveness Sin against children is not their fault. Forgiveness is not betrayal.

A Process for Making an Apology
Acknowledge the offence Accept responsibility (“I’m sorry that I …”) Express remorse (“I feel bad about …”) Offer an explanation Offer reparation Avoid re-offending Process taken from Apologising in Business by Richard Bull in Faith in Business Volume 10 Issue 3, Autumn 2006. Being sorry may not be enough, can be passive and can be ambiguous, eg “I’m sorry if I hurt you” “I’m sorry you failed the exam” “I’m sorry, but I had to go”. An apology is an act of doing. Always say “I’m sorry that…” not “I’m sorry if or but…”

Good nor Bad, Generous nor Selfish
I AM NEITHER Good nor Bad, Generous nor Selfish Honest nor Dishonest, Saint nor Sinner I AM BOTH God loves me, forgives me, and accepts me. And so, I can know God and love, forgive and accept myself and others. Author unknown Similar to the great commandment in Matthew : Love God, ourselves & others

Practical Work Clearing the ground
Some have called this “dustbin therapy”! You will need to explain the process (p 15 in Participants’ Notes) – don’t just leave them to read it! It should be possible to at least start the “repentance” exercise at the end of the session. It can be finished with the “forgiveness” part during the following week.

Session 3: EMOTIONAL WHOLENESS
Healing Life's Hurts Don’t forget a metal container to burn papers in and matches. Lining it with foil makes clearing up easier. Ask people to crumple (not fold) their papers - they will burn better. Take care - the container gets very hot and could burn whatever is underneath. Do the burning in the open and in silence, then lead in prayer – including one of absolution and release. If burning is not practical or safe, you could use a paper shredder instead. Leave time for questions or comments before starting the session proper. Page 17 in the notes.

Emotional Wholeness Readings: Psalm 139.1-4 & 13-16 Ephesians 3.14-21
O LORD, you have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. 3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, O LORD, you know it completely. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. 13 For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. Eph 3.14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Categories of Healing 2. Emotional Cause: Others
Remedy: Healing of memories, Prayer, Counselling Aim: Freedom to live today without the negative effects of past hurts and harmful relationships This is the second of our categories. Emotional: cause is others. Past hurts impairs current behaviour. Hurt – painful memory – impaired emotions (mask) – wrong thinking – wrong action. Healing of memories. Feelings of worthlessness, inferiority, depression, psychosomatic illness.

Healing of the Memories
Confusion of terms: Healing of Memories Inner Healing It is not: Amateur psychology Visualisation Changing the past A quick fix Beware who you let pry into your life. As listeners to other people we should be seeking clarification of what they tell us, not probing for information to satisfy our curiosity. Visualizing Jesus (seeing him in a situation) can be a gift, but it should never be sought or manipulated. (eg Inviting someone to see Jesus with them during an episode of abuse or domination could have a very negative imact.) We can’t change the past but we can change the way the past affects us now. This is no quick fix, change can require determination, dedication & discipline – and a lot of love from others!

A definition: Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, can take the memories of our past and: heal them from the wounds that still remain and affect our present lives, and fill with His love all those places in us that have so long been empty, once they have been healed and drained of the poison of past hurts and resentment. Francis MacNutt, Healing p.185 We need this ministry because of our experiences of life which have wounded and fragmented us. Some will have more issues than others, we all react differently but we will all be affected. There can be problems even in the most loving homes - sickness, misunderstanding, feeling that one sibling is loved more than another, falling short of (actual or assumed) parental expectations. Perhaps pain of separation through death, illness or divorce. Note: we never forget. Facts may fade but feelings remain. Pain tends to be pushed down but can/will surface at times of stress. Like a splinter, it may only be noticed when touched Change is possible. We don’t have to be trapped by our pasts. The facts will remain but their effect in the present can change. Healing is always in the present so that our future can be free from the constraints and patterns of the past.

Biblical Examples Simon Peter
Luke Miraculous catch and call to follow Luke ; Affirmation of loyalty; then denial John 21.3, 6, Return to fishing; miraculous catch; then reinstated as disciple and commissioned as leader Many ask whether this ministry is Biblical? The words “healing of memories” is not used in Scripture but there are examples of healing of this type.

Biblical Examples Woman with issue of blood Woman at the well
Luke Public acceptance Woman at the well John Identity Woman caught in adultery John Respect

Biblical Examples The "manifesto" of Jesus
Isaiah He has sent me … to bind up the broken – hearted Matthew He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smouldering wick Psalm The LORD is near to the broken hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit

Causes of Emotional Damage
The Family Basic needs: Communication Love Being there There are no perfect families, "Good enough" parenting is OK If you are a parent, don’t feel guilty, try to focus mainly on your own upbringing. Communication - not avoiding difficult subjects, secrets etc. Love “Children need years of monotonous love!” Being there: emotionally and physically We don’t need (or need to be) perfect parents. “Good enough” is sufficient, but forgiveness will always be needed.

