FAQ
Your questions… answered!
How can we raise awareness in our church community?
For most people, mental health support groups are an unfamiliar concept, particularly in a church setting. They may have to overcome uncertainty, shame, or cultural stigma before taking the brave step to participate. This means it’s all the more important to continually raise awareness in your church community.
One of the most powerful ways raise awareness is by inviting group facilitators and group alumni members to share directly with your church community. When they have a chance to share their “why,” it helps others feel welcomed and seen.
We also recommend raising awareness through repetition across a variety of channels, including announcements in weekly services, materials in the foyer, bulletins, emails, flyers, social media, and more.
VIDEO: Anchor International board members Evan and Te Anna Brown share the importance of mental health ministry with their church family at Colorado Community Church in Aurora, Colorado.
How many facilitators do we need per group?
We highly recommend that all groups are led by at least two facilitators. This helps create a sense of safety and stability within the group, and co-facilitators keep each other accountable as they work together to guide discussions, navigate relationships, and maintain communication throughout the week. Group members benefit from having a unified team to look to, and we find that facilitators experience greater personal growth as they partner together.
What qualifications should facilitators have?
Life Experience: Anchor International programs are built on a peer-led support group model. One of the most powerful qualifications for any group facilitator is personal experience with mental health issues or with supporting a loved one. Peer leaders, equipped through training, bring a unique blend of humility and empathy to the group dynamics that foster deep relationships and the honest exploration of life and faith. Peer leaders demonstrate that we are all a work in progress, overcoming mental health challenges one day at a time through the help of Jesus.
Spiritual Maturity: In addition, Anchor International facilitators should be grounded in their identity in Christ and are pursuing an abiding relationship with him. They lead with vulnerability, model unconditional love, listen without bias, and are mindful of group dynamics and development. They create a safe space for participants to share and engage. Group facilitators recognize that every participant is on a unique journey with the Lord and is carrying the weight of untold stories shaped by family, culture, race, socioeconomics, and many other factors.
What is the Anchor International Facilitator Training Program?
Leading a mental health support group is a special calling, and it takes a unique set of skills to provide peer support for both faith and mental health. This is why Anchor International is dedicated to equipping facilitators through our simple yet comprehensive facilitator training program.
This online training program takes about 1.5 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace. Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate and be certified to facilitate Anchor International support groups. Click here to learn more about our facilitator training program.
Why should we choose Anchor International?
We’re glad you asked! Anchor International is here to serve your ministry as you serve your community. Our small but mighty team is dedicated to providing personalized support through every step of your journey. If our training and programs sound like a good fit, we would love to partner with you. Here’s what a few of our church partners are saying:
In my experience, mental health challenges and the discussion of them has been a bit of a taboo at many of the churches I’ve attended. I believe that Anchor’s work to change that is much needed and very much in-line with what God desires for our churches.
I like the thoroughness of the training and the intentionality of the groups. It is exactly what we are looking for – a framework for supporting those in our community with mental health challenges.
It’s amazing that people from all over the country and world can access these resources and be empowered, trained, and supported to offer this level of mental/spiritual health and support to our communities.
