Many of us have felt the pull to help others heal, especially if we've endured trauma or have witnessed the pain others carry. Maybe you've sat with someone through their tears or seen the weight of tragedy break a loved one’s spirit. And while being a listening ear has its place, there’s something stirring in your heart—a desire to do more. You feel called to start a ministry that brings healing and hope to those who need it most.
Starting a healing ministry is no small task, but it begins with the decision to step out in faith and say yes to this call. Whether you’ve been wondering where to begin or feel overwhelmed by the options, I want to walk alongside you in this conversation. Let’s explore the steps you can take to turn your passion for helping others into a purposeful ministry.
Where to Start?
The first question to ask yourself is what kind of healing ministry God might be calling you to. Is it faith-based, centered on biblical principles? Or do you see yourself creating a ministry that serves a broader audience, using a secular approach?
Once you’ve decided this foundational piece, you’ll also want to think about who you feel called to serve. Are you drawn to helping individuals who’ve gone through specific experiences, like grief, divorce, domestic violence, or addiction recovery? Or perhaps your heart is to serve a broader group, such as trauma survivors in general. Defining your focus doesn’t limit God’s ability to use you—it helps clarify your steps so you can make the most impact.
From there, it’s time to decide the best path forward. Here are four options to help you begin:
Option 1: Pursue a Career in Therapy
If you’re at a place where going back to school is feasible—both financially and in terms of time—becoming a licensed therapist could be a fulfilling path. As a therapist, you’ll have the opportunity to combine your ministry calling with a professional skillset that equips you to work with individuals in deep, one-on-one ways.
Therapists play an important role in the healing process, offering tools and strategies to help clients navigate their trauma. If you’re someone who thrives in structured environments, enjoys learning, and wants to build a career in mental health, this could be your next step.
While the journey to licensure requires dedication—typically earning a master’s degree and passing state exams—it also opens doors for you to start your own practice, work with agencies, or partner with ministries in your community. This path is ideal if you feel called to dig deeply into mental health work, but it’s certainly not the only way to serve.
Option 2: Lead Faith-Based Support Groups
For some, returning to school may not be practical. Maybe you’re juggling work, family, or other responsibilities, but you still feel called to help. If that’s you, there are wonderful ways to step into ministry without pursuing a formal degree.
Faith-based support groups are one such avenue. Programs like GriefShare and DivorceCare are designed to train individuals like you to walk alongside others in their healing journeys. These programs provide structured curriculums and materials, making it easier for you to lead groups effectively.
At Faith on the Journey, we offer a trauma healing facilitator program that trains individuals to lead small group Bible studies designed to help people heal from trauma. This program, developed by the Trauma Healing Institute, integrates biblical principles with mental health tools, offering a comprehensive way to address deep wounds.
The best part? You don’t need years of training to get started. Our program provides an initial certification within just 10 weeks. It’s a globally recognized curriculum, developed by leading Bible scholars and mental health professionals, giving you the confidence to guide others through their healing process.
If this sounds like a fit for you, join our waitlist today to be the first to hear about upcoming classes. Click here to register for the waitlist.
Option 3: Develop Your Own Retreats or Programs
Maybe God has given you a unique vision for how to minister to others. You might feel called to host healing retreats, create a new curriculum, or start a program tailored to specific needs. This approach allows for incredible creativity and flexibility, but it also requires preparation and intentionality.
While lived experience and passion are valuable, it’s essential to have some level of training to ensure you approach this work responsibly. Trauma is a sensitive area, and without the right tools, even well-meaning efforts can unintentionally cause harm.
Take time to seek guidance and develop your plan thoughtfully. Connect with mentors, seek wisdom from Scripture, and invest in resources that will equip you to serve effectively.
Why Proper Training Matters
When it comes to starting a healing ministry, passion and calling are vital—but they must be paired with preparation. Healing ministry often involves walking alongside individuals who are deeply wounded, and this work requires wisdom, discernment, and the right tools.
One of the most important aspects of preparation is understanding the impact of trauma. Trauma doesn’t just affect the mind; it impacts the body, emotions, and even one’s relationship with God. When ministering to trauma survivors, it’s essential to approach their healing with sensitivity and care.
Training helps you develop the skills needed to navigate complex situations, whether it’s recognizing signs of distress, knowing when to refer someone to professional help, or simply learning how to listen well. It also builds your confidence as a leader, allowing you to serve others with humility and competence.
Take the First Step
Starting a healing ministry begins with one step of faith. Remember, God has placed this calling on your heart for a purpose, and He will equip you for the journey ahead.
Keep these words from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4Â close to your heart: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
If you’re ready to take the next step, join the waitlist for our upcoming class or explore our resources. Together, we can bring healing and hope to a hurting world. Learn more about our trauma healing facilitator program here.
Comments