Parents should be able to
listen share laugh decide love discipline work worship study comfort protect play set boundaries cry Are there other words you would want to add? Where were your parents strong? Where were your parents weak?

Key Issues in Development
Security/belonging – "I’m wanted" Identity - "Who am I?" Self-Worth - "It’s OK to be me" Achievement - "I am useful" Puberty - Sexual, physical and emotional security Security begins in the womb. Was the pregnancy welcomed? Illness of mother, marriage tension or attempted abortion can affect our sense of belonging. Identity can be affected if a baby is the “wrong” gender. Self-worth - people like and encourage me. Can be destroyed by pressure to succeed. Achievement - “I can do it”. First success is birth. Puberty - note father’s (or father figure’s) role to affirm the sexual identity of teenagers.

Dynamic Cycle Many people try to work the cycle in the wrong direction. They think that by succeeding/achieving they will gain significance and acceptance and somehow find their true identity. The correct way is to begin with acceptance (eg Jesus affirmation at his baptism) James Lawrence provides some helpful insights in Growing Leaders (p61-66). He calls this the Dynamic Cycle of Grace as opposed to the Cycle of Grief. He relates the cycle to Ephesians: Acceptance – unconditional grace, Eph .4-5 Sustenance – resources constantly renewed through dependence on God, Eph 2.7 Identity – sense of significance, Eph 2.6 Achievement – in loving obedient ministry, Eph 4.10

Close Human Relationships
Physical, emotional and spiritual influences that arise from strong relationships with other people (family, workplace, sexual partners, religious leaders etc). These can be godly and/or ungodly Right relationships lead to freedom Ungodly ones can imprison us Some authors refer to “Soul Ties”. Can have both godly and ungodly bonds with the same people. Ungodly bonds can be broken through prayer with repentance and forgiveness – the new freedom will then need to be “lived out”.

Inappropriate control or Domination
Being taken advantage of by someone who is physically, emotionally or spiritually stronger (we all have been!) Abuse, in the context of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, is a special case with specific reporting requirements.

Domination affects: self worth trust of others trust of God Self worth - affected by rejection Trust of others - makes new relationships difficult, can affect the quality of marriages Trust of God - how could he let it happen?

Healing comes through love forgiveness acceptance specialist help may be needed Different people have different reactions to the same events.

Pronouncements Negative statements made about us can become curses
Corruption of “The Word” Beware of the words never always can’t won’t Examples: You’re no good You’ll never change No one will want to marry you Never trust men You’re ugly/useless Big boys don’t cry God’s words are always creative and redemptive. Jesus is the word (logos – John 1.1), our words should be like his. Healing comes from hearing/accepting God’s word for us, forgiving those who have spoken lies to us, and rejecting those lies.

Inner Vows Negative statements we make about ourselves I’ll never …
I’ll always … I can’t … I’m … Examples: I’ll never forgive myself I’m ugly/useless I’ll never show my emotions again Healing comes from hearing God’s description of us and repenting of believing and acting on false descriptions of ourselves.

Symptoms of Emotional Damage
Coping Mechanisms (Irrational beliefs) Scapegoating or blaming others Always being the victim It’s my fault "Never", "always", "can’t" Emotional imbalance Lack of peace Mood swings Avoidance of anger

Physical symptoms Psychosomatic illness Addictions Activities - work, sport, caring, sex Substances - alcohol, drugs, chocolate Self-gratification Psychosomatic illnesses are not fantasies – more a manifestation of us being integrated beings – mind, body and spirit.

Problems with Relationships Resentments Jealousy Lack of trust Guilt Persistent false guilt

Low self-esteem Irrational fears Decision making difficulty

Health Warning! Some symptoms can also be caused by mental and/or physical illnesses. Do not jump to conclusions on the basis of too little knowledge. Be open to those with other professional insights.

Finding Freedom The Healing Process Discover: the causes
Admit: there is a problem and that we need help Accept: the truth of the diagnosis Receive help: repentance, forgiveness, setting free Change: move out into God's freedom Don’t rush – emotional healing takes time 1. Discover the causes - identifying and listening to the stories that threaten our journey into wholeness/holiness. Let God by his Spirit do the revealing – we don’t need to search by ourselves or let others pry – we simply need to cooperate with God. 2. Admit there is a problem and that we need help Confessing the problem to God with another Christian 3. Accept the truth of the diagnosis Listening with another to God’s response and direction 4. Receive help (repentance, forgiveness, setting free) Receiving and responding to God’s word and wisdom 5. Change and begin to move out into God's freedom Walking in newness of life Don't rush – emotional healing takes time! This is more of a spiral than a simple linear process. There is often much looping back to an earlier stage.

