And They Shall Recover: A Guide for Equipping Prayer Ministry Teams to Minister to the Sick in the Context of the Local Church for Hope Springs Christian Fellowship in Cumberland, MD

Abstract

A curriculum was designed for this ministry project that equipped participants to pray for the sick with less apprehension. Discipleship models from a number of spiritual formation experts were utilized to create this educational program. A grounded theory approach was used, which revealed that local churches are uniquely suited to continue the healing ministry of Christ. Personal diaries, focus groups, individual interviews, and a pre-test/post-test were used as data collection tools. During the project, individuals were healed, and the host church experienced refreshing. The significance of this study could prove monumental. The contemporary Western Church has not maximized its potential concerning the ministry of healing. Few of these churches see people healed regularly, and many churches do not pray for the sick. Every believer has been instructed to pray for the sick (Mark 16:15-18) and every local church should carry the continuation of Christ’s ministry. Any church actively seeking our Lord’s heart can begin and sustain effective ministries of healing through the power of the Holy Spirit. As everyday believers carry out this supernatural work, God will receive the glory as Christians realize it is not about the anointed celebrity, but our limitless Savior who loves to heal through ordinary people. Perhaps the revival that we seek (and need) will be ushered in by local churches that have reclaimed their inheritance as places of healing?