Anchored

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19

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The Anchored Care Ministry at New City Church serves individuals who are navigating a family member’s mental health journey through anxiety, depression, or other related challenges. This community helps rebuild hope through faith-based encouragement and education.

Anchored groups provide practical wisdom about mental and emotional health that is drawn from biblical truth. They are a safe space in which to connect with and learn from others who are experiencing similar challenges with a family member. In a confidential setting, group members discuss honest questions and insights. They explore evidence-based strategies that help bolster their own emotional wellness as well as their ability to offer healthy support for their loved one. The foundational theme of hope in Christ binds the group together and provides stability and purpose for individuals as they walk through a difficult season of life.

At Anchored, we believe that individuals and families can work toward healthier functioning and even begin to thrive as they become grounded in biblical truths about the character of God and their identity in him. Anchored groups provide a supportive environment in which God regularly strengthens and transforms lives through hope that can only be found in Christ.

What past members say:

“The group has greatly enriched our faith in providing an oasis of wisdom, love and compassion. My wife and I leave energized knowing that God is in control.”

“I have been inspired by others in the group and how God has intervened.”

“I have watched group members share the love of Christ with each other; their hopes, encouragement, and fears, as well as practical tips and timely resources.”

Meeting Rhythm

Anchored meets twice a month on Sundays at 5:00 pm, September through April

Additionally, the group offers a once-a-month prayer gathering.

Planned Schedule

Group lessons are based on Family Grace, by Grace Alliance.  Individuals are welcome to join a group at any time during the year, and may find benefit from remaining in the group for longer than a year. Key points we will explore are:

Building Your Faith: Jesus responded to the faith of individuals who brought their loved ones forward for healing.

Mental Health Recovery:  The mental health journey is a process of growth for our loved ones and us.

God is Bigger than Our Weakness: A healthy understanding of mental and emotional difficulties in light of Biblical concepts can help overcome mental health stigma.

Communication Skills: Effective communication begins with a grace-filled response, rather than reacting out of fear or anger.

Medication:  Because mental health difficulties can disrupt the function of the brain, in some situations, medication and therapy can be crucial aspects of treatment - not “fix-all” solutions of our loved one’s process toward a healthier level of functioning.

Whole-Health Strength and Renewal: We can often overextend our loving support and start to experience compassion fatigue.  Just like our loved one’s whole-health care, we also need a holistic plan that cares for every part of our lives and renews our strength and hope.

Grieving and Grace: Grieving is a normal and healthy part of the mental health journey.

You’re Not the Hero:  We can often feel the secondary impact of our loved one’s stressors. Learning healthy ways to cope with stress can help us manage when we begin to feel overwhelmed.

Cycles and Triggers: Having a bad day or a hard time doesn’t mean our loved one is failing.  Both times of stability and difficulty areall part of the mental health journey and are to be expected.

Life-Giving Community: An active and supportive community of believers cultivates life, while isolation brings discouragement and weariness.

Handling Problems: Seek input from knowledgeable individuals.  Take one problem at a time and each day as it comes.  Healthy change and growth take time, so be patient.

Negative and Destructive Behaviors: Negative and destructive behaviors are the result of mental health difficulties and are not to be attributed to our loved one’s identity, core value, or worth because they are made in the image of God.

Boundaries to Rebuild: Structure and boundaries exist to help us and our loved ones build healthy relationships, as well as a home that serves as a refuge.  

Enabling vs Empowering: Getting out of co-dependent and enabling tendencies within our relationship can rebuild self-esteem and empower us to move toward a healthier level of functioning.

Staying Resilient: Building awareness and practicing helpful techniques empowers us to continue to develop resilience as we support our love

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