Practical Work Write the story
Read poem on p 22 of Participants’ Notes. Introduce Practical Work

A Prayer O Christ, in whose body was named all the violence of the world, and in whose memory is contained our profoundest grief: We lay open to you: the violence done to us in time before memory; the unremembered wounds that have misshaped our lives; the injuries we cannot forget and have not forgiven. The remembrance of them is grievous to us: the burden of them is intolerable.

We lay open to you: the violence done in our name in time before memory; the unremembered wounds we have inflicted; the injuries we cannot forget and for which we have not been forgiven. The remembrance of them is grievous to us: the burden of them is intolerable.

We lay open to you: those who have pursued a violent knowledge the world cannot forget; those caught up in violence they have refused to name; those who have enacted violence which they have not repented. The remembrance of them is grievous to us: the burden of them is intolerable.

We lay open to you: the victims of violence whose only memorial is our anger; those whose suffering was sustained on our behalf; those whose continued oppression provides the ground we stand on. The remembrance of them is grievous to us: the burden of them is intolerable.

Hear what comfortable words our saviour Christ says to all who truly turn to God:
Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. We wholeheartedly repent of the evil we have done, and of the evil done on our behalf; and we look for grace to offer forgiveness, and to know ourselves forgiven. Silence

May the God of love and power forgive you and free you from your sins, heal and strengthen you by his Spirit, and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen. Confession is © Janet Morley from her book All Desires Known Absolution is from New Patterns for Worship ©Archbishops Council, 2002

Session 4: PHYSICAL HEALING Praying for the Sick
Any questions? Remind people that there will be group work in this session (This photo is from the reception hall at Whitehill Chase, the home of Acorn Christian Foundation) Page 25 in the notes.

Physical Healing Reading: Luke 10.1-11 & 16-20
Luke 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2 He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. 3 Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house!' 6 And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourers deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; 9 cure the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.' 12 I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. 16 "Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me." 17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!“ 18 He said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. 19 See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you.20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Categories of Healing 3. Physical Cause: Disease, accidents
Remedy: Prayer for healing, medicine, surgery Aim: Restoring physical condition so that we are well enough to fulfil our God-given vocation This is our 3rd category of healing Physical: accident, disease.

Physical Healing Focus on the person not the problem
seek God’s perspective consider the whole person Mark , 3 John 2 look for gifts, vocation, opportunities don’t make assumptions God and the ‘patient’ must set the agenda: What do you want me to do for you? (Matthew 20.32) Mark – paralysed man receives forgiveness and physical healing 3 John 2 - Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. Try to focus on the future, rather than become trapped in the past. There is a particular danger in parish ministry in that we think we know each other and so can assume we know what their problems are! So check why people are coming for prayer and what they want God to do for them.

Physical Healing Healing is not simply problem solving
value the person, not their ability to perform not simply restoring physical function fulfilling the purpose for which we were created

Physical Healing Healing is not simply problem solving
chronic illness and disability can yield unique insights and ministries acceptance of incurability can open up new possibilities and help restore self- control and self-esteem the vulnerable may need protection from insensitive ministry See Chapter 7 of A Time to Heal, and In Search of Wholeness and also the books by Roger Hurding for more information

Some NT Words for Healing
Woman with the issue of blood Luke v 43 Therapeuo to care, treat, cure, heal "no one could heal her" v 47 Iaomai to heal "she was healed" v 48 Sozo to save "your faith has saved you" A more extensive analysis can be found in Ian Cowie’s book Jesus Healing Works and Ours.

NT Words for Healing Luke 17:11-19 Ten lepers
Ten cleansed and healed (iaomai) One saved (sozo)

NT Words for Healing Link between health, healing, wholeness, holiness, salvation The Church is called to be a therapeutic community, an advocate for healing and a messenger of salvation.

A Wide-ranging Ministry
Prayer and Medicine - we need both James Is any sick … call the elders Luke Good Samaritan: oil and wine Mark 7.33 Jesus spat and touched his tongue Consult GP When was your last check-up? Grace for medicines Discernment for Alternative Therapies Avoid the polarities of ‘either’ ‘or’. This is a ‘both’ ‘and’ ministry – we do not need to be defensive. Oil and wine = early medical care Spittle was thought to have healing properties Why not pray over prescribed medicines that they will do all that the doctor intends without side-effects? For alternative therapies we need to discern the spiritual origin of the healing offered and the motivation of the healer. See “Handle with Care”

Obedience and Responsibility - we are God's agents, be positive not arrogant Matthew 10.7f Sending the 12 Matthew I am with you always Success and Failure - no such thing! Matthew Why have you forsaken me? Hebrews Not all heroes of the faith are healed Care and cure Results are up to God. Sometimes receiving proper care can be healing even if no cure is possible.

