What is Finding Hope?

Finding Hope is an evening dedicated to the pastoral care of those who are facing life-issues such as divorce, death and grief, abuse, co-dependency, addictions, self-control and boundaries. It also seeks to provide a network of encouragement and hope, striving to enrich relationships

Finding Hope will equip individuals and families with biblical life skills, relational support and practical help necessary to strengthen relationships and increase hope in response to the changes and challenges of life. Specifically, it is the goal of Finding Hope to emphasize personal control and prevention of destructive patterns that have developed in people’s lives, empower premarital and married couples to build lasting relationships based on biblical principles and healthy relational skills, prepare and support people to grow through challenging transitions and life situations, demonstrate compassion through practical responses of service and resources, and equip people with life skill training necessary to respond to various personal, family and vocational needs.

Finding Hope will serve to foster growth in relationship with God. A variety of options are offered that invite people into the life-long process of spiritual growth as we seek to be conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. This involves nurturing a life that turns away from sin to move toward God relying on the Holy Spirit. We will seek to teach biblical principles and foundations for a life-long relationship with God, develop biblical thinkers who have a worldview that is consistent with God's perspective, encourage people to know and experience the dynamics of relationship with God and others, and embrace servant-hood, deploying into meaningful, purposeful service.

Small Group Options

1. DivorceCare. DivorceCare is a Christ-centered support group designed to offer encouragement and biblical teaching for those who have experienced divorce. For more information about DivorceCare, checkout www.divorcecare.org.  Workbook cost is $15.

2. GriefShare. A Christ-centered support group for individuals experiencing grief and loss. Sessions include personal reflection and group interaction encouraging one another and learning about the grieving process. The companion workbook for this group costs $15. For more information about GriefShare, checkout www.griefshare.org.

3. Boundaries. This study, written by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend, is a network for fostering spiritual maturity and emotional growth. Members of this group will discover new and effective ways to deal with hurtful people, change unwanted behaviors, and reach God's potential for their lives. "Boundaries" Workbook is $9;"Boundaries"Book is $13.

4. Just For Women!: This recovery group, based on Beth Moore's book, "Get Out of That Pit," explores how God desires His people to be free of various afflictions that hinder one from experiencing His joy. This study is designed especially for women experiencing depression, anxiety, worry, anger, inability to forgive or other crushing issues. Only God can turn your ashes into beauty and give you hope that sets you free.  Book is $10.

5. Marriage Preparation. Support for couples begins right away at FBC, before they marry. Currently, FBC offers engaged couples a one-to-one mentoring opportunity with a mentor couple using Dennis Rainey's, “Preparing for Marriage." Finding Hope now also provides a group opportunity focusing on the same preparation process. Topics covered include communication, commitment, resolving conflict, keeping love alive, and shared goals and values, etc. The companion book for this group costs $10.

6. Anger: Our Master or Our Servant. This study offers a clear explanation of anger, what causes it, and how to recognize when you are sinning with anger. Workbook is $10.