LOCAL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Being both a church and a therapeutic community means we combine aspects of local church life with a journey of personal positive change. So some of our meetings and fellowship will be around the Word, while others would take the form of support and therapeutic change. With this in mind let us mention some of the various activities we are involved in as a faith community
FELLOWSHIP MEETINGS
We have an extensive social calendar, both more formal and informal. Much of this takes place in peoples homes, but some on the beach, golf course and local pubs and eateries. Because many people have been hurt in the past by other people, it is important that they learn how wholesome and good relationships can help heal them.
DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS
As a Christ-centred community we have high on our agenda the need to deepen our relationship with Christ. Much of this authentic relationship is felt, not thought, so we are very keen to help teach people how to find Christ in their pain and toxic pasts. The discipleship group environment is one where people can learn together.
MENTORING
Our therapeutic work is supported by mentors. These are members of the community that are doing a successful journey away from their own difficult pasts. As they overcome these problems they are able to begin to share their story, thereby helping teach others who are not as far on in their journey. Our mentor base, and its training, is increasing all the time, as more and more are finding more significant lives.
CHILDREN’S WORK
Children are a gift from the Lord, and as members heal and marry, we have more of these little gifts! So increasingly we are exploring a Rapha journey for
children, teaching them the values of Christ and helping them learn how God can talk to them about His love and purposes for their lives.
YOUTH WORK
We continue to develop our own youth programme in our community, and have recently had several of our members benefit from the training offered by Kent County Council. We are keen to support joint initiatives with other churches and youth programmes in the area.
GENDER EXCLUSIVE GROUPS:
With our philosophy of men working primarily with men, and women with women, we have regular meetings for the purpose of making declarations, confession and letting go of issues in our lives that might be standing in the path of who we were created to be. But please note that not everything we do is on a gender exclusive basis!
Created on 07/17/2006 09:35 PM by andrewh
Updated on 06/24/2008 02:26 PM by rachaelvdg
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