Now and Later - healing can be progressive Ecclesiastes 3.1-8, 8.4-8 A time for everything NT: Chronos & Kairos Mark 8.22 As trees walking Only one example of progressive healing in Jesus’ ministry. Today, it seems that progressive healing in response to concerted and prolonged prayer is more common. See Praying for a Friend with Cancer (Resources page 8)

Life and Death - God is in control Romans 8.38f Nothing can separate us from the love of God Romans 14.7f Living and dying we belong to God John Do not let your hearts be troubled…

Life and Death - God is in control "Death is not the worst thing that can happen to a Christian" Must be at peace with our own mortality to be wholly available to the dying

Us and Them - whose faith? Matthew 9.22 Woman reached out Matthew Lack of faith in Nazareth Matthew Faith the size of a mustard seed Never blame a sick person for lack of faith Faith is important for the healing ministry but it seems that it matters little who has the faith and in what quantity. Blaming someone for lack of faith (“If only you had more faith, you would be healed”) is spiritually abusive.

Doing and Being - both can be healing Luke Mary & Martha Simple caring for one another is the foundation for a healing community Touch, time & compassion Psalm Be still and know Psalm 31.5 Into your hands …. Letting Go and Letting God

Pray with the mind and the Spirit Romans 8.26 In the Spirit Isaiah 50.4 Listen, God wants to speak Pray Alone and with Others Matthew Where two agree Don’t gossip! Prayer in words and groans. Use of the gift of tongues. Wait on God for his direction. Note the Power of corporate prayer.

Gift and Ministry Romans Living sacrifice - be available 1 Corinthians 12 Use your gifts Pray with touch and at a distance Healing power of touch Proxy healing Use those gifted in the healing ministry but sometimes God uses other people. Don’t put healers onto pedestals!

Giving and Receiving - We are all Wounded Healers Acts Paul is prayed for Colossians 4.3 Pray for us 1 Corinthians 12.12ff We are the body of Christ All are to give and receive Care for the carers

Group prayer for the sick
Describe the situation (respect confidences) Begin to pray: Come to God in confession (James 5.16) Ask for God's wisdom for how to pray for the person or situation Wait in silence allowing God time to speak and us to listen

Group prayer for the sick
Share what you think God might be saying Agree how to pray Pray together Discuss your experience and if necessary go back and repeat cycle Please note: This model of listening prayer is designed to respond to the common feeling of helplessness that can follow news of a serious illness. In handling our on-going response we will want to be listening for the ill person in their entirety – physically, emotionally and spiritually. We will also need to be listening to and caring for ourselves – how does the situation affect our own feelings of security and trust in God etc? A comprehensive approach to listening is promoted by the excellent Christian Listeners programmes made available by the Acorn Christian Foundation. The sheet “Active Listening” in the Resource Section, summarises a part of their methodology.

Practical Work Listening to God in groups Silent prayer in pairs
A Listening Exercise in groups of 6-8. i. Each person speaks out a truth about God (e.g. “God is love”) ii. Each person speaks a truth on behalf of God (e.g. “I love you”) iii. We pray together for God to speak to us by his Holy Spirit. iv. We wait in silence. v. Each person shares what they think or feel God may have said, whether a word, picture, scripture text. Is is OK not to speak! vi. Groups end by sharing their feelings about this exercise and whether any of the “words” were for them. Continue to pray in small groups as appropriate A Silent Prayer Exercise in pairs: i. Sit in silence, focussing on the person sitting on your left. ii. The “left” person brings to mind an issue for prayer. iii. When this is clear, or after a reasonable time (if nothing specific comes to mind) they touch their prayer partner’s hand or arm. iv. The prayer partner lays a hand on their shoulder and prays silently. v. Swap over and repeat. vi. Share with each other something about the experience.

Session 5: DEALING WITH BARRIERS TO WHOLENESS
Any questions? No group work this time. Page 31 in the notes.

Barriers to Wholeness Reading: Romans 8.31-end
Rom What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33 Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Categories of Healing 4. Deliverance from evil
Cause: Sin by self or others Remedy: Renunciation & repentance, Prayer for deliverance Aim: Freedom from Satan’s bondage to follow God (James 4:7-8) This is our 4th and last category. Evil: Christians can be oppressed not possessed Symptoms can appear the same as other causes – don’t jump to conclusions Need for discernment Sin is always involved – repentance & renunciation needed Living in an evil world is not an excuse – need to take personal responsibility. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

Barriers to Wholeness Barriers come from ourselves and the forces of evil (spiritual and human) but never from God who always gives us a way out (1 Corinthians 10.13). 1 Cor No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

Roadblocks – how do we handle the bad things in life?
Disillusionment Road to Emmaus “We had hoped…” (Luke 24.21) Nothing can change Life is the pits “I’ll get to heaven but that’s it!” Dishonesty Rose coloured specs Cloud 9 - all is OK “If I ignore it, it will go away” Avoids responsibility and feelings Lives in denial Problems appear in other forms - e.g. headaches, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome. Reality “God is in the facts” (Gerard Hughes in God in All Things, 2003) Faces positives and negatives in life (Ps ) Trusts the good purposes of God (Rom 8.28)

