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Toggle navigation Home About Contact Blog Create life-changing support groups in your church. We help you mobilize teams of enthusiastic and dedicated lay leaders. So far, we’ve equipped more than 22,000 churches worldwide for biblical, Christ-centered support group ministry. DivorceCare DivorceCare for Kids GriefShare Single & Parenting Three strategic components for effective lay-led support groups: 1 Care & comfort for hurting people 2 Outreach to your community 3 Equipped & trained lay ministry teams 1 Care & comfort for hurting people People who experience a life crisis like grief or divorce need ongoing support and encouragement. They need practical help. “It changed my life at a time when I thought my life was over.” Group member Pastors and church staff don’t have time to meet all the needs of these hurting individuals. But there are people, right in your own congregation, who have a passion for this kind of ministry. Often, they’ve been through similar struggles and want to lead others to the hope and healing they’ve discovered. Our support group curriculums help you prepare a team of highly motivated people to lead effective support group ministries through your local church. “A place where many people can begin putting their lives back together again.” Pastor 2 Outreach to your community The brokenhearted in your community are crying out for hope. Many won’t attend a Sunday service at your church. But they will attend a support group. This is “side-door” ministry—drawing people to your congregation who wouldn’t normally enter your front door on a Sunday morning. “When do people most often come to church? It’s when there has been pain in their life .” Leader In addition to helping those already in your congregation, our teaching materials equip you to provide weekly support and encouragement to people who might otherwise never have contact with your church. “We have seen people come to Christ, shattered lives healed .” Group leader 3 Equipped & trained lay ministry teams Our programs could actually free up time for pastors and staff at your church. We help you tap the passion and abilities of lay leaders—individuals in your church who have experienced a life crisis and are called to help others who face similar struggles. “The training touched a passion deep inside of me , which has been buried for all these years.” Leader Often, these motivated people want to serve, but don’t know where to begin. Our resources provide the tools that will help them succeed. “My husband always wondered where his ministry was—well, this is it !” Group leader Unique curriculum design programs equip lay volunteers for successful church-sponsored ministry. Our programs feature: Dynamic weekly videos featuring leading Christian experts Workbook with Bible study for group members Extensive promotional support Comprehensive leader training Free access to consultants for startup and ongoing support “I have never had a curriculum come with such support .” Pastor 100+ leading Christian experts programs feature the contributions of more than 100 respected pastors, counselors, authors, and speakers, including: Dr. Larry Crabb Zoricelis Davila Dr. Tony Evans Elyse Fitzpatrick Hank Hanegraaff Dr. Andreas Köstenberger Dr. Crawford Loritts Dr. Linda Mintle Dr. Elias Moitinho Lois Rabey Dave Ramsey Dr. Paul David Tripp Dr. Stephen Viars Dr. Edward T. Welch Dr. Thelma Wells H. Norman Wright See the full list of experts for DivorceCare , GriefShare , and Single & Parenting . Featured in … What pastors and leaders say about our programs “We consistently find it to be one of our best ministries.” Pastor “This has been a high point of more than 30 years of ministry.” Pastor “In my 15 years of pastoring this church, I know for certain that having DivorceCare has been the most exciting part of my career.” Pastor “Of all the different types of support ministries that I have had the honor to shepherd and lead, DivorceCare has the greatest opportunity for helping those in sorrow and pain.” Pastor “Requires no formal training—just a compassionate heart.” Group leader “What an awesome outreach!” Group leader Learn more about our ministries DivorceCare is a recovery program that helps people rebuild their lives after divorce or separation. Get started GriefShare is a grief recovery program to help people grieving the death of a loved one. Get started DivorceCare for Kids is a care group designed to bring healing and hope to children of divorce. Get started Single & Parenting is a support group program for single parents who are divorced, widowed, or never-married. Get started • info@churchinitiative.org • 800-395-5755 PO Box 1739 • Wake Forest, NC 27588 Media Center • Careers • Privacy Copyright © 2020...