Healing Ministry

The Methodist Church in Ireland's involvement in the ministry of healing has a theological framework.  It springs from what we believe about God and His will and purpose for humankind.  We believe that His will is wholeness of body, mind and spirit for all people.  Healing was central to the ministry of Jesus who commanded his followers to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal.  The Ministry of Healing Committee commends the exercise of a healing ministry to every circuit and society. 

Resources

Healing the Hurts Liturgy - a special Service which could be used in a wide range of settings where a group of people - a congregation - a community - are seeking to recognise their hurts, and bring understanding, forgiveness and healing. Download

Healing the Hurts Bible Studies - Produced to encourage and resource those in our churches who would like to consider the issues associated with healing the hurts of the past a special series of Bible Studies has been prepared by Rev Dr Johnston McMaster and published by the Council on Social Responsibility. Download

From Despair to Hope - is for those working with and concerned for individuals for whom life no longer has any meaning.  Produced by the Council on Social Responsibility, this book unambiguously approaches the subject of suicide from a perspective of Christian concern. "From Despair to Hope" is not a medical or a sociological textbook but is instead a source of information and a catalyst for discussion for readers from all walks of life. Available from the No9 Resource Centre £7.99

Healing Ministry
An Order of Service for Healing and Wholeness
The Christian Healing Ministry

Chaplains

The Methodist Church in Ireland facilitates and supports chaplaincy in a variety of areas, including healthcare, prisons and young offenders' centre, schools, colleges, universities and the armed forces. Most chaplains are also circuit ministers, but some are set apart full time for these ministries. Chaplains provide spiritual comfort, care and support to many people, often in challenging and demanding situations. Chaplains also show God's loving concern for people, irrespective of their situation or need.

Many chaplains are ordained ministers, however there are also opportunities for lay ministries.

The contact details of the chaplains are here .

The Methodist Church in Ireland has a Prison & Healthcare Chaplaincy Committee, with the mission, "To support and promote Christian chaplaincy ministries of healing, care and restoration among vulnerable people." 

The Secretary/Convenor of this Committee is Rev Derek Johnston, who can be contacted by telelphone on (028) 9029 5237) or office (028) 9063 2045.  Email

Other chaplaincies come under the Home Mission Department. The General Secretary is Rev Desmond Bain, whose contact details are available here.

The National Association of Hospital chaplains (Ireland) can be contacted at www.nahc.ie

NI Healthcare Chaplains' Association www.nihca.co.uk

Useful Websites:

The Church of Ireland Ministry of Healing

http://www.divinehealingministries.wordpress.com/ - Divine Healing Ministries

http://www.healingmission.org/ - with some downloadable resources

Organisations:

Samaritans:  www.samaritans.org
Offers confidential non-judgemental emotional support for 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.  They also offer a range of courses for workplaces, schools and prisons.

Niamh Mental Wellbeing  http://www.niamhwellbeing.org/# Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health

Journey Towards Healing - Beginning in 2002, Journey Towards Healing was developed as a faith based resource on trauma. Its purpose has been to improve the support provided to those who have experienced trauma by developing the knowledge and skills of people within faith communities. Video overview of the Journey Towards Healing International Conference held in the Europa Hotel, Belfast, March 2011

The Wider Circle Trauma Support Group - www.widercircle.org
Provide programmes and pubications in response to the needs expressed by people whose lives have been adversely affected by post traumatic stress as a result of the troubles in Northern Ireland

MIND - www.mind.org.uk
Provide information and advice, training programmes in mental health issues

The Big House -  www.thebighouse.org.uk Interdenominational group which seeks to help young people know God's love  as they encounter Jesus as they are cared for by the local church, especially in difficult situations.

Further Resources:

Dealing with Trauma - a booklet available on Methodist Church in Great Britain with guidelines for clergy and pastoral workers involved in understanding and caring for people with traumatic experiences

Trauma Resources from the Wider Circle Trauma Support Group:

Free to download: The Sky before the Storm Publication www.widercircle.org

An audio version of the publication is also available free to download here or you can request the CD.

The Practice of Christian Healing: A Guide for Beginners - Roy Lawrence
Provides comprehensive information on the nature of Christian healing, showing that it is in no way theologically unorthodox. (available from No9 Resource Centre) £5.99

Audio downloads from The Big House dealing with issues that young people face today such as depression and eating disorders.