Decide - Do you want to change?
Jesus said to the man at the pool of Bethesda “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5.6) Christian healing is free but there is usually a requirement to change We lose our excuses and have to take personal responsibility “There is a sense in which every gift of love is also a work of destruction.” David Runcorn (in Choice, Desire and the Will of God p39)

Decide - Is Jesus Lord? No one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12.3) Do we welcome all that God gives His gifts (1 Corinthians 12.7ff) His body - the church (1 Corinthians 12.12ff)

Decide - Is Jesus Lord? Apart from Jesus, who or what holds power over us? Possessions or money Other people Reputation or power Role or status Need to renounce, reject and repent of the lies and false gods that we have allowed to control us Who / what do we love more than Jesus? What has become an idol that should be an icon?

Decide - Is Jesus Lord? Let Jesus bring his wholeness to us in his way and in his time Receive our new name and identity from him (Isaiah , Revelation 2.17, 3.12) Isaiah The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. 3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. 4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. Rev Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it. Rev If you conquer, I will make you a pillar in the temple of my God; you will never go out of it. I will write on you the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem that comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.

DJ Butler ©Mercy Publishing/Thankyou Music
A New Name I will change your name, you shall no longer be called wounded, outcast, lonely or afraid. I will change your name, Your new name shall be confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one; faithfulness, friend of God, one who seeks my face DJ Butler ©Mercy Publishing/Thankyou Music In Songs of Fellowship

One is to disbelieve in their existence.
The Works of Satan There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. CS Lewis in the preface to the Screwtape Letters

The Works of Satan he tempts people to doubt and disobedience - Genesis 3.4-5 he can inflict disease - Job 2.7 he brings bondage - Luke 13.16 he is a liar, the "father of lies", deceiving and confusing people - John 8.44 Genesis 3.4 But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not die; 5 for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Job 2.7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and inflicted loathsome sores on Job from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. N.B. not all disease and sickness is caused by Satan Luke And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?“ John 8.44 You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

The Works of Satan he promotes sin - John 13.2
he blinds people's minds to the truth – 2 Corinthians 4.4 he can perform counterfeit signs and wonders - 2 Thessalonians 2.9 he is a destroyer - 1 Peter 5.8 John 13.2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. 2 Cor 4.4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Thes 2.9 The coming of the lawless one is apparent in the working of Satan, who uses all power, signs, lying wonders, 10 and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 1 Peter 5.8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

The Defeat of Satan Jesus came to destroy him - 1 John 3.8
From the very start of Jesus' public ministry Satan revealed his hostility Temptations in the wilderness (Matthew ) 1 John 3.8 Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. Mat 4.1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.' " 7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour; 9 and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.' " 11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

The Defeat of Satan Jesus' Kingdom ministry was an attack on the works of Satan Good News - Luke (Isaiah 61) Man with unclean spirit - Luke Woman in synagogue - Luke ,16 Jesus cast out evil as part of his healing ministry Boy with unclean spirit - Luke 9.42 Luke 4.18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour." Luke "Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. 36 They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, "What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!“ Luke Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." 13 When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. 14 But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." 15 But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?" Luke While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

The Defeat of Satan It was part of his teaching about the Kingdom
Strong man - Luke He taught his disciples to overcome the power of Satan Sending of the 70/72 - Luke 10.19 Luke But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. 22 But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted and divides his plunder. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 24 "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but not finding any, it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' 25 When it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first." Luke See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you.

The Defeat of Satan By his death and resurrection Jesus was victorious over death, the last weapon of Satan. Death defeated – 1 Corinthians Thrown down - Revelation 12.10 Rescue from the power of darkness - Colossians Destroy the power and fear of death - Hebrews 2.14, 15 1 Corinthians 15.3 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, 4 and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. Rev Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming, "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Messiah, for the accuser of our comrades has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. Colossians 1.13 He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; Hebrews 2.14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.

The Defeat of Satan Satan still allowed some power until the end time
Compare D day and VE day at the end of World War II Consistent with the "now and not yet" of God’s Kingdom Be confident in the spiritual protection given to us – Ephesians The war was won decisively on D day but the enemy continued to fight in some places. It was not until Victory-in-Europe (VE) day that the war was over. Eph 6.13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.

How can we be held in bondage?

