CAMI All About It!
Copyright 2010- All Rights Reserved. These rights include the taking of the idea of CAMI and reproducing it or modifying it for use.
What is CAMI?
CAMI is an organization of Heartfelt Counseling Ministries, which conducts seminars, provides counseling and advocates for the evangelical, biblical and clinical treatment of persons suffering from mental illness. 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. Please contact us; be encouraged and helped because we care about you!
Why CAMI?
1.Because secular alliances of the mentally ill, though good, cannot meet the
spiritual needs of Christians who have mental illness.
2. Because CAMI acts as a catalyst for spiritual fellowship and as a channel for the exhortation/edification of true Christians who either have a mental
illness or love someone who has a mental illness.
3. Because CAMI provides material and tangible help in starting support groups
and in maintaining these groups in local churches and para-church organizations.
CAMI" (Christians Afflicted with Mental Illness)
CAMI has been a burden on the hearts of Steve and Robyn Bloem for some time.
You may have heard of NAMI (National Alliance for Mentally Ill).
It was started some years ago as a grass roots movement to bring
together persons who were mentally ill and needed information,
support and also wanted to advocate for the fair treatment of mental
illness in the country. We seek to be like this with Christian evangelical moorings and foundations found in the Word of God.
Please come back to this page and we will have more information in the future.
What does it feel like to have the black dog of depression.
please click on this video from author Kathy Cronkite
http://www.apbspeakers.com/speaker/kathy-cronkite
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. The leader or facilitator does not have to be a pastor or mental health professional. In fact, we usually say a 'lay person is better' because the subject of mental illness has a lot of 'baggage' that professionals bring to the group. At times, especially psychologists will try to control the groups or hinder them. 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 to:
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. 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.
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. Using material will help those who may be in mania or be depressed in the group.
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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. http://heartfeltcounselingministries.com/bookpurchase.aspx |