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| Heartfelt Counseling Ministries CAMI Support Group Rockford Baptist Church
Steve and Robyn Bloem Rockford Baptist Church 221 Courtland Street Rockford, Michigan 49341 Phone - 6447.9064 http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.com/ | "CAMI" (Christians Afflicted with Mental Illness) This is a support group for those who are afflicted with depression, bipolar disorder, etc., or for those who love them.
Mental Illness is a disease that begs for community and it is often more subtle & much more prevalent than we imagine. We offer a safe environment, a listening ear, practical help for treatment and the hope of Christ. There should be no shame or embarrassment; these illnesses are the result of faulty brain chemistry & you are not weak or unspiritual. Come, be encouraged and helped because we care about you! The group will be led by Rev. Steve & Robyn Bloem, founders of Heartfelt Ministries & authors of “Broken Minds: Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You’re Losing It”. | . | - Meeting at the church, Rockford Baptist
- Time - 5:30-6:45 pm, every 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month.
- Questions, please contact Steve or Robyn 616.447-9064
Frequently Asked Questions About CAMI What material do you use for your support groups? 1. The first group material has three functions. In the first set of the Leader’s Study Guide and Student Study Guide is also an introduction of the CAMI (Christians Afflicted with Mental Illness) organization. We have eight guiding principles specifically for those who have mental illness. Robyn and I are in the process of writing new material for CAMI. Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing It, Kregel Publications). 2. It is important to have a good Biblical foundation when you conduct groups. Robyn and I are now writing material about six people in the Bible who had a form of mental illness or depression. One of these is Nebuchadnezzar, another is Heman the Ezarite. This material will have the same format as the first one. Many people stretch the six week study to twelve weeks or more. You have liberty and don't have to rush through it. We will soon have more guides available. . 3. Our Leader's Guide and our on-going training make it possible for a person who is a Christian to facilitate the group. He or she should be able to stimulate discussion, be self controlled and be a person who is devoted to the Lord and His Word. For information on CAMI material go http://heartfeltcounselingministries.com/cami.aspx 4. Support (CAMI) Groups How do you bring members into the group? Dave Treat, an expert in small groups, tells us there are four types of people. “(1) Ready (2) Reluctant (3) Resistant and (4) Relentless.” There is an approach to be taken with each person. You can have people in the foyer at a table that explain ministries; make sure your group is there with some materials. You can talk to Adult Bible Fellowships and small group leaders about it. You can put up posters in your church, the community and other churches. HCM has sample posters which may help you. Why not try and bring a pastor on board who shares the vision of CAMI? You will be surprised at the number of people who will want to come to a group like this. We have people mail us from many different states and even countries asking for groups. I believe that CAMI groups should be open groups, meaning new members can come into the program any time. Having material makes it easier for them to get brought up to speed because CAMI material has separate lessons already prepared. How much ‘pressure’ should you put on a new member to share with the group? I have some hesitations about a new person being the subject of the group. I feel this puts too much strain on him/her. He may want to observe only, at first, and that should be fine with the group. New members should be welcomed with open arms.
Why use printed material for each group? Can’t we just talk about new subjects every week? 1.There are good reasons for using printed material. It sets an agenda and then invites participation. People can ‘catch up’ if they miss a lesson.
2. 1 Corin. 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. There needs to be a biblical focus. The Bible tells us, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms {and} hymns {and} spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." The word of God edifies, it builds believers up.
3. The word of God also exhorts and comforts people: 1Thess. 5:14, "We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Well, I don't want to overwhelm you. I want to remind you of our book Broken Minds. It really is a great foundation for CAMI Groups. Every leader should read it. If you order from us we do give a group rate and it helps our ministry. Try out my blog, http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.com/2011/07/singing-songs-to-heavy-heart.html
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