1345 Monroe N.W. Suite 241 Grand Rapids, MI 49505 616.447.9064~~~ bloemsteve@yahoo.com

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.  Having said that, I have no problem in writing material.  I am able to do it quickly and I self publish (unlike the book 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.

 .                We also have material that we use to train leaders and advocates. 

           This material can range from a whole day seminar to a mini seminar of about     

           three hours.  We try to make these sseminars and materials affordable to people

          who have financial difficulties.   We offer on-going consultation to churches that  

            have CAMI groups.

     3.  Our Leader's Guide and our on-going training make it possible for a person who    

     is a  Christian to facilitate the group. They should be able to stimulate discussion,

     be self controlled and be people who are 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.