With the advent of managed care,� a large part of our population receives little or no care, particularly for emotional and/or relationship conflicts. Comforting Hope, a private not-for-profit organization, seeks to become a clearinghouse for sharing where and when free social support groups are being offered. We especially wish to assist churches in setting up Christian 12 step support groups.

Twelve step support groups for parishioners provide a powerful and much needed ministry for the local congregation and community as well. But, it has been our experience that they will not flourish without the presence of pastoral staff at the meetings. Otherwise the congregation seems to consider that such groups are only for those people� and not for them. And those people� usually do not have enough energy and emotional resources to pursue and maintain ongoing spiritual support groups. Pastoral staff should use reserve and discretion as to what they disclose, but their presence is necessary for such groups to initiate and flourish. They are leaders of the flock and set the example and pace for others. Dr. Jamie Gavin, and a team of volunteers, are available for consultation, as well as motivational evangelism for start-up groups for local congregations. They have developed a several session presentation called, Blessed are the Pure in Heart, focusing on the healing ministry of Christ: providing a model for understanding our pervasive carnal nature and what it means to be crucified with Christ while living in newness of life in Him. A self-esteem model illustrates both carnal and spiritual natures. Romans 7 & 8 highlight insidious dynamics of the fight of faith and emotional healing. Depression, Anxiety and food, alcohol/drug and sexual addictions exemplify habitual ineffective behaviors we all tend to engage while Christian 12 step support groups engender spiritual growth and healing.

Anger and forgiveness have a common origin, but two disparate pathways. Without frustration, there is nothing to be angry about nor is there anything to forgive. The definition used here for anger is frustrated expectations held against someone.

Faith and frustration have a common origin. When things are out of control and unmanageable, one can engage a sense of frustration or engage a sense of faith. Or, as per our spiritual development (cf. Hebrews 5:13), we might engage both. An obedience of frustration appears to conform to God's righteous requirements, providing a false sense of control. Obedience of faith maintains complete dependency on Christ while acknowledging our powerlessness and unmanageability. (Hint: things are always out of control”as Jesus said, I can of myself do nothing� John 5:30).

The first of the 12 steps has to do with acceptance of our powerlessness and unmanageability over life, thus serving to move us towards a path of faith. Some have summarized the first three of the 12 steps as:

1. I can't
2. God can
3. I choose to let Him

Steps 4-10 have to do with acceptance, confession and forgiveness. Step 11 encourages faith by seeking only knowledge of God's will for us, and the power to carry that out. Step 12 encourages sharing what has worked for you with others, because, as is said in 12 step fellowships, You can't keep it unless you give it away.