Voluntary Bondage Deuteronomy 18.9-13 Avoid occult practices
Deuteronomy end Choose life Ephesians 1.4 Be holy Satan only has power over us if we choose to let him have it Landing pads – the areas of our lives where Jesus does not have first place Teflon Don! Deut 18.9 When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you must not learn to imitate the abhorrent practices of those nations. 10 No one shall be found among you who makes a son or daughter pass through fire, or who practices divination, or is a soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts spells, or who consults ghosts or spirits, or who seeks oracles from the dead. 12 For whoever does these things is abhorrent to the LORD; it is because of such abhorrent practices that the LORD your God is driving them out before you. 13 You must remain completely loyal to the LORD your God. Deut 30.11Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, "Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?" 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, "Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?" 14 No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe. 15 See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. 16 If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the LORD your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, 18 I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, 20 loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the LORD swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Ephesians 1:4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, Teflon Don – the nickname of a US gangster against whom the police could never get anything to stick. Unlike non-stick pans that are un-repairable, God can restore our non-stick surface!

Voluntary Bondage Some Examples:
Our own deliberate sins of thought, word or deed False religions, cults, Freemasonry Faith healing not in the name of Jesus Occult involvement Pronouncements and self-curses Superstitions Fascination with death

Involuntary Bondage Oppression not Possession: We can be "bothered by a spirit" Sin of others does not remove our responsibility to respond in a Godly way - we can forgive and gain freedom

Involuntary Bondage Some Examples:
Ancestral/Generational sin (eg Ex 20.4) National /Cultural traits, resentments and identities Pronouncements/Curses Rejection Domination/Abuse Violation eg trauma/violence/burglary Exodus 20.4 You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, 6 but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Symptoms of demonic affliction
Addictions Unpredictable behaviour or violence Inability to accept forgiveness Unusual manifestations when the Holy Spirit is invoked Irrational fears Note the need for careful discernment Manifestations can include fear of holding the Chalice

Gaining freedom in Christ
Affirm loyalty to Christ Confess to another Christian (James 5.16) Repent and be cleansed by the blood of Christ (Hebrews ) James 5.16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Hebrews 9.11 But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), 12 he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

Gaining freedom in Christ
Renounce the sin, its pleasure, and all the works of Satan Prayer freedom, peace and for filling with the Holy Spirit Consider the need for formal deliverance ministry only if there seem to be obstacles in this process. Take Advice. Renunciation of sin and its pleasure may not be relevant in cases of involuntary bondage, although confession of our part in permitting the bondage and not always seeking to walk in the freedom of Christ is likely to be needed.

Practical Work Discerning barriers See page 35 of the notes.

Affirmation of Baptismal Faith
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life in him. Therefore I ask: Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God? I reject them. Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil? I renounce them. Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour? I repent of them.

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ. Do you submit to Christ as Lord? I submit to Christ. Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life? I come to Christ. May God who has given you the desire to follow Jesus, give you also the strength to continue in the Way. Amen.

Brothers and sisters, I ask you to profess the faith of the Church.
Do you believe and trust in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe and trust in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father. And will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. May God, who has received you by baptism into his church, pour upon you the riches of his grace, that within the company of Christ’s pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory. Amen. Asperging (sprinkling with water in reminder of baptism) may be used with this prayer.

Those who are baptized are called to worship and serve God.
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? With the help of God, we will. Will you persevere in resisting evil, and whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?

Will you seek and serve Christ in all people, loving your neighbour as yourself?
With the help of God, we will. Will you recognise Christ’s authority over human society, by prayer for the world and its leaders, by defending the weak, and by seeking peace and justice?

Lord God, in our baptism you called us and brought us into your Church, commissioning us to witness to the faith of the crucified Christ and to be his faithful disciples to the end of our lives; so now with joy we take upon ourselves the yoke of obedience and for love of you engage ourselves to seek and do your perfect will. We are no longer our own, but yours.

We are no longer our own, but yours.
Put us to what you will, rank us with whom you will; put us to doing, put us to suffering; let us be employed for you or laid aside for you, exalted for you or brought low for you; let us be full, let us be empty; let us have all things, let us have nothing; We freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are ours and we are yours. So be it. And the covenant which we have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.

May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, that you may be rooted and grounded in love and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit. Amen. Compiled using material from Common Worship, New Patterns for Worship and the Methodist Covenant Service

Session 6: SACRAMENTAL MINISTRY OF HEALING
This is a much shorter session than others. Ideally the teaching can be used as the basis for an address in a Service of Healing with the laying on of hands and anointing. Notes page 39.

Sacramental Healing Reading: James 5.13-16
James 5.13 Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. 14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

Sacraments, Signs and Symbols
"an outward and physical sign of an inner and spiritual grace" Baptism (Acts 2.38) and Holy Communion (1 Cor 11.23ff) are both healing sacraments Many aspects of creation can be sacramental – a sunset, scenery, art, music, poetry

Sacraments, Signs and Symbols
In church worship candles, music, stained glass windows, liturgy, touch, smell, time Importance of what we do and how we do it. All channels of God’s healing grace Of particular significance are the laying on of hands and anointing with oil

Laying on of Hands Luke 4.40 Simon’s mother-in-law
James 5.14 Elders to pray over them Mark Signs of the end: lay hands on the sick who will recover Acts 28.8 Paul in Malta praying for Publius’ father, putting his hands on him Luke 4.40 As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. James 5.14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. Mark they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." Acts 28.8 It so happened that the father of Publius lay sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and cured him by praying and putting his hands on him.

