Family-Specific Support Groups
What do you think of when you hear the word "support group?"
You probably think of something like "Alcoholics Anonymous" or a
"Down Syndrome Support Group." These types of groups bring different
families or individuals around a common issue. The common issue is
at the center of the group. The families involved provide support,
encouragement and accountability to each other around that issue.
That is not what a Family-Specific Support Group is. A Family-Specific
Support Group is a ministry vehicle by which the body of Christ at RPC
surrounds one specific family in great need and cares for them. The
family itself is at the center of this ministry model.
The definition of a Family-Specific Support Group is this:
"A covenantal relationship between a family in exceptionally
difficult circumstances and a small group of church members who
commit themselves to assisting the family in the meeting of
legitimate needs." This ministry is covenantal because it is set up
with a covenant or binding agreement between both the participating
members and the family being served. A covenant involves both blessings
and obligations on the part of all parties - it is the same with a
support group. The ministry is for those who are in exceptionally
difficult circumstances. This usually means the family is facing
significant medical issues, or crisis-level disability issues. The
decision to set up such a group is not just based on a diagnosis per se,
but also on a number of other mitigating factors such as whether there
is supportive, extended family nearby and whether there are young children
in the home. This ministry also focuses on meeting real and appropriate
needs - not unrealistic desires of the family.
Family-Specific Support Groups are set up with great care and forethought.
The three functions of a support group are:
1) to act as a link between the family and the pastoral staff/Session,
2) to act as a buffer between the family and the congregation to provide a sense of privacy and normalcy, and
3) to facilitate ministry by mobilizing the church to provide emotional,
physical and spiritual support to the family.
We have set up five support groups in the last 12 years.
Two of those support groups are currently active. If you are interested
in learning more about support group ministry, please contact Roger and Patty Coiner.
As you can see from this picture, it shows visually the concept of how the support group works:
- It surrounds the family and provides the buffer for privacy and normalcy,
- It provides a link to the pastoral staff for the flow of timely and appropriate information,
- It is positioned to facilitate ministry from the church in its connections to the Deacons, the Session, and the Congregation
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