Support Groups

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Encouraging words for sure from the Lord Jesus, the only one who offers ultimate peace and hope no matter what we face in this life.

But there it is, as Jesus warned. Trouble guaranteed. And yet, it doesn’t have to end there. When we face hardships, we do not have to go through it alone. A hand up, a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a compassionate hug, an understanding nod, a word of hope—all are available. That word of hope is Christ, the one who has overcome the world.

The Chapel offers “Hope Rediscovered” groups. Here you will find others who get it. They know what it’s like to hurt, to grieve, or to give into temptation. And they, like you, are looking to rediscover the hope they once knew, and even more than that, they are searching for a hope that will last. They, like you, are longing for healing—from heartache, an addiction, a struggle of some sort.

Your discovery of hope begins here.

Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery

This is a weekly support group designed as a biblical and balanced program to assist one another on the journey toward recovery from hurts, hang-ups, and addictions. We meet Thursdays, 6:30pm in Room 263 on the Akron Campus. Preregistration is not required. Contact Rhonda Messner at 330.315.5909.

Divorce, Remarriage & Blended Families

Rebuilders

This is a divorce support group that meets each Thursday at 7:00pm in the Berean Room on the Akron Campus, whenever the Divorce Recovery Workshop is not meeting. Guest speakers discuss helpful topics. Small groups provide support and discussion time. Contact Rhonda Messner, 330.315.5909.

Divorce Recovery Workshop

This is a six-week workshop that features biblical teaching for recovering from divorce and separation. It is offered every second Thursday of April & second Thursday of September. Designed for all ages. Space is limited and early registration is recommended. Registration fee is $35. Register here.

Contact Rhonda Messner at 330.315.5909. Visit our web page.

New Beginnings

A group for blended families. Sundays, 10:40am, Berean Room (Akron Campus). Bible studies offered. Contact Joey Martin.

Step Family Forum

Quarterly meetings. Contact Joey Martin.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia

This is designed for those suffering from Fibromyalgia. Meetings are held April – September on the second Tuesday of each month, 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Rhonda Messner at 330.315.5909. Meets on the Akron Campus.

Gender & Sexual Issues

Bonds of Iron

This is a Bible-based support group for men battling Same-Sex Attraction. Offering guidance and counsel to parents who have kids who struggle with this issue. Visit our web page or call the confidential hotline at 330.315.5439 or email.

Genesis

This is an anonymous, confidential support group that provides Bible-based help for those who wish to find freedom from same sex attraction. Support is also offered for families affected by the homosexual orientation of a loved one. Weekly and monthly studies offer hope and restoration. A one-year commitment is required. Call the Genesis hotline at 330.315.5610.

Pornography Support

With countless sites available and the illusion of privacy, pornography addiction via the Internet has crept into millions of homes. If this has skulked into your life or the life of a loved one, there is a path back to purity. For more information and contacts, visit our purity page.

Grief

GriefShare

GriefShare leads you on a journey from mourning to joy. A video series touching on the stages of grief. An ongoing series that may be joined at any time.

Akron, 2013: Tuesdays, Feb. 19 – May 21

Green, 2013: Tuesdays, Sept. 10 – Dec. 10

• Call Rhonda, 330.315.5909

Surviving the Holidays

An encouraging seminar that will help you discover new reasons to enjoy the holidays again after a loss. November 16, 2013, 9:30am – 12:30pm, East End, Green.

Infertility

Still Waters

Rest beside the still waters as you share your burdens with others who struggle with the pain of infertility. A support group for women dealing with this issue. Contact Linda at 330.345.6472.

Parents of Prodigals

Parents of Prodigals

Parents of Prodigals (POPs) provides a time of encouragement and prayer for parents struggling with the heartache and disappointment of wayward teens and adult children. Meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in the Great Commission Room of the Akron campus. Call Rhonda Messner at 330.315.5909.2013 Schedule click HERE. 

Post-Abortion

Support for Post-Abortive Women

A class to help you heal and find freedom from the guilt and shame and memories from the experience; based on an 11-week Bible study guided by the book Forgiven and Set Free by Linda Cochrane. Two-hour class weekly with homework. Flexible days and times. Completely confidential, loving, caring. Contact Sandy at 330.608.1027.

Disability Support

Families Living with Severe Mental Illness

This is for family members of those who suffer from schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, borderline personality disorder, and/or severe mental illness. Contact Rhonda Messner at 330.315.5909.

Through the Roof Ministries

Mark 2—doing whatever it takes to bring people to Jesus. Ministry outreach includes: Encouraging Encounters local outreach with those affected by disabilities; Strength of Heart, the speaking ministry of Shanda Grubb Gobeli; Integrate into My World, Christian therapy, work, and leadership training for those with disabilities; TTRM Reach Out, providing Bibles and durable medical equipment (an international affiliate of Joni and Friends). Contact the Director, Margaret Matasic. Visit our Disability Ministry page.