It is a church where the call of Jesus to make disciples and heal is put at the centre of the mission.
Today, almost everything that the church does can be considered as healing, whether that is sharing Eucharist, offering welcome, meeting for fellowship, and serving the community through various activities throughout each week and year. When understood in this way, in addition to the healing offered through prayers and pastoral ministry, the healing potential of our churches in every community in the country is self evident.
We understand healing to mean wholeness, well-being and fullness of life. We offer healing ministry in faithfulness to the example and instructions of Jesus and with the understanding that to do so is to participate in the Missio Dei, that is, ‘God’s Kingdom is creation healed’ (Hans Kung).
From the healing of Abimelech in Genesis to the leaves of the trees being for the healing of the nations in Revelation we find a variety of methods and practices of healing in the Bible, including the sometimes seemingly unconventional methods of healing employed by Jesus. Throughout Scripture, we see that there is no one set formula that works for everyone.
Our understanding of healing also draws on the God-given gifts of scientific research, medical advancement and psychological insights. We are very clear that when people are ill they should seek medical care before or alongside any spiritual prayer ministry for healing. This also includes ensuring that those within our congregations and networks that are healthcare professionals are supported and nurtured in their vocation. Our guidelines encourage close collaboration with all who provide medical care as part of the healing ministry.
We recognise the vulnerability of what it is to be human and that we might be the recipients of, as soon as those who offer, ministry for healing. And yet we are encouraged by the wise words of Henri Nouwen reminding us that we do not have to be whole or fully well to be a source of healing for others:
How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?” When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.’
Henry Nouwen
The Healthy Healing Hub network aims to support church communities find out the ways in which God is calling them to support the health and healing needs around them. To begin your journey, book on The Everyday Healing Course. You can come as an individual, or if you are a church leader, you can take a group on the course.
We cannot wait to start working with you and for you to join our community.