Support Groups

Support group n: a group of people with common experiences and concerns who provide emotional and moral support for one another[1]
I found it interesting that the expression “one another” is used in the dictionary definition of “support group.” In the New Testament the phrase “one another” is used 85 times. Jesus used it often in the Gospels to encourage fellowship among believers. [2] Nevertheless, Scripture also encourages us in Galatians to not only “be” with “one another, but to be a support to “one another”, “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2. In Romans we are taught to encourage, “So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.” Romans 14:19
In my search in my local community the Information Center contains thorough data base of community groups. I have seen that there is a good variety of support groups in the area that I could utilize for referrals, but we are lacking church based groups. Our church has several small groups that include a support group for those with chronic illness; the Salvation Army facilitates a Divorce Care support group as well as a group for teen moms called “Generations”. One of the Baptist churches has a Christian based group for those who struggle with alcohol called “Reformers Unanimous”. Not only do I think that we need to support one another as Christians, we need to reach out to those in need of Christ as the true counselor and healer.
Some of the sites that I was able to locate groups:
SupportPath.com is an Online Events Calendar listing chats, lectures and events on health, personal and relationship topics from around the Internet. There are links to online communities / message boards, National Organizations, books and more!
http://www.supportpath.com/
Yahoo Groups A search on e groups delivered 6,209 support groups on the yahoo network http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=support+groups
Divorce Care is a special support group where you can find help as you recover from the hurt of separation or divorce. http://www.divorcecare.org/
Canadian Directory of Genetic Support Groups
http://www.lhsc.on.ca/programs/medgenet/c_sup.htm
Medbroadcast.com is a safe, supportive, carefully managed community environment to enable you to communicate with others about healthcare issues and interests that you may have in common. http://www.medbroadcast.com/support_groups.asp
Haldimand Norfolk Information Center Haldimand Norfolk community information database. http://haldimand.cioc.ca/

[1] The Merriam-Webster Dictionary 1997, pg 728
[2] Matthew 18:20, John 13:35

Bibliography

1. Holy Bible, NIV. The Zondervan Corporation. 1994
2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. 1997