Laying on of Hands Touch assists healing
Lay hands lightly, normally on the head, shoulder or affected part Take care to avoid embarrassment or offence Ask permission Single-gender or mixed pairs Ensure that those who pray for others, regularly receive prayer for themselves Ask permission to touch – can be a problem for abuse victims Normally pray in pairs. If one-to-one then ensure same gender. Pray with eyes open.

Some prayers In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who laid his hands on the sick that they might be healed, we lay our hands upon you. May Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, make you whole in body, mind, and spirit, give you light and peace, and keep you in life eternal. Amen.

Some prayers In the name of God and trusting in his might alone, receive Christ’s healing touch to make you whole. May Christ bring you wholeness of body, mind and spirit, deliver you from every evil, and give you his peace. Amen. Common Worship

Some prayers Spirit of the living God, present with us now, enter you, body, mind and spirit, and heal you of all that harms you in Jesus’ name. Amen. Iona Community

Anointing with Oil James 5.14 Anointing them with oil
Mark 6.13 Sending the 12 who anointed with oil Luke Good Samaritan used oil and wine (medicine) James 5.14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. Mark 6.13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Luke He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Christ the Anointed One
The Greek Christos means the Anointed one of God (same as Hebrew Messiah) Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power (Acts 10.38) Jesus’ Manifesto (Isaiah 61 & Luke 4) Acts That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Anointing with Oil Olive Oil is blessed by the Bishop
For use in Baptism For ministry to the sick Perfumed oil for use at Confirmation and Ordination (Chrism)

Anointing with Oil In Anglican public worship, a bishop or priest should preside and bless the oil Priests normally anoint but may involve deacons and lay ministers. Signing with the cross on head/hands

Some prayers N, I anoint you in the name of God who gives you life.
Receive Christ’s forgiveness, his healing and his love. May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ grant you the riches of his grace, his wholeness and his peace. Amen. Common Worship

Some prayers As outwardly and with sacramental oil your body is anointed so may Almighty God, our Father, inwardly anoint your soul, to strengthen you with all the comfort and the joy of his most Holy Spirit, and loose you from all that troubles you in body, mind, or spirit. May he send you forth, renewed and restored to do his will, to your benefit, in the service of others, but above all to the glory of his Holy Name. Amen. St Marylebone Parish Church

Session 7: GOOD PRACTICE IN THE HEALING MINISTRY
Aim is to offer healing ministry in such a way that others are enabled to flourish. Notes page 43.

Good Practice in Ministry
Reading: 1 Thessalonians and 1 Thessalonians 3: And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. 13 And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 5: See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise the words of prophets, 21 but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil. 23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. 25 Beloved, pray for us.

Prepare the ground before developing a healing ministry
Review of church life - Personal Vocational Discernment Personal Spiritual Growth Review of church life - Relationships Between Members Between Churches With the community Is our desire for healing ministry in our churches to do with a growing personal conviction among members? Are people being called? Or is it just a good idea, or something we feel we “ought” to do? As healing is about peace and transformation, if we are not living this personally and corporately, the healing ministry will never flourish. If there are deep seated hurts, then make use of Healing Wounded History by Russ Parker

Preparing the Ground Review of church life - Mission
Welcome Willingness to change Integrated part of the church’s mission and ministry Prayer and listening to God Every context is different What is right here, now? Is our welcome and hospitality good enough? Ask an outsider to test it! Are we willing for the healing ministry to be integrated within our ministry or is it just an add-on? Don’t try to emulate another church’s methods. What does God want here? Now?

How to begin a ministry of healing
Start an interest group Small but open Invite people with experience Involve doctors & nurses etc Talk and pray Visit / Learn from other churches Run a basic teaching course Sermon series The Growing a Healing Ministry course from Acorn is ideal. It doesn’t need to be taught but can be used as a self-discovery course in small groups. Growing in Wholeness is a second-stage course to be taught.

Discussion with Leadership Team or Church Council
Discern appropriate methods Intercessions in Sunday Worship Link with Pastoral Care Listening Ministry Laying on of Hands Anointing with oil Sacramental confession

Discussion with Leadership Team/ PCC
Discern appropriate methods Public and/or private ministry Ministry to the sick & dying (home/hospital) Ecumenical Ordained and lay Oversight? Methods need to be appropriate to the tradition and context of the church. Ideally lay and ordained leaders of the church should be involved

Making a Start Use a Prayer Board or Book Start a Prayer Chain
Confidentiality Close the loop to ensure accuracy Start a Prayer Group Clear purpose – listening & praying Time limited, structured meetings Keep prayer boards/books up to date, eg start afresh each month. In prayer chains and groups, avoid gossip and unnecessary detail at all costs!

