People Are Hurting
Every week, people gather in our churches. They come to worship God, experience His presence, hear His Word preached, grow as disciples, and fellowship with like-minded believers.
Some are hurting; they come seeking a Rhema word or touch from God. They come with health issues, broken hearts, and lives, damaged relationships, emotional, financial concerns, work stresses, addictions, life pressures, past hurts, unforgiveness, anxiety, worry, hopelessness, and the list goes on and on.
We do not have to go far to find a mission field. Our congregations are packed with hurting people in desperate need of help! We can be there for them. Providing help, friendship, support, encouragement, prayer and God’s love.
#1 Be Proactive
Be on the lookout for people that are hurting. Some will be easy to spot, others it will be more difficult. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted. Things may seem okay on the outside, but inside they’re a mess. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you. Reach out to people. Let them know that you care about them and are there to help.
Create ‘safety nets’ for those hurting. Places where they can come for prayer, encouragement and Godly counsel – altars, prayer meetings, pastoral and professional counseling, small groups.
Equip leaders to provide specialized care. (ex. Stephen Ministries, GriefShare, Recovery Groups, Counseling.)
#2 Be Prescriptive
One of the best ways to help hurting people is to get them into a small group.
Small groups are powerful! They provide safety, Godly relationships, and support. Coupled with good Bible-based content, prayer, spirit-led facilitators, and the power of God, these small groups can have a lasting impact on the lives of everyone involved.
#3 Be Resourceful
God has provided us with powerful resources.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Prayer… Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. – James 5:16
In the Name of Jesus… Ask, using my name, and you will receive – John 16:24
The Power of Jesus… So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed – John 8:36
The Blood of Jesus… And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony – Rev 12:11
The Cross… He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. – 1 Peter 2:24
The Power of God… Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me – Psalm 30:2
The Power of The Holy Spirit… The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed – Luke 4:18
The Word… The Word of God is living and powerful – Heb 4:12
God will give you everything you need to help people. Trust Him and allow him to use you.
Jim Angelakos is an associate pastor at Faith Assembly of God in Orlando, Florida. He is passionate about seeing leaders maximize their talents and lead with confidence and authority. Jim is the author of Life Truths: Ancient Wisdom for Today and a collaborator of Godly Counsel: Scriptures for Today’s World. Connect with Jim on Linkedin.com.