Making a Start Identify a Healing Ministry Team People you trust
Open to learn Growing spiritually Don’t need to be needed too much Will work under authority Discernment of Gifts Gender / cultural / age balance Don’t just ask for volunteers. Most members should be mature, respected “elders” of the church, but try to get some new/young/gifted people to work alongside them.

Making a Start Form a Healing Ministry Team Start small
Learn / train / pray together Collaborate with others Review, Reflect, Plan Accountability, Reporting Ring the Changes – people and method Start small Once you have got going, try new methods/approaches to avoid getting stale.

Before helping others…
Sawdust and planks (Mt 7.3)! Our needs or their needs Never think you are indispensable! Receive and give Collaborative not solo! Be true to yourselves Pray as you can, not as you can’t! Be open to Supervision / Spiritual Direction Be careful to explore our motivation. We will be blessed through being involved in prayer ministry but that is not the point. Our desire must be more for others than our own benefit. All who offer ministry must also be willing to receive it.

Good Practice Don’t minister alone or when tired Set boundaries
Keep learning Be accountable Ask for help / refer to others Stay in touch (discreetly) Equip others to develop the ministry

Good Practice Welcome people - make it easy to receive ministry
Don’t abuse or embarrass them Seek consent Pray in male – female pairs Use light touch if appropriate Don't accuse others of lack of faith Listen, don't assume Don’t embarrass people – some may wish to come forward very discretely. Is the place of ministry obvious (not in a back room)? Is it easy to get to (no steps or obstacles)? Ask permission before laying on hands or touching. Can help to touch the place of pain but avoid sensitive parts. Always listen to the person and God before praying. Don’t assume that you know what the problem is.

Good Practice Gender/Cultural/Disability issues
Keep confidences, don’t gossip Beware of collusion Pray now and later Release responsibility to them and God Share testimonies, but not too quickly Be sensitive to cultural differences. Don’t assume that disabled people are coming for prayer for that disability. Avoid flattery “you are the one to pray for me – you understand me – you are so in tune with God”. Keep an objective distance from those you are praying for. Pray now if you can to save you forgetting later. You are not responsible for the person – pray for them and support them, but release the responsibility to them and to God. Invite simple testimonies – “God really helped me last week because…” Avoid dramatic testimonies until the healing has matured.

Standards and Policies
Children and Vulnerable Adults Prepare a policy document Confidentiality & Good Practice Handling emergencies What records are kept Complaints Procedure Health & Safety Denominational Standards Insurance Decide how to minister to children. Parental involvement if possible. Ask a Sunday School leader (approved and DBS checked) to be present. Avoid private ministry. Generally there is no need to keep records, except perhaps for cases where referrals are made or external advice has been sought. Make sure you consider your Diocesan/Denominational Guidelines Most church insurance covers healing ministry if carried out under the authority of the leadership. But check your situation.

Deliverance: House of Bishops’ Guidelines
Deliverance is to be carried out: By experienced and approved people In the context of prayer and sacrament In collaboration with medical resources Followed up with pastoral care With minimum publicity Always get advice and support Anglican guidance on deliverance/exorcism ministry:. The House of Bishops’ Guidelines for Good Practice in the Deliverance Ministry 1975 (revised 2012) It is better to ask for advice unnecessarily than to wait until you have been sucked in too far!

Staying Healthy while Helping Others
If your output exceeds your input then your upkeep will be your downfall Self-care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others. Parker Palmer Parker Palmer, Let your life Speak, Jossey Boss, 2000, p30

Toki Miyamisha’s version of Psalm 23
The Lord is my pacesetter, I need not rush, He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals. He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity. He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind. His guidance is peace. Even though I have a great deal of things to accomplish each day, I will not fret. For his presence is here, his timelessness, his importance will keep me in balance. He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of activity by anointing my head with oils of tranquillity. My cup of joyous energy overflows. Such harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours, For I shall walk in the peace of the Lord And dwell in his company for ever. Amen.

Resources The report A Time to Heal Acorn Christian Foundation:
Christian Listening Courses Growing a Healing Ministry In Search of Wholeness (St John’s Extension Studies) Francis McNutt Healing Russ Parker’s books Full list of resources, books and organisations on Resource pages 7-9

Any Questions?

The End … … let the journey continue

Growing in Wholeness A Practical Course to Encourage Personal Growth in Wholeness and to Develop the Church’s Ministry of Healing Developed by Roger.

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Growing in Wholeness A Practical Course to Encourage Personal Growth in Wholeness and to Develop the Church’s Ministry of Healing Developed